MONROE — Expectations are high for the Cheesemakers yet again this season. After back-to-back trips to the WIAA Division 2 state tournament, Monroe enters the 2018-19 with a pair of seniors giving their all one final time.

Unanimous all-state guard Sydney Hilliard (22.3 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game) — who will play for the Wisconsin Badgers next season — and fellow senior guard Emily Benzschawel (14.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg) will be the focal point of Monroe’s offense. Hilliard has scored more than 1,300 points in her prep career, and Benzschawel (901) should meet her in the 1,000-point club in the first half of the season. But that’s not to say there aren’t others who will help.

Junior Grace Tostrud (8.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg), sophomore Megan Benzschawel (5.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and senior guard Grace Mathiason (3.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg) will also suit up on the front line.

“With Sydney Hilliard and Emily Benzschawel returning as four-year letter winners and (college) scholarship players, we will look to build off of their experience and talents,” Monroe head coach Sam Mathiason said. “Grace Tostrud, Grace Mathiason and Megan Benzschawel each gained valuable experience last year and we will look to the next steps they have taken in their development.”

Hilliard was unanimous first-team all-conference last season and was joined by Emily Benzschawel and since-departed Sydney Mathiason on the first team. Tostrud was honorable mention.

The coaching staff knows that even with exceptional talent at the top of the lineup, the depth of the bench and fundamentals on the court will be key components to another run at state.

“We will need to continue to improve our defense to limit the talented teams we will play. Being able to rebound and developing depth will also be key to our success,” coach Mathiason said.

What the Cheesemakers bring to the table on offense is the dribble-drive power of both Hilliard and Emily Benzschawel. A benefit of the dribble drive is open shots from the outside — something Monroe has seen success with in the past. Tostrud hit 40 3-pointers a year ago, with Emily Benzschawel connecting on 35 attempts. Hilliard shot 38.7 percent from deep a year ago, a surge of improvement from her first two seasons on varsity. 

The Cheesemakers built their regular season schedule at preparing for another deep run in the playoffs. Nonconference games include D1 powers Middleton, Chippewa Falls and Muskego, defending state champion Marshall, and Morton (Illinois). Last season Morton defeated Monroe 58-57 before reaching the sectional finals in the IHSA Class 3A playoffs.

“Our schedule will be very challenging and we will be tested in many ways,” said coach Mathiason, adding that it is important for the team to be “playing to the best of our abilities and realizing that other teams will be coming after us each and every game.”

Every team in the Badger South graduated at least one key senior, except for Monona Grove, coach Mathiason said.

“The conference seems to be very balanced again. What teams can best fill those gaps will be the team that will rise to the top,” coach Mathiason said. “We expect to be able to compete for another Badger South Conference championship and will look to prepare ourselves for a deep tournament run.”