MONROE — After graduating two All-State Honorable Mention players in Carson Leuzinger and JT Seagreaves, the Cheesemakers knew they would have big shoes to fill, so they went to work in the summer in preparation for the 2022-23 season.
“We had several players step up during the summer to fill a large scoring void, which happens when you lose three 1,000-point career scorers in three years,” head coach Brian Bassett said. “This is the first Monroe team to win the Murphy Summer League since 2010.”
The team has several 3-point shooters that will spark the offense. Returners Tucker Markham, Charlie Wiegel and George Brukwicki made 18, 20 and 23 shots, respectively, from beyond the arc. Juniors Brandon Bassett and Taylor Herbst made 46 and 19 3-pointers, respectively, on JV and will likely contribute this year on varsity.
The ability to shoot from the perimeter will also open up opportunities for post players James Seagreaves and Markham.
“The team will be able to shoot the three at a high clip, which should create space in the paint for James Seagreaves and Tucker Markham to drive.”
In addition to three-point shooting, Brian Bassett sees height as a strength of his team. With five players over six feet: Wiegel, Markham and Brukwicki at 6’2”, Seagreaves at 6’5” and Ryan Mathiason at 6’6”. This will lead to greater defensive opportunities.
“This team will be really good defensively,” Brian Bassett said. “We have great length on our wings that can defend multiple positions.”
Despite these strengths, Brian Bassett sees ball handling as his team’s weakness. Leuzinger was the main ball handler last season, so various players will be tested in that role.
“We will be a point guard by committee this season after depending on Carson Leuzinger to be the guy last season that always brought the ball up,” Brian Bassett said. “I think this team will share the ball better with each other than we have in recent years.”
With all these pieces falling together, Brian Bassett sees his team in the mix for the Badger West conference title with Edgewood and Oregon.
“I expect to compete for another conference title,” Brian Bassett said. “Edgewood has the most returning scoring and experience in our conference, though. Oregon, too, has some talented young players mixing with some good returning players.”
