ELKHORN — It was a career day for a couple of Cheesemakers on Jan. 3. 

First, Monroe junior varsity boys basketball coach Dale Buvid guided his squad to the 497th victory of his tenure. Combined with his 503 wins as a softball coach with the Cheesemakers, it gives Buvid 1,000 career victories at the high school level. Buvid is a member of both the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches and the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Halls of Fame.

“Coach Buvid is the best. His attention to details in both softball and basketball are what make him so special,” said Monroe coach Brian Bassett. “One of the best things I ever heard from any parent was Toby Golembiewski. He said you can always tell by watching defense which kids on varsity had a chance to play for coach Buvid – they are relentless and technically sound.’”

Bassett coached under Buvid in the softball program for four seasons. “His packet that he had for the coaches was remarkable, the calls in every situation; the set of for fielder in every situation. He has always held high standards for his payers, which has set him apart from most coaches. It has been an honor and privilege to be able to learn from him as much as I have.”

In the varsity boys basketball game that followed the Buvid’s junior varsity win, Monroe senior JT Seagreaves scored a career-high 27 points to lead his team to a 58-56 nonconference victory over Elkhorn.

The Cheesemakers fell behind 32-30 going into halftime, but collectively locked down on defense and made enough plays on offense to come away victorious over the Elks. 

Tucker Markham had 12 points for Monroe, while Charlie Wiegel hit three 3-pointers and scored 10 points. George Brukwicki added seven. The sixth-ranked Cheesemakers played without senior starters Carson Leuzinger and Aaron Roidt, who combine for nearly 27 points a game.

Monroe (10-1, 5-0 Badger West) hosts Mount Horeb (5-2, 3-1) on Jan. 6, with Milwaukee Bay View (0-6) coming to town Jan. 8 for a nonconference affair. Badger West rival Madison Edgewood (2-6, 0-4) is at Monroe Jan. 11.

Brodhead 54, Evansville 47

EVANSVILLE – The Cardinals scored a key Rock Valley Conference victory Jan. 4. The win keeps Brodhead (7-3, 5-0 RVC) on top in league play, while Evansville falls to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in the Rock.

Owen Leifker led the Cardinals with 17 points, including a crucial 8-for-8 from the free throw line in the second half, as Brodhead outscored the Devils by 10 in the frame. Josiah Engen added 14 points and Gage Boegli had 11. Brodhead was just 4 of 18 from deep, but shot 12-for-19 from inside the arc. 

Evansville led 21-18 at halftime and were led in scoring by Stephen Kopecky (16).