MONROE — Last winter the Cheesemakers (16-2) were seconds away from advancing to state for the first time in a dozen years. 

The final 16 seconds against Lake Mills was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Monroe led 55-54 with Carson Leuzinger, who entered the game the program’s single season and all-time leading free throw shooter, stepping to the charity stripe for bonus throws. Instead, Leuzinger missed off the front iron of the first attempt and the L-Cats scored on a layup 12 seconds later. Leuzinger’s desperation 3-point heave hit back iron, and the Cheesemakers watched in disbelief as Lake Mills players, coaches and fans celebrated on Monroe’s home court.

Leuzinger earned all-conference, all-region and all-state honors and averaged 15.1 points, 5.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game last winter. This year he returns to the court for one final rodeo. He’s being looked at by several NCAA DII, DIII and NAIA schools, and he is closing in on 1,000 career points. He’s also likely to end as one of the program’s all-time assists leaders.

He’s joined by fellow senior JT Seagreaves, a 6-6 post player that had been receiving some DII basketball looks before opting to commit to Wisconsin to play football. Seagreaves averaged 15.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last year, earning all-conference and all-region honors. He is also closing in on 1,000 career points, and has the opportunity to end the season as the program’s all-time career rebounding leader.

“We should have two outstanding players that have been recognized since their freshman year as good players,” Monroe coach Brian Bassett said Leuzinger and Seagreaves, two four-year varsity players. 

Last year’s senior class was flush with talent, with Meyer now a starter at UW-Green Bay. Also departed were guards Max Golembiewski and Tyler Matley, plus post player Caleb Bunker. Bassett mused at the challenges facing this year’s squad.

“Replacing the leadership of Max Golembiewski, the defense of Tyler Matley and the overall loss of outstanding player like Cade Meyer and his 20 points per game,” Bassett said, “How are JT and Carson able to handle the extra attention that will be given to them now that Cade (Meyer) is gone?”

Also returning from last year’s rotation are Aaron Roidt, a forward, and Heath Huschitt, a guard who hits 40% of his 3-point attempts. Another senior returns to basketball this winter: Charlie Briggs is a skilled defender and rebounder, but spent last season concentrating on baseball.

A slew of juniors also enter the fray, and Bassett broke down their scouting reports: 

●  Tucker Markham and George Brukwicki are combo guards that can play multiple positions, are good shooters and have a high basketball IQs

●  Charlie Wiegel is a wing, a great rebounder and has the ability to shoot 3-pointers

●  Casey Dean is a 3-point shooter who stretches the defense and “guard the 5” on defense

●  Zach Steele has a lot of length on the defense end

●  Keatin Sweeney is a “3 and D wing, a good 3-point shooter and lock down defender”

●  Braden Rupnow is a good 3-point shooter

●  Hunter Karch is new to the program but has length and strength

And then there is sophomore James Seagreaves, who can play all five positions on offense and defense, and is a slasher who can finish above the rim.

“We want to contend for conference, regional and sectional titles. We have the players to achieve these goals as long as we stay healthy,” Bassett said. “Our defense will be improved. Coach (Josh) Trame is a great defensive mind and does a great job of leading defensive drills in practice. Offensively we have some playmakers and shot makers.”

The change of the Badger Conference structure did little to improve Monroe’s chances at winning a league title. It will be a grind each game in the revamped division, with Monroe having to contend against Edgewood, Oregon and Mount Horeb.

“Edgewood has a strong junior class and (Coach Chris) Zwettler always has them ready to play. Oregon returns a lot of players with experience, and also has some long athletes. Mount Horeb is traditionally a strong team with great coaching,” Bassett said.