Five Teams Poised to Make a Big Jump in 2019-20: No. 5 Monroe
Looking ahead to the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin is taking a look at five teams poised to make a big jump this winter. We begin the series with a look at the Monroe Cheesemakers, who have some of the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLooking ahead to the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin is taking a look at five teams poised to make a big jump this winter. We begin the series with a look at the Monroe Cheesemakers, who have some of the best young talent in the Badger State.
2018-19 RECAP
Record: 13-11
Conference Record: 9-5 (4th in the Badger South)
WIAA Playoffs: Lost 65-49 to Mount Horeb in the Division 2 Regional Finals
Key Losses: Kade King (15.8 ppg), Nick Schumaker (9.2 ppg), Michael Lange (7.5 ppg)
PROJECTED STARTERS
G: Logan Leuzinger – Sr.
G Carson Leuzinger – So.
G Max Golembieski – Sr.
F Cade Meyer – Jr.
F J.T. Seagreaves – So.
WHY MONROE?
They have Cade Meyer.
After averaging 11.2 points per game last season, Meyer exploded during the spring and summer, elevating himself to the No. 2 ranked prospect in the 2021 class. Monroe head coach Brian Bassett is hoping for 17-20 points to go along with 10 rebounds per game from the junior forward this season.
“Just from a confidence point of view, he is emerging,” Bassett told Prep Hoops Wisconsin. “He was hesitant last season to fully break out. There were so many days where our coaches would have to talk to him about — ‘You’re not stepping on anybody’s toes. They all know you’re either the best player or second-best player on the team.’
“By the end of the year, he was buying into that. His speed and agility really improved over the summer. His confidence now is just awesome. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
In addition to Meyer, Monroe has two sophomores expected to make big jumps as well.
Sophomore guard Carson Leuzinger earned a starting job roughly midway through last season. The sharpshooter contributed 6.0 ppg as a freshman.
“He shoots lights out,” Bassett said. “He’s one of the hardest-working players we’ve ever had at Monroe. He’ll probably be getting moved to the 2-guard this year.”
One of the better athletes in his class, sophomore J.T. Seagreaves averaged 7.2 points per game in 2018-19.
“He’s trying to find his role this year,” Bassett said. “He broke into the starting lineup towards the end of last year. All the coaches knew how athletic he was, but I don’t think anyone knows how well he can shoot the ball yet.”
SURPRISE PLAYER
Junior Max Golembieski is a two-year varsity performer for the Cheesemakers. Golembieski started at point guard last season before Carson Leuzinger emerged. Now 6-foot-2, Golembieski is expected to hold down a full-time starting gig.
“He’ll step into the starting lineup this year with the most varsity experience of anyone on our team,” Bassett stated. “Really heady point guard. He’s an outstanding defender and really shot the ball well this summer.”
QUESTION MARK
Bassett said team chemistry, specifically, playing through his star forward and having the guys around him buy in.
“I think everybody on the floor has to understand that Cade Meyer needs to touch the ball every time down the floor,” said Bassett. “He is our best player. I think everybody knows that, but it’s understanding that they will be able to get shots from him.
“He’s a good passer, he kicks the ball out when he gets double-teamed. Not having other guys try and shoot too early or have guys try and shoot to get hot.
“If you have Cade Meyer and you’re going multiple trips down the floor without him getting a touch, that’s a huge problem.”
OUTLOOK
After 14 and 13 wins respectively over the last two seasons, Monroe is hoping for a substantial uptick in their record. The Cheesemakers are expected to make a run at their first Badger South Conference title since 2010-11 and with Elkhorn, Westosha Central, and Mount Horeb all rebuilding in Section 3, are perhaps a darkhorse contender to reach the Division 2 state tournament.
“I’m really hoping at the end of the season we’re there competing for the conference title,” Bassett said. “When it comes to the state level, I look at our sectional as being wide open, probably as wide open as it’s ever been. I don’t think there’s one team that I look at and say, ‘They’re head and shoulders above the rest.’
“I think that gives us a chance to compete at the sectional level.”