Senior Basketball Players Look To Realize Potential This Winter

December 11, 2009 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire High School senior basketball player Brian DeBisschop has stood tall against the state’s best big men. Two years ago he faced elite center Nick Greenbacker (Sacred Heart University), contributing 21 points to propel Cheshire (27th seed) to a Class LL first-round upset (62-60) of sixth-seeded East Catholic. DeBisschop had another strong finish to last season when he combined 66 points during physical games with Notre Dame, Wilbur Cross, Career, and New Britain high schools.
Those flourishes displayed his potential. After battling injuries over the last two seasons, DeBisschop feels healthy and poised to put together a complete season. Cheshire will visit Fairfield University to play Fairfield Prep for the season opener on Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.
“We are focused on being consistent through the season,” said DeBisschop, who stands six feet and five inches. “We’ve (senior class) been here for four years and it’s our turn to take the leadership of the team.”
DeBisschop, a captain with classmate Dan Manke, is ecstatic about winning the Class LL football title and hopes to ride that momentum this winter. Classmate John Kubilus became a starting forward alongside DeBisschop last season and they combine for a solid presence at both ends of the floor.
“Brian is a kid that has come a long way. He can go inside and outside. We are trying to keep him healthy this year,” added Cheshire Head Coach Dan Lee, who appreciates how DeBisschop and Kubilus try to outwork opponents. “They exceed at the hustle stats and will be tested inside this year.”
This senior class has drawn attention since compiling an undefeated season as freshmen. Numbers have dwindled from 14 to six players, but they remain a close group and their senior leadership will be key. Cheshire graduated seven players, five of which contributed in a deep backcourt last season. The Rams ended an 8-14 record with a 73-45 loss to host New Britain (fourth seed) in the Class LL first round.
“It’s tough to replace experience. We will be young and with graduation, there will be competition for spots. That’s a good thing,” stated Lee. “I think the way they (graduating class) carried themselves was important. They had teamwork and that’s a good legacy to leave behind.”
“I think we are going to surprise a lot of people. We want to win the SCC (Southern Connecticut Conference) Championship and do well at states,” said Manke, a three-year starting guard.
Lee recalls inserting Manke into his first varsity game against North Haven four years ago. Just a freshman, Manke provided a spark with 10 of his 12 points during the second quarter and Cheshire proceeded to earn a 59-55 victory. Manke has been a varsity contributor ever us. His perimeter shooting and ability to score the ball draw loud applause from the home crowd, but Manke gives the same effort defensively.
The Rams needed a spark when they trailed visiting Lyman Hall, 34-14, at halftime last season. Manke stepped up with 12 points (15 total) in the third quarter. Cheshire rallied to take lead (40-38) before falling by a score of 53-50.
“Dan is someone that progressed quickly. He probably has the most varsity experience, so hopefully that will help him and the team,” Lee explained. “Dan presents problems for defenses. He was known for his three-point shooting, but has worked to develop the rest of his game. He can drive to the basket and make the mid-range jump shot.”
Manke’s experience is critical to the backcourt. Captains Billy Ragone and Ryan Dupont, along with reserves Kevin Jefferis, Matt Murphy, and Ryan Kipfer graduated. A three-year starter and two-time All-Housatonic selection, Ragone leaves a void at point guard. Ragone was the top-scorer for the last two seasons and directed the offense.
“When you look at Billy Ragone, he brought statistical stuff and leadership skills. Billy Ragone, regardless of what he did, was a competitor and that will be tough to replace,” said Lee, who states the point guard position is open. “We’ll have to see how it comes this year. We are giving the opportunity to a bunch of kids.”
Junior guards Matt Bailey and Greg Leonetti saw varsity minutes last winter. While Bailey is dealing with a hand injury, senior Todd Heritage has returned healthy from a two-year hiatus. Heritage was a key contributor during his freshman season.
“Todd is a good friend. His return is good in the locker room and on the court,” added Manke.
Cheshire hopes to remain healthy, after struggling with health over the last three years. A finger injury limited senior forward Brian Havlicek to one or two games last season. Like the backcourt, Havlicek and classmate Michael Hathaway are looking to provide sustained minutes in place of graduated frontcourt players.
Captain Steve Howard was the program’s most versatile player, cracking the top five all-time in three-pointers and playing solid defense. Sean Adams (Most Improved Player) like-wise developed an inside-outside game.
“I don’t think you will find kids that work harder,” said Lee, of Havlicek and Hathaway. “They give us versatility on the court.”
While Howard is attending Trinity College, his younger brother stands out among a competitive sophomore class. Lee can’t recall working with a taller CHS player than Nate Howard (six feet and eight inches). Howard was brought up to the varsity team as a freshman and the coaches feel he has great potential.
“I think our inside presence and height are strengths this year,” added DeBisschop. “We have strong guards that can create and shoot the ball. We need to come together and find our identity on the court.”
Scrimmages with Xavier and Berlin allow the team to try different combinations. For the last three years under Lee, Cheshire has utilized a deep bench for particular roles.
“I think there are a lot of young players ready to step in,” added Manke.
The Rams needed to win their regular season finale (73-52) at Wilbur Cross to clinch an SCC (13th seed) and Class LL (25th seed) berth last season. Cheshire came up short (66-62) through the SCC first round at Career and then succumbed to the athleticism of New Britain.
“We consider the SCC to be one of the best conferences in the state. That challenge night in and night out will only make us a better team,” explained Lee.
The Housatonic Division annually tests the Rams. Cheshire split their eight games (4-4 record) in 2008-09. Rivals include Amity (Jan. 22, Feb. 9), Lyman Hall (Jan. 5 and 26), Sheehan (Jan. 12, Feb. 1), and Shelton (Jan. 15, Feb. 5).
“We’ve had a common theme in the last three years. We’ve made the SCC and state tournaments and played the top team in the state,” said Lee. “We need to remain healthy and find the right balance.”