Close-Knit Group Says Goodbye To High School Basketball Career

February 24, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Friends, family, and students packed the West Gym of Cheshire High School last Friday. For one last evening, six senior boys would have the opportunity to play basketball for their home crowd. This class has dropped numbers-wise since completing an undefeated freshman season, but the bond between them remains strong.
“It was fun having a bunch of people in the stands. This was probably our biggest crowd of the year,” said Brian DeBisschop, a senior captain with Dan Manke and Mike Hathaway. “It felt good playing for the last time at home.”
Among their favorite memories were upsetting sixth-ranked East Catholic (62-60) in the 2008 Class LL first-round and playing travel basketball together. DeBisschop, along with John Kubilus and Brian Havlicek, anchor a versatile group inside. Manke, Hathaway, and Todd Heritage provide scoring and pressure defense on the perimeter.
“What am I not going to miss about these guys. We've been playing together since third grade and there was a memorable (fifth grade) tournament in Massachusetts,” reflected Havlicek.
Cheshire had the home crowd on its side, but nobody told visiting Fairfield Prep. Fairfield junior guard Robbie Bier netted 16 of his game-high 23 points in the first quarter alone, keying a 83-60 victory. Bier netted five of his team's eight three-pointers during the first half and Fairfield pulled away by compiling a 21-8 run in the third quarter.
“They came out shooting lights out,” added Kubilus, who scored 12 points and added seven rebounds. “We thought they would let up, but they never slowed down.”
“It's a tough way to end it. We had a fun four years here, so it's disappointing,” said Manke.
The first quarter was a three-point shootout between Bier and Manke. Bier sank two deep shots during an 8-2 start, but Manke countered with two three-pointers to knot the game at 10-10. The tie didn't last long, as Bier hit two more three-pointers and made two free throws. Manke had another answer, this time drawing contact and draining a three-point shot in the process. He completed the rare four-point play to cut the deficit to 18-16.
“That was huge. They were hitting everything and it was good to get one back,” explained Manke, who scored 10 of a team-high 16 points in the first quarter.
Bier, who scored just nine points during their 52-51 season-opening win on Dec. 16, added a lay-up and Connor Foley scored three straight baskets (26-16) through the start of the second quarter.
“They are good shooters,” said Cheshire Head Coach Dan Lee. “There weren't taking many uncontested shots in the first half.”
Fairfield drained four more three-pointers in the second quarter, but Cheshire's front court helped them remain close. Kubilus scored consecutively inside and Havlicek posted eight points, netting three straight shots (26-20). DeBisschop and Havlicek (seven rebounds) had 10 points each.
“It was a battle inside. Those kids are athletic and can really jump,” stated Kubilus.
“John is just a hard worker. He plays every possession all out and we benefit from the little things that you don't see in the scorebook,” explained Lee, who felt that Havlicek has stepped up over the second half of the season. “Brian (Havlicek) and Brian (DeBisschop) both came off extended football seasons. It's not easy to pick up a basketball after that because the sports are different. We've been pleased with what they've done this year.”
The fourth three-pointer from Manke pulled the Rams within 39-37. The Jesuits scored the final four points of the first half and extended their 10-0 (49-37) surge in the third quarter. Cheshire suffered a blow, when Manke drew his third foul and had to sit down. Fairfield sophomore Terry Tarpey (10 points) scored six points to help the Jesuits close the third quarter with seven unanswered points.
“It was frustrating. My shot was feeling good when I had to sit down,” Manke recalled.
Manke returned to bury his fifth three-pointer early in the final quarter. However, the Jesuits netted 21 of 25 free throws in the game. Fairfield capitalized on transition offense, with Stephen Gulish and Matt Daley each contributing 13 points.
“For us to only get to the line three times (one of three) is tough. Our goal is 20 (free throws) plus,” added Lee.
Manke has been an impact player since his freshman season. Sent into his first varsity game against North Haven, he scored 10 of 12 points in the second quarter. Cheshire won the game, 59-55. DeBisschop has started for the previous three seasons at forward/center, posting 21 points during the victory at East Catholic two years ago. As the top scorers, opposing defenses are geared to contain them.
“They were our real true returning starters, so they've had to step up this year,” said Lee, who later added Hathaway as a captain. “It was a situation where he is hard-working kid and the best thing is to lead by example. He adapts to any position we put him in.”
Cheshire was very excited about the return of Heritage. After playing freshman year, he missed the last two seasons due to injury.
“It was cool to have another ball-handler on the team. Todd is a great guy in the locker room too,” added DeBisschop.
The seniors finished their career on Monday Night in New Haven. Wilbur Cross out-scored the Rams, 39-19, during the second half of a 79-51 win. After dropping their final ____ games, Cheshire (5-15 record) didn't qualify for the Southern Connecticut Conference or Class LL tournaments for the first time in four years.
“When you judge everything by wins and losses, you miss the loyalty and character these kids gave to us,” explained Lee. “Hopefully, they leave with a sense of tradition and hard work.”
DeBisschop posted 15 points and 12 rebounds during the regular season finale (73-52 victory) at Wilbur Cross last year. He got off to a similar strong start this time. DeBisschop tallied 18 points in the first half, 11 of which sparked Cheshire to a 13-9 lead. He opened the game with a three-pointer and sank four of five three throws.
However, Wilbur Cross senior E.J. Murray also netted 18 points (22 total) before halftime. Murray scored 10 points during the first quarter, as the Governors rallied for a 17-13 lead. Junior Matt Bailey sank two foul shots and Kubilus added a lay-up to tie the game 17-17 at the end of the first quarter.
“It's the last game, so I figured we would come out strong,” reflected DeBisschop. “It's a good atmosphere and great team to play against. Hopefully, these guys can come back here next year and get a win.”
The athleticism of the Governors helped them turn second chance points into a 7-0 run (38-27). DeBisschop responded with a three-point play to cut the deficit to 40-32 at halftime. Cheshire drained 11 of 14 free throws (13 of 17 overall) in the first half, while Wilbur Cross made six of 13 total.
“I thought he rose to the occasion,” said Lee, of DeBisschop. “All the seniors contributed tonight and showed what they meant to our program.”
The second half saw a different tempo. The Governors used a zone defense to limit Cheshire's touches inside and DeBisschop was held scoreless through the rest of the game. Wilbur Cross guard Maurice Morrison scored nine of his 20 points early in the third quarter, opening up a 51-34 advantage. Manke answered with a runner and then added another four-point play, pulling the Rams within 10 points (53-43). But just like Fairfield Prep, Wilbur Cross used transition offense to pull away. Senior Gerald McClease contributed 12 points for the Governors.
“We have to face teams where it's tough to focus on one guy,” Lee added. “We try to force them into difficult shots. When they make them, there isn't much you can do.”
Kubilus (six points) and DeBisschop each pulled down seven rebounds. Sophomore center Nate Howard scored six points in the season finale.
“It's probably the toughest thing I've gone through. Football season was different because we ended with a (Class LL) championship,” said DeBisschop. “We were talking about this being the closest group we've ever had. It will be hard saying good-bye to these guys.”