SWR boys basketball uses summer league to build next generation after playoff run

The Shoreham-Wading River boys basketball team spent the summer searching for the next group to carry the program forward after last winter’s breakthrough season ended a five-year playoff drought.

With a veteran senior class gone, head coach Kevin Culhane used the Town of Brookhaven Varsity Summer League to evaluate new combinations and give younger players an opportunity to earn bigger roles ahead of the winter season.

“Those kids did so much for the program,” Culhane said of last year’s senior class. “They did everything we asked. They worked so hard and ultimately were able to show these younger kids what can be accomplished if you can work hard enough.”

The Wildcats improved from 4-16 two years ago to 17-3 last winter before falling to Sayville in the opening round of the playoffs. Seniors Max Boerum, Carter Baumeister, Andrew Cimino and James Cook helped fuel that turnaround before graduating.

Only two starters return in Tyler Lievre and Zach Makarewicz, leaving the rest of the lineup up for grabs entering the offseason. The Wildcats finished 4-4 in the Town of Brookhaven Varsity Summer League as Culhane shuffled lineups throughout July.

“It’s been hard to get everyone down at the same time as kids have other obligations, but what it’s done is given these younger players a chance to prove themselves with minutes they wouldn’t normally get,” Culhane said. “I think we have some real good players coming up and we’re seeing it every game here.”

Much of that responsibility now falls to Lievre, who has been on varsity since eighth grade and enters his junior season after earning All-County honors last winter. He was also named the league’s Rookie of the Year as a freshman.

“Tyler is really important for the next two years,” Culhane said. “A lot is going to fall on his shoulders. He’s been a great piece of the lineup since he’s been on varsity, but now he’s going to have to be more of a leader.”

Makarewicz also returns after averaging 13.2 points per game last season, giving the Wildcats another experienced leader on both ends of the floor.

“In transition, I don’t think there’s anyone better,” Culhane said of Makarewicz. “He gets down court and finishes with the best of them. He’s very active in the passing lanes and gets steals that lead to many of those fast breaks.”

Beyond the returning veterans, Culhane said the summer gave younger players valuable opportunities to earn minutes. Javon Wright, Sam Eaton, Brandyn Bland and Mohamed Drame all saw varsity action last season, while several incoming freshmen also made their case for expanded roles.

“I’m glad some of the younger guys got a taste of varsity last year,” Culhane said. “It makes it an easier transition when we ask for more of them this year. We also have some freshmen coming up that can play, so time will tell. We just need to get everyone back on the court together.”

“But that won’t happen until the winter most likely,” he continued. “We will see.”