With four starters and seven others with varsity experience returning, the Berkshire Badgers have reason to be optimistic heading into the 2025-2026 season.
Last winter, the Badgers finished 6-18 overall and 3-5 in the competitive Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.
“Heading into the season, I feel very optimistic about our group,” said Berkshire head coach Joe Montanaro, who is 26-44 in four seasons at the school. “We had a productive summer and offseason, and the players have really committed themselves to improving. With six seniors returning, we’re stronger, more experienced, and more confident in who we are as a team. The mix of veteran leadership and younger talent gives us a strong foundation, and I believe we have the pieces to compete more consistently this season.”
That senior leadership is the key piece of the puzzle for the Badgers.
“Our biggest strength is the leadership and experience our seniors bring every day,” Montanaro said. “They set the tone for our program and help guide the younger players.”
Montanaro has set realistic expectations for both his team’s offense and defense.
“Offensively, we have a good blend of returning players and developing younger athletes. By focusing on teamwork, ball movement, and taking high-quality shots, we plan to put our players in positions where their strengths can shine. If we stay disciplined and share the basketball, our depth becomes a real advantage,” he said. “Defensively, we expect to be solid and consistent—that’s our identity. We want to use our defense to create pressure, force turnovers, and generate easier scoring opportunities.”
Despite his optimism, Montanaro knows his team will face its share of adversity.
“One of our main challenges will be improving our shooting consistency,” he said. “We know we can defend, but to reach our full potential, we need to become more efficient offensively. That means focusing on fundamentals, shot selection, and getting the right looks within our offense. Another challenge is blending our six seniors with the younger players who will have larger roles this season. That chemistry takes time, but with the leadership we have and the buy-in from the entire roster, I’m confident we’ll continue to grow together. Our approach is simple: stay committed, stay connected, and keep improving each day. If we do that, our passion and work ethic will carry us through any challenges we face.”
Berkshire’s four returning starters include Alex Bowman, Billy Verbic, Cameron Beam, and Luke Stute.
Bowman, a 5-foot-9 guard, averaged 5.0 points per game last season.
“Alex really came on and became a key contributor for us down the stretch,” Montanaro said. “He has the ability to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways and plays with great intensity on the defensive end. Now entering his junior year, Alex brings experience, confidence, and toughness to our lineup. He’s capable of taking over a game offensively while also setting the tone with his effort and energy. We’re looking for big things from him this season as he continues to grow into one of our team’s leaders.”
Verbic, a 6-foot guard, averaged 7.6 points and pulled down 1.3 rebounds per game as a junior.
“Billy started for us last season and, at times, was our leading shooter and scorer,” Montanaro said. “He’s put in a great offseason, growing both physically and mentally stronger, and we expect big things from him this year. Billy has the ability to score at all three levels and has become one of our most reliable offensive threats. His improved strength and confidence have elevated his game, and we’ll look to him to be a consistent leader and playmaker for us throughout his senior season.”
Beam, a 6-foot forward, dropped in 8.7 points and grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game last season on the way to earning honorable mention all-district and first-team All-CVC honors.
“Cam has been a key player for us since he stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman, and his development over the past three years has been impressive,” Montanaro said. “He’s consistently led our team in rebounding, and his ability to battle in the paint has been a huge asset. This season, we’re looking for him to take on a bigger scoring role, especially from the outside. His skill set has evolved, and we believe he’s ready to expand his game beyond the boards. Cam’s work ethic and versatility make him a crucial part of our success, and I’m excited to see how he continues to grow as both a scorer and a leader on the court.”
Stute, a 6-foot-1 forward, averaged 7.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest last winter. He earned honorable mention all-district and second-team All-CVC honors.
“Now in his senior year, Luke returns as our floor general and one of the best defenders in the league,” Montanaro said. “Last season, he set the tone for us with his toughness, leadership, and ability to guard the opponent’s best player every night. He’ll continue to run the point for us this year, bringing great energy and composure to a young group. Luke’s defensive intensity and vocal leadership make him the heartbeat of our team, and his experience will be a huge part of our success this season.”
Caden McGranahan rounds out the projected starting lineup. The 6-foot-1 forward averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
“Caden gained valuable experience last season and has continued to grow his game in the offseason,” Montanaro said. “He’s a versatile player with a strong understanding of the game, capable of making an impact both inside and outside the paint. This year, he’ll be battling for a starting spot, and his work ethic and improving skill set will make him an important part of our team’s success.”
Providing depth for the Badgers are Jake Patterson, Chase Wardle, Michael Costantini, and Colton Miller-Gabbard.
Patterson, a 5-foot-8 guard, averaged 3.2 points per game last season.
“Now in his second year running the point, Jake has taken a big step forward as both a leader and a scorer,” Montanaro said. “He gained valuable experience last season, and it shows in how confidently he controls the offense and sets the tone for our team. His basketball IQ continues to stand out, and he’s become more vocal and assertive in leading his teammates. Jake’s improved scoring ability adds another dimension to our offense, and we’re excited to see him build on the strong foundation he’s already established.”
Wardle, a 6-foot forward, returns to the court after missing the 2024-2025 season with a football injury.
“This year, we expect him to be a main contributor off the bench for us,” Montanaro said. “He’s the type of player who does a little bit of everything, and we’re counting on him to embrace that ‘do-it-all’ role. Chase brings toughness, grit, and energy to the court, whether it’s on defense, crashing the boards, making plays for his teammates, or scoring when needed. His work ethic and competitive spirit set the tone for the team, and I’m excited to see him step into a key role and make a big impact this season.”
Costantini, a 6-foot-3 forward, adds size and athleticism to the Badger roster.
“Michael had some growing pains last season, but he’s shown noticeable improvement and growth heading into his junior year,” Montanaro said. “At 6’3”, he has the athleticism and versatility to make a real impact for our team. We expect him to compete for significant minutes, and his size and skill set allow him to contribute in multiple areas—whether on the wing or in the post. Michael’s work ethic and basketball IQ continue to impress, and we’re excited to see him build on last year and become a key player for us this season.”
Miller-Gabbard, a 6-foot-2 sophomore forward, moves up from the JV team, where he was a solid contributor on both ends of the court.
“Colton has shown the athleticism and skill to compete at the varsity level,” Montanaro said. “As a freshman, he was a very good contributor on our JV team, and this year we’re looking for him to continue maturing and become a major contributor for our varsity squad. His size, versatility, and work ethic give him the tools to make an immediate impact, and we’re excited to see him take the next step in his development.”
With a veteran lineup and the talent to compete in the CVC, the Badgers are focused on becoming the best versions of themselves throughout the season.
“The primary goal this season is to continue growing together as a team—on and off the court,” Montanaro said. “With a solid mix of returning players and promising younger athletes, we are confident that we have the right pieces in place to compete at a high level.”
Berkshire’s keys to success hinge on the Badgers stepping up on defense and hitting their shots on the offensive end.
“Looking ahead, we know that the key to success in the CVC Valley Division will be defense and improving our shooting. While our seniors bring experience and leadership, we still need to become more consistent from the floor to complement our defensive efforts,” Montanaro said. “By focusing on shot selection, fundamentals, and efficiency, we aim to generate more reliable scoring opportunities. Our team is committed to putting in the work needed to compete, and I have no doubt that our players’ passion and dedication will carry us through the challenges ahead. With six seniors leading by example, a focus on defense, improved shooting, and continued development across the roster, we are excited for what the upcoming season holds and the opportunities for growth it will bring.”
