Senior spotlight: Josh Burish provides stability for Edgar boys basketball
EDGAR - The Edgar boys basketball team entered this season with a lot of questions about the makeup of its roster after graduating 10 seniors from last year's squad.
One of the key returners for the Wildcats has been Josh Burish, who has helped bridge the transition from a veteran team to one which is dominated by underclassmen.
Burish, a senior guard/forward, entered Thursday as the team leader in scoring (12.8 points per game) and rebounds (5.3 per game) for the Wildcats (5-4 overall).
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Burish is one of three returning Wildcats who saw extensive varsity minutes last year and is the most experienced player. He has been a member of the varsity squad since his sophomore year and was a starter last season.
"He has been that steady presence for our team," Edgar coach Dave Huss said. "He is a very focused kid who doesn't get too high or too low and is a positive leader, especially for our younger kids. He also is a guy who needs to score for us and he can. He is a tough matchup as he can post up and shoot it from the outside. He can do a lot of things out there (on the court) for us. He knows his role for us and is getting his touches but he is team-oriented, too, and wants to make sure the team gets the best shot (each possession)."
Burish, who also is a member of the Wildcats football team, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about Edgar's start to the season, his pregame fondness for Juicy Fruit gum and his post-graduation plans, among other topics.
Do you have a nickname that your friends, teammates or family members call you?
Well, Coach Huss always calls me "JB" instead of Josh. So that's it for now. In football, (the team) just called me Burish.
What has been the highlight of your athletic career?
Probably sophomore year (in basketball) when we had one of the better teams in our program. We won a regional championship against Crivitz and it was a grind-it-out game and we won 39-36. Our fans and student section were really energetic and it was one of the best games I have ever played in.
What are your thoughts about the start of the year for this team?
Coming in we knew we were going to be more of an inexperienced team with freshmen and sophomores playing at the varsity level. At the beginning (of the season), we knew we weren't going to be the greatest team, but throughout the season, we hoped to build character with each other and confidence so when it gets to March we can make a run.
Where do you think the team has made the most growth?
Our defense has grown through the first eight games we've played. We stuck together (through a tough early stretch) and toughed it out.
How has your role changed this year being one of the veterans?
Coach wanted me to score more than I have in the previous year and also just be one of the leaders (on the team) for the younger guys — just keeping (the team) confident and staying positive
Are you superstitious at all? Are there any routines you go through before a game?
Usually, before the game I go out to the concession stand and buy a pack of Juicy Fruit gum and have that while watching the JV game. It's just one of those things.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Selena Gomez.
Where is your dream vacation?
Australia. Maybe along the Great Barrier Reef.
What is your postgraduation plan?
For my major, I am going to study forensic science. I am looking at Loyola University in Chicago.
FAVORITES
Sport: Depends on the season (between football and basketball).
Pro or college athlete: Carmelo Anthony.
Movie: The "Saw" series.
TV show: "Criminal Minds."
Music group or artist: Eminem.
Food or meal: Seafood.