Senior spotlight: Cameron Wenzel brings experience for young Medford boys basketball team
MEDFORD - The Medford boys basketball team made a run to the WIAA Division 2 sectional semifinals last season with a veteran team led by seven seniors.
This year, the Raiders returned three players with varsity experience, including senior guard Cameron Wenzel — who was a second-team all-Great Northern Conference selection as a junior.
"He is very balanced as a player," Medford coach Ryan Brown said. "He is a great shooter who has confidence in his shot. He can play solid defense and he is someone who can attack the rim and someone who can find an open teammate when the defense collapses on him.
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"His role has changed this year just in terms of being a leader. Last year we had seven seniors and they were all vocal and very engaged. Last year (Cam) could just play his role on the floor and this season he and my two other senior captains helped a young team from the summer camps and tournaments and up to today."
Wenzel, who also is a member of Medford's football and baseball teams, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to discuss the season, his top sports memory and his role as the team DJ among other topics.
Do you have a nickname that your friends, teammates or family call you?
Not really. Just the shorter version of my name. Cam is about it.
What has been the highlight of your sports career so far?
Definitely the playoffs in basketball last year. In the regional final (against Hortonville) we were down 20 with 10 minutes left and came back to win that. In the final minute we were up by 1 and I hit a (3-pointer) with about 40 seconds left, which personally was the best moment I have had in my sports career.
Do you have any certain pregame superstitions or routines?
We all have our little superstitions (on the team) and try to do the same thing before every game. We will play the same songs in the same order (in the locker room). I'm usually the one who is charge of the music. That's kind of my pride and joy with everyone getting pumped up to it
It is a different Raiders team from last year, but what do you like about this group?
We only have four seniors, but I actually like our youth. Everybody is fighting for a spot on our team and everybody is working hard to prove themselves. We know people are going to be in the gym, shooting after practice or getting to practice early. Everybody is battling hard at practice, trying to keep it competitive.
Your role has changed in terms of leadership but how is it different in terms of what you are asked to do on the court?
I kind of have to do a little bit of everything on the offensive and defensive end. I have to be a leader both ways. For our younger guys, it's different being on the varsity level after not being there (before). I kind of have to teach them through the ropes.
Do you have any postgraduation plans?
Last month I got accepted into (University of Wisconsin) La Crosse and looking to go into physical therapy or pediatrics or a physician assistant.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Jennifer Aniston.
Where is your dream vacation?
Hawaii.
What is your dream career?
They say the best job to have is a backup quarterback in the NFL. You don't get hit and you still get paid the big bucks.
FAVORITES
Sport: It depends on the season. Once I get into a certain season, I am so focused on that.
Pro or college athlete: LeBron James. He is just a freak of nature with his size, speed and strength.
Music group or artist: I am all over the place. For country, I like the Zac Brown Band. For rap I'll go with Kid Ink.
Movie: "21 Jump Street" or "Step Brothers."
TV show: "How I Met Your Mother."
Food or meal: Either chicken strips or pizza. That's my comfort food.