Batavia looks to even things up with Sutherland, advance in state tournament

 The Batavia boys basketball team dropped both regular season games against Pittsford Sutherland this year, ending a seven year stretch of winning the Monroe County League Division III title.

But the third time was the charm for the Blue Devils, who beat the Knights 55-52 in the consolation game of the Monroe County League tournament.

While sectionals are over and Batavia won its third sectional title under coach Buddy Brasky on Saturday, the team is going to try and keep going. And getting Sutherland in the Class A state qualifier is just what the team wants.

The Knights took advantage of a Batavia collapse last year to win the Class A title and that loss was a heartbreaker. The Blue Devils couldn't hit a free throw and the tears were flowing when Sutherland hoisted the championship trophy.

When the classifications came out this year, Sutherland was in A1 while Batavia was in A2, so the only way the two could meet was if they both won titles.

Andrew Hoy had 20 points in the loss at Sutherland and just 11 in the home loss, then scored 21 in the win. The sophomore was the team's leading scorer during the season and has been fantastic in the playoffs, scoring 27 and 21 points. His 21 point effort was on seven 3-pointers, all in the second half in a win over Freddie Thomas to win the title.

Andrew's brothers are also going to need good games. Class A2 MVP Marcus is one of the best point guards Batavia has had in recent years, and the program has had some very good players at the position. He will score when needed but excels at driving and getting the ball to the shooters.

Robert scores, gets rebounds and often most dangerous when teams go box-and-1 on Andrew. 

A big reason why the Blue Devils won the title and are still playing is because of big man Joe Schlossel. He is just 6-foot-2 and undersized in almost every game, but he battles in the paint, where he is usually in the right place at the right time. He has been the second scoring option.

Dakota Irivin, Josh Budlong, Adam Pettinella and Mike Lee have all found their roles for Batavia (20-3). 

Sutherland (18-5) is led by A1 MVP Dan Waldbillig and point guard Dylan Sherwood. The game is at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Blue Cross Arena. The winner moves on to face the Section 6 champion on Saturday.