The Batavia boys basketball team prides itself on its defense. And it is because of defense that the Blue Devils nearly shocked Jamesville-Dewitt Saturday morning in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A semifinals.
J-D has been the top ranked team in the state all season long and has a senior guard that is heading to Syracuse next year on a basketball scholarship, but Batavia's game plan was perfect and they forced the Red Rams to play at Batavia's pace. Batavia only gave up 40 points, but lost the game 40-32.
The Blue Devils came out and surprised J-D with an early run, taking an early 8-3 lead. Batavia led 10-5 after one period of play, with Andrew Hoy hitting a pair of 3-pointers.
Batavia held J-D star Brandon Triche to just two points in the opening frame.
But the Red Rams went on a 14-0 run to open the second quarter and took a seven point lead. Batavia's defense kept them in the game though and the Blue Devils only trailed 20-13 at the break.
Andrew and Robert Hoy each had 3-pointers in the third quarter and J-D's lead was cut to 24-23.
The Red Rams went on a run after that and opened up a five point lead. Robert hit another 3-pointer and Batavia was only down 32-30 with just two minutes left in the game. Triche answered right back with a bucket and J-D hit some free throws down the stretch, ending an amazing season for the Batavia basketball team.
Triche ended up with 17 points but Batavia did a good job fighting the size disadvantage again. Coleman only scored two points in the contest.
Andrew Hoy led the Blue Devils with 15 points.
Batavia ends the season with a 22-4 record and has the honor of being just the second team in the program's history to make the state final four. Jamesville-Dewitt is now 25-1 and will be playing Peekskill in the finals tomorrow afternoon.
I dont know much about B-ball
I dont know much about B-ball but i guess it doesnt matter how u play but if u have the size. Must be why i dont like basketball. GOOD job Batavia Team. Sounded like a very defensive game. Next year hopefully they might win it all.
Batavia proved that size
Batavia proved that size isn't everything this year. The tallest player on the roster is Joe Schlossel, who is listed at 6-2. The Coleman kid is listed at 6-8 and because of Batavia's defense was held in check.
Not many thought that the Blue Devils would even be able to compete for a sectional title because of the lack of size and they not only won that, but made the state semis. This was an awesome year for the program and proof that good kids that work hard can overcome any disadvantage.
My friend demonstrated to me
My friend demonstrated to me the advantages of being taller. I kind of edited my first response. I agree fully with your post above.