Bryan Anderson and Mike Hoy handled most of the scoring duties for the Batavia boys basketball team last season. Both are gone to graduation, meaning the returning players will have big voids to fill if the Blue Devils are going to win an eighth-straight Monroe County League Division III title and compete for a sectional crown.
The good news is, coach Buddy Brasky's squad is filled with talented guards with a ton of experience. And those players were motivated during the offseason by last year's 53-52 loss to Pittsford Sutherland in the sectional finals.
It was unique last season when the four Hoy brothers played varsity - and started a game together - but the squad is down to three Hoy boys.
Andrew is the a sophomore and the youngest, and has the most responsibility of the three. He is expected to be the team's top scoring option. He was the third option last year as a freshman, and did a good job. He's the go-to guy now.
Marcus returns to run the point. He stepped into that role last season and was one of the best defensive players Batavia had on its roster.
Marcus is expected to be the floor general, playing solid defense and distributing the basketball. His scoring role will also increase this season.
Robert is listed at 5-foot-11 and will be a starting forward, cleaning up rebounds and attempting to battle some of the giants playing for the large school teams the Blue Devils get during the season.
Batavia does have size issues.
Joe Schlossel is the other returning forward and is listed at just 6-foot-2.
Dakota Irvin (6-foot-3), Mike Lee (6-2), Josh Budlong (6-1) and Kris Bartz (6-2) are the other big men for Batavia.
Adam Pettinella returns as a shooting guard and will be expected to help out with the scoring. He didn't start last season, but saw quality minutes in some critical situations during the season.
Donovan Rolle will see action as a guard and forward.
Batavia finished 20-4 last season and should be considered one of the favorites in Division III. The Blue Devils are playing a brutal regular season schedule, including tipping things off at the Olean Tournament, with two defending state champions in the tournament.
