Batavia Lions Club Boys Basketball Tournament Finals Preview: Batavia vs U Prep – The Rematch

Posted By on Dec 30, 2015 | 0 comments


Mike Rose | @MFRose11 (Twitter)
Thursday, December 17, 2015 | BataviasBest.org

 

After both Batavia and University Prep easily handled their first round opponents they will face off in a rematch of last year’s first round match up that U Prep would eventually win.  Batavia was frustrated with last year’s defeat as they believed and still do believe they were the better team.  Here’s what to expect in tonight’s contest

Key Players

U Prep

Isaiah Brinkley

Brinkley leads the Griffins as their starting PG and his quickness and 3-point shooting could cause problems for the Blue Devils guards.

Jeenathan Williams

The lefty is one of the best players in Section V and probably the best the Blue Devils have faced to this point. He should be able to match up toe-to-toe with Blue Devils big Malachi Chenualt.

Kory Wyatt

A name familiar from the Batavia U Prep football match up, Wyatt is a big inside presence for the Griffins. He provides additional height to Williams which Batavia has yet to encounter.

Quillan Leach-Alexander

One of of 4 seniors on the roster, Leach-Alexander provides some shooting on the outside for the Griffins.

Batavia

Malachi Chenault

One of the leaders inside, Chenault will have to play big on both ends of the floor. He is able to score and rebound with the best and will be a key factor if the Blue Devils are to pick up the victory.

Tee Sean Ayala

Ayala is the best option beyond the arc for the Blue Devils, but he has been inconsistent this year. He will need to make shots if Batavia is going to be able to win this game.

Greg Mruczek

The senior forward is the best defensive player for Batavia and he will have to be at his best. Mruczek also was able to break out offensively in last year’s meeting hitting 3 threes. If Mruczek can provide that kind of scoring it will be huge for the Blue Devils.

Ryan Hogan

Hogan has been the 2nd most consistent scorer for Batavia behind Chenault, but struggled against Albion scoring only 4 points. Hogan will need to provide scoring for Batavia to pull out a win.

Outlook

This is easily Batavia’s toughest test to date.  U Prep brings athleticism and size that Batavia has yet to encounter this season.  U Prep pressed Notre Dame into turnovers during Round One, a tactic I would expect them to employ here as well.  Batavia has yet to have a complete game offensively this season, however they have played defense that has been accustomed to Blue Devils teams of the past.

I’d anticipate Batavia to be fired up from last year’s defeat and come out playing typical defense and firing on offense.  Batavia’s bench unit last game was very impressive in settling down and taking over the game against Albion after early struggles by the starting unit.  I believe this is the game they are able to put it all together on both sides of the ball with revenge on their minds.

Prediction

Batavia 70 U Prep 67 – This should be a tight, can’t miss game between two of the top teams in Section V, but I see experience and revenge winning out in this one.

Other articles you may like:

Batavia and U Prep advance in first round of Batavia Lions Club Basketball Tournament – setting stage for epic Final

5 things to focus on heading into tonight’s Batavia Lions Club Basketball Tournament

Holiday Hoops: Batavia, Notre Dame, Albion, and U Prep preparing for Batavia Lions Club Basketball Tournament

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *