Record stood for many years
| BataviasBest.org
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Throughout his career in the Blue and White, Batavia’s Jeff Redband has put forth several great efforts that have impressed many around Section V. However, despite these numerous career-type nights, Redband’s finest hour came this past weekend.
Pouring in an incredible 51 points this past Friday night against Irondequoit, Redband broke a school record that had previously stood since the 1965 season when Batavia HS Athletic Hall of Famer Tom Hoitink dropped 45 against Livonia.
“I didn’t know that I had broke the record until I had come out of the game and coach told me,” said Redband about the record-breaking night. “I feel like I had tunnel vision, I was just concentrated.”
Although he has been in the zone during several of the Blue Devils’ games this season, he realized after the game while watching the film that there was something different about Friday night.
“I realized later when I watched the film that shots that I felt were wide open were actually contested,” he continued. “Sometimes I had one or two hands in my face.”
Also, Redband added how it feels to overcome such a long-standing record while other great Batavia players haven’t been able to do the same.
“I can’t believe that I am the one who has this record after watching players like Jalen (Smith) and Andrew (Hoy) play growing up,” he said to conclude his comments.
Along with Hoy and Smith, the likes of Mike Chmielowiec, Phil Santiago, Aaron McFollins, Mike Hoy, Justin Washington, and Justin Williams have all been unable to surpass to long-standing scoring mark – just to name a few recent names.
Another thing that makes Redband’s effort so impressive is the fact that it did not come against a cupcake team, but instead against a top-10 team in Rochester. The Eagles had been playing relatively good ball up until their matchup with the Blue Devils, but even after falling behind 7-1 during the first quarter, Redband battled for Batavia and wound up making history.
Having been present for about 90% of Batavia’s games over the past 15+ years of my life, and having watched all of the greats that have graced the floor at the High School, Jeff has to be playing the best out of any of those players at one given time. What sets him apart from the rest is his 6’7″ frame which is coupled with his ability to handle the ball like a point guard while also stroking the ball like a shooting guard.
Going up against opposing team’s top defenders night in and night out, the size and ability that Redband possesses has allowed him to shoot over however many are in his face at any point in time. To make matters worse for opposing teams, Redband has also vastly improved his strength with the ball over the past few seasons which has decreased his turnover % and also allowed him to get to the free throw line almost at will.
Going forward for Jeff, I would be surprised if he didn’t find himself playing Division I basketball at some point down the road. With such uncanny ability to shoot the basketball and un-teachable size, any program would be lucky to have him.
Jeff and his brother Tim embracing following the game.
Congratulations to Jeff and the entire Batavia Basketball team on a fantastic accomplishment and good luck to them as they approach the stretch run of the season!!
Other articles you may like:
Throwback Thursday: Redband Buzzer Beater downs Olean
Redband Rips Hornell: Batavia Boys Basketball cruises to victory; avenges 2014 loss to Raiders
Batavia Boys Basketball has no trouble with Bishop Timon as Redband goes off for 32
Batavia Boys Basketball falls to Mendon; Redband drops 32 and 15
Redband and McCulley Highlight NYSSWA 2014 All-State Basketball Team
Redband, McCulley, Roberts, Fagan and Spiotta Highlight 2014 All-Greater Rochester Team
