Bulldogs to honor Bryant at Night of Hoops, then retire Williams' jersey

There will be an unquestionable link that goes far beyond geographical proximity when Batavia hosts West Aurora in boys basketball action next weekend.

Batavia coach Jim Roberts announced on Tuesday that Maureen Bryant, the mother of five basketball-playing sons who left an indelible mark on the Blackhawks' program, would be the Bulldogs' Night of Hoops special honoree this year.

John Bryant starred on the Blackhawks' 1973 Class AA powerhouse team that finished third in the state, and his son, David, has been the Bulldogs' starting guard the past three seasons.

Jay Bryant and David Bryant followed in their brothers' footsteps at West Aurora; the former started in one of the most famous state title games in Class AA history - Morgan Park's 45-44 victory at the buzzer in 1976 - and David led the Blackhawks back to the Final Four in 1980.

Fred Bryant began the family's athletic legacy at West Aurora in the early 1970s, and Mark Bryant finished his playing career in 1987.

Roberts also announced the program would retire Corey Williams' No. 32 jersey the following weekend when the Bulldogs take on Yorkville.

Williams was the focal point of the Bulldogs' 1991 team that lost to Marshall in the Class AA state quarterfinals, and the Arizona graduate, who had a lengthy professional career overseas, was instrumental in the creation of the Bulldogs' Night of Hoops festivities more than 15 years ago.

In the latest installment of the three-game shootout Feb. 7, East Aurora and Simeon collide at 4:30, followed by St. Joseph and Quincy at 6 and West Aurora and Batavia at 7:30.