Preps 24/7: Batavia's Gardner will play hoops

Batavia senior Cole Gardner will play basketball this season after some indecision about whether he would return to the hardwood or focus on football training this winter.

Gardner practiced with the Bulldogs for the first time Tuesday and said he was surprised at how well it went considering the long hoops layoff.

Gardner's return greatly bolsters Batavia's prospects for the winter. As a junior, the 6-foot-6 powerhouse averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds a game. He said he is one of seven members of the Batavia football program who have come out for basketball, including fellow returning starter Zach Strittmatter.

For more on Gardner, check out Wednesday's Kane County Chronicle.