Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 54, Union-Endicott 41

NORWICH – Norwich christened the newly-named Jack Jones Gymnasium at Norwich High School with a quality win over Union-Endicott Monday night in the Tornado’s final tuneup before sectional play.

Patrick Coates had his third straight 20-plus point night leading NHS (14-5) with 21 points. Coates scored in every quarter hitting from the inside and outside, drives to the basket, and spot-up three-pointers. Nate Foote added 10 points and Vaughn Labor nine.

“We’re excited with this win,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott. “(Union-Endicott) has some talented athletes, so to play as hard and as well as we did, we’re happy with that.”

Jones served as Norwich’s director of athletics and physical education from 1989-2000 before retiring. He returned for three interim stints and earned the admiration of Norwich coaches, teachers, administrators as well as players from his days as a basketball coach at Sidney High School. Several of those dignitaries from Jones’ past were on hand to speak about a man they respected.

“Having the ceremony for Mr. Jones was special for everybody,” Abbott said. “He totally deserves all that he gets, and for us to come through with a victory makes it all the more special.”

Norwich began to pull away late in the third quarter when Foote hit a layup and followed that up with a three ball making it 42-36 at the end of three quarters.