Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 56, Chenango Valley 40

FENTON – Coming off a nine-day layoff – and a loss in its last game – Norwich rode its defense for three quarters until its offense caught fire.

Norwich reserve Dennis Oralls hit two three-pointers late in the third quarter to answer CV’s two three balls from Shawn Hillegas. Norwich finished the game with a 21-point quarter to improve to 7-2 on the season.

“Our defense the first 22 minutes of the game was outstanding,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott. “We had a couple of slip-ups at the end of the third quarter, but Dennis was able to offset them.”

Josh Borfitz came through offensively and defensively for the Tornado. In addition to scoring a game-high 20 points, including six three-pointers on 12 attempts, Borfitz was also charged with defending Warriors’ top scorer Tom Hull. Hull had just three points through the first three quarters, and scored just 10 for the game. “This is the second time Josh was matched with a leading wing scorer,” Abbott said, also noting Borfitz’s great defense against Seton Catholic Central’s Tommy Torto. “Josh has risen to the occasion both times, and his defense was a big key in this game.”