Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 57, Owego 30

NORWICH – Sectional champions a year ago in Class A, Norwich pushed forward in its quest for the Section IV, Class B title shellacking Owego Saturday afternoon at Jack Jones Gymnasium.

In its next-to-last home game of the season, Norwich relied on its defense in the opening half before the offense caught up over the final two periods.

“We had a difficult time on the offensive end, especially the first half, but our press was extremely effective,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott, whose Tornado raised their record to 17-3.

Abbott credited Andrew Austin’s pressure on the inbounds passer as the key to the full-court pressure. Austin forced passes that led to good sideline traps, and eventually, Owego turnovers.

Norwich racked up the points in a 19-6 third quarter getting 10 from Josh Borfitz and seven more from Richie Bonney to extend the 23-10 halftime lead to 42-16.

“In the second half, we changed our offensive scheme from our dribble-drive offense to more controlled motion,” Abbott said. “It opened some lanes for Josh and Richie on offense.”

Bonney led Norwich with 18 points and Borfitz scored 13.