Girls’ Basketball

Norwich 57, Windsor 30

NORWICH – Norwich honored outgoing seniors Hannah Runyon and Molly DeMellier before Monday’s contest against Windsor, then the Tornado went out and clinched its first STAC Central Division title in six seasons.

Runyon, playing her usual all-around game, led Norwich (12-2) with 20 points. The Purple are off to their best overall start since that 2005-2006 campaign when it went on to win the school’s second-ever Section IV title.

“This was a win for the program, and this situation (winning a division) is where we want to be every year,” said Norwich second-year coach Josh Bennett. “This is a special group of kids.”

Runyon and DeMellier made their usual impact on the Norwich team, who led 17-4 after one quarter, and stretched that advantage to 37-12 by halftime. Bryn Loomis had nine in the first half, Runyon added seven, and DeMellier added some key assists. “You know what you’re going to get from Hannah: She’ll make plays all over on defense, she’ll see the court well, and shoot it well,” Bennett said. “Even though Molly didn’t shoot it well tonight, she was all over the place and made some nice passes.”

Norwich forced 15 Windsor turnovers in the first half, and led 35-8 at one point after a pair of layups from Loomis.