Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 64, Susquehanna Valley 40

NORWICH – Norwich is finally in position to repeat as STAC Central Division champions.

The Tornado raced away from the Sabers over the final three periods Friday night at Jack Jones Gymnasium to cruise to the easy win. Next up, Norwich hosts second-place Johnson City Wednesday night for the right to compete in the STAC Championships.

“To be 14-1 overall at this point of the season is a phenomenal accomplishment, and now it all comes down to Wednesday,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott. “I truly hope we’re playing before a packed house.”

Sus Valley was able to match Norwich basket for basket, or more aptly put, the Sabers were matching the Tornado’s Jon Foulds hoop for hoop over the first eight minutes.

After SV took the initial lead, Foulds began a hot shooting spree where he hit four three-pointers and pulled up for a pair of short jumpers. He had 16 of Norwich’s 18 firt-quarter points, and his three ball from the left wing with 1 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter broke a 15-15 tie and gave Norwich the lead for good.

“I think it was really important for Jon to get off to a good start,” Abbott said. “He’s been struggling with his shot, and our team has been struggling offensively in the first quarter. It was doubly good for Jon, and it relaxed our team.”