NORWICH – From the moment it scored its first points, it was clear that this would be Norwich’s night.

On a day when former NHS Director of Athletics Jack Jones lost his battle with ALS, the young Tornado honored a true advocate of high school sports with a 70-49 Class B sectional playoff Tuesday evening.

Jones, for whom the Norwich gymnasium is named, was surely smiling somewhere at the sight of a typical Tornado performance. “We have a lot of respect for Oneonta, and they were coming off a huge home win,” said Norwich coach Tom Collier. “When we jumped on them early, I don’t think they could match the same intensity from that win. That’s only natural, but they did have a great season.”

Bryce Wooden scored the first two baskets for Oneonta, who briefly led 4-3. Mike Sutton had the early answer for Norwich hitting a three on the Tornado’s first shot, and Seth Thomsen’s driving layup put Norwich ahead to stay. Thomsen cashed a three ball on his next touch, and a follow-up three from Dennis Oralls after a kick-out pass from Thomsen had the Tornado rolling.