Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 61, Johnson City 52

JOHNSON CITY – Zan Stewart and Jamison Luke had big nights for the Purple Tornado, who won at Johnson City Tuesday for the first time in five years.

Stewart posted a second straight double-double finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds to go with six assists. Luke had 18 points including 8-for-8 foul shooting, and he blocked four shots.

“Zan is the best player in our league, and he handled their pressure really well tonight,” said Norwich coach Tom Collier. “Jamo played great tonight; he was a force in the paint.”

Norwich started quickly leading by as many as 16 in the first half before the Wildcats trimmed to the lead in half by halftime, 34-26. The trio of Stewart, Luke, and Mike Oralls had 29 of Norwich’s points.

Johnson City closed the deficit to two points in the third, but that was as close as it would come. Carlos Ithier led the Norwich response with a three-pointer as Norwich rattled off six straight points to push the lead back to eight.

“They made a nice run at us, and our team didn’t bat an eye,” Collier said. “Johnson City is one of the best teas in our league, and they have a bunch of kids up from an undefeated JV team. It was a hard environment to play in, and this was a good step for us.”