By Robert Jeffrey
Sun Sports Contributor
Frank Speziale Photo
NORWICH- If the fact that it was senior night didn’t hype the Norwich girls up, then maybe the fact that they were playing against rival Oneonta added to their motivation? But, then again it could’ve been the fact that a win here solidified the dominance of the Norwich girls’ basketball program, who would once again be undefeated in STAC East divisional play. Their last divisional loss? Try the 2013-14 basketball season against a Mariah Ruff led Oneonta Yellowjacket team. Norwich completed this spectacular feat last Friday, with a dramatic win over Oneonta 53-44.
With both teams set and ready, tip-off ensued and the first period of action went underway. Senior Makenzie Maynard got the offense roaring for Norwich within the opening seconds, driving for a lay-up and following that up two possessions later with another three-footer. For the opening half of the period, NHS got after the loose-balls early, at least until Oneonta’s offense woke-up. An indirect technical foul on the Norwich bench-due to an incorrect starting line-up in the home book sent the Yellow Jackets to the line, after both freebies, the score was 6-4 in favor of the Tornado. Norwich’s lead did not last long as the visitors scrambled and out-hustled the Tornado for the basketball, ultimately Oneonta took over the lead come quarter’s end 10-7.