Norwich’s Carson Maynard finishes a fast-break layup during the late-game run where the Purple Tornado secured a conference win over Chenango Forks. Maynard finished with a game-high 27 points, scoring 11 in the deciding fourth quarter. (Jamey Mullen Photo)

Vinal reaches two career milestones

NORWICH – Despite a late-game scare by the Chenango Forks Blue Devils, the Norwich Purple Tornado boys basketball team held on to defeat their visiting opponent 66-57 Thursday night.

Forks went ahead 54-52 late in the fourth after chipping away at Norwich’s margin through the first three quarters of play, taking their first lead of the game. However, Norwich went on an 11-3 run in the final two and half minutes of play to take the lead back and capture the Southern Tier Athletic Conference win.

The Tornado jumped ahead early in the first stanza with fast-break play from created opportunities on the defensive end of the floor. Norwich’s fast-paced style came back to haunt them in late in the second quarter and the Blue Devils were able to pull within six at the halftime break.