ILION – The Norwich Purple Tornado boys’ basketball returned to the court on Thursday, where they faced Section III’s Central Valley Academy in a 70-59 deficit. The Purple Tornado continue to strive offensively, but fall in tight games. The four losses that they’ve had all came in games, which were in still in their control up until the final fourth quarter.

In Thursday’s game, Norwich came out strong in the first half, taking a 33-21 lead at halftime. However, CVA combined for 49 points alone in the final 16 minutes, leaving Norwich trailing behind.

Despite the loss, Norwich had four starters in double-digit scoring with Colin Olds leading the way with 14 points as Graham Burton had 13. Jacob Morris fired in four three-pointers in the first quarter to finish with 12 points as Steven Dowdall scored 11 points in the loss.

Norwich (2-4) looks to bounce back as they are participating in the Unadilla Valley Holiday Tournament, which they won in 2022. They’ll face Charlotte Valley in the first round on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

Scores by quarter:

NO 20 13 9 17—59

CV 12 9 27 22—70

NO: Colin Olds 14, Graham Burton 13, Jacob Morris 12, Steven Dowdall 11, Mitchell Collins 9.

CV: Deacon Judd 32, Thomas Jacquays 20, William Luke 11, Braden Moreau 4, Connor Dempsey 2.

Three-pointers: CV 5 (Jacquays 4, D Judd); NO 8 (Morris 4, Collins 3, Dowdall)