JOHNSON CITY –The Norwich Purple Tornado girls’ basketball team headed to Johnson City to face the Wildcats in the Section IV, Class A semi-finals.

Norwich, who struggled at the end of the regular season, had a strong start, but fell 58-44 to end the 2023-2024 season.

Norwich gave their best efforts in the first eight minutes with posting 19 points with Olivia Schiraldi contributing with all of her team-leading 11 points, banking in three three-pointers. Norwich was at a stand still before halftime, but held a brief 26-24 lead at the break.

Johnson City proved to amp up their game plan in the second half, going on a big run and limiting Norwich. Norwich was outscored 22-3 in the third quarter alone with the three points coming off free throws from Josey Ryan and Emma Urgo. Norwich readjusted in the final eight minutes to try to match efforts from the first quarter, but the Wildcats remained consistent and couldn’t be slowed down.

Schiraldi led the Purple Tornado with 11 points as Josey Ryan added 10 points with two three’s and scored nine of 10 in the fourth quarter. Julia Llewellyn finished with seven points, all in the first half, as Brynley Ryan had five points in the loss.

Norwich finished the 2023-2024 season with a 9-11 record. Good luck to seniors Olivia Schiraldi, Julia Llewellyn and Julie Turner.

Scores by quarter:

NO 19 7 3 15–44

JC 9 15 22 12–58

NO: Olivia Schiraldi 11, Josey Ryan 10, Julia Llewellyn 7, Brynley Ryan 5, Emma Urgo 4, Kerrigan Reid 3, Bella Dilorio 2, Julie Turner 2.

JC: Marisa Smith 21, Avrie Nannery 13, Annabel Burke 9, Emma Phelan 7, Emery Guzyle 5, Makenzie Lombardini 2, Antonia Monico 1.

Three-pointers: NO 8 (Schiraldi 3, J Ryan 2, B Ryan, Llewellyn, Reid); JC 7 (Smith 5, Burke 2).