Norwich’s Kassen Stubb jumps up with several Sidney defenders on him. Norwich defeated Sidney 79-46. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH – After an electrified win over Worcester to begin the 2024 season, the Norwich Purple Tornado boys basketball team only brought that intensity into Tuesday night’s home opener against Sidney. Norwich picked up their second win of the season with a 79-46 victory at Jack Jones Gymnasium.

Both teams showed their strengths early on with top returners and scoring leaders; Steven Dowdall for Norwich and Connor van der Sommen for Sidney, firing up their offense. Norwich had a lot of second chance opportunities with several players executing offensive rebounds. However, many players got into foul trouble early on, especially in the second quarter, as all of Sidney’s points before the break within those eight minutes were seven foul shots. Dowdall had 17 points in the first half.

After the break, Norwich only intensified even more on both ends of the court and took a commanding 20 point lead over the Sabers. Dowdall finished with 23 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and had three steals.

Cooper Chrystie added 12 points and helped on the assists as well while Carmine Pastore had 11 points off the bench. Mitchell Collins finished with 10 points with two three’s.