Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 55, Oneonta 26

ONEONTA – Norwich gave up the second fewest points in one half since the advent of the shot clock Friday night at Oneonta, and won its ninth straight Southern Tier Athletic Conference game to set up Tuesday’s home showdown with STAC Central division leader Maine-Endwell.

Norwich led 29-7 at halftime holding the ‘Jackets to 3-for-23 shooting, and committed just one of its two turnovers in the game, that despite the liberal insertion of reserves throughout the half – and game. “We did a lot of nice things defensively, and it was more impressive that we stayed consistent on defense with so many people going in and out,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott. “Offensively, we were somewhat inconsistent. It was tough to get into a rhythm because our players weren’t out there together that long.”

NHS’s leading scorer, Richie Bonney, had another large double-double scoring 21 points and pulling down 18 rebounds. Bonney scored seven in the third quarter to match Oneonta’s total-quarter output, while the defense limited Oneonta to just 14 points through the first three stanzas.

“Except for our field goal percentage, we played great basketball and that isn't easy to do when you substitute as much as we did,” Abbott said. “Guys came in and played great defense, and they took care of the ball. That shows that our guys care.”