Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 67, Owego 49

OWEGO – Making its longest road trip of the season, coming off an emotional win earlier in the week, and playing with two starters out of the lineup, a subpar performance for Norwich was a distinct possibility.

Instead of any type of letdown, the Purple Tornado (12-1, 14-2) blitzed Owego in the first quarter outscoring the Indians 20-6. After that, Norwich was able to relax and cruise to an 11th straight Southern Tier Athletic Conference league win, and 11th straight over Owego. The victory also assured Norwich of co-Central Division champion status. Assuming Maine-Endwell is able to get by Oneonta this Wednesday, M-E and NHS will meet for the outright division title in a playoff game Friday, Feb. 12.

“It’s a long way from 1-1 (in the division) to being 12-1 now,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott. “That’s a lot of good basketball over the last two months.”

Abbott admitted it wasn’t and ideal situation missing starters Casey Edwards (away on a college visitation), and Andrew Austin (illness). Seth Thomsen and Alex Williams stepped in as starters, and maintained Norwich’s high expectations on the defensive end of the floor.