For the first time in The Evening Sun’s recorded history, both Norwich varsity basketball teams – boys and girls – are ranked in the top five in the New York State Sportswriters Association poll.

Tuesday’s rankings have each Tornado club at the number three spot in Class B. For the boys, that is where they ended in the final 2013-2014 rankings. For the girls, it is likely the highest position they have ever held.

“I’m excited for the girls,” said Norwich coach Josh Bennett, now in his sixth season at the helm. “They have put a lot of work in outside of the season in preparation for this year, and to me (the ranking) means that the program is starting to be looked at from the state level as a contender.”

Bennett’s clubs have not lacked for success, and in fact have made three Section IV finals appearances in the coach’s first five seasons. One time the Tornado lost to Maine-Endwell, and the other two finals defeats came to Oneonta.