Norwich prepares for Regional Final against NYS number two Westhill
By Robert Jeffrey
Sun Sports Contributor
Frank Speziale Photo
NORWICH- The upcoming game for the Regional final is a chance for Norwich’s for the Tornado to make trip to the NYSPHSAA State Championship game – something that hasn’t been done since the 1993-94 season, and resembles something very similar to the last four regional match-ups that Norwich has had – against perennial Section III powerhouses.
And when tip-off ensues at 1 p.m. at the SRC Arena of Onondaga Community College there will be a mixed feeling of revenge and disdain.
Both the Westhill Warriors and Purple Tornado have long dominated their respective intersectional competition. The Warriors have been dominate against the Class B schools in Section III, winning their seventh sectional title in the past nine years this past Sunday, March 5.
Meanwhile, the Tornado achieved their fifth sectional title in six seasons a week ago today.
Over the past three showdowns between the two teams, Westhill controls a 2-1 lead; with their two wins coming during the most important games: Regional playoffs.
Norwich won a 60-51 decision last year during the regular season. However in 2013 and 2014, Westhill beat Norwich in the two aforementioned Regional finals by a combined four points and in one of the contests needed overtime to take down the Tornado.
Unlike the Westhill teams of past, the Warriors aren’t considered to have a dynamic scorer such as their previous state championship guard; Jordan Roland. However, the Warriors are keen at masking their secret weapon in Sean Dadey who only averages 11 points per game on the season – Dadey exploded for 26 points in their sectional championship game against Chittenango. Dadey wasn’t only just their leading scorer on the game, he was also the main offensive facilitator.
One factor that goes without question is that this Westhill team can move the ball very well. Their guards are well disciplined under the tutelage of head coach Kevin King with their ‘Run & Gun’ style offense. They aren’t afraid to push the tempo and always look to make the extra pass if it ensures them an easy bucket on offense.
Other scorers for the Warriors include big men Kameren Jackson and Zechariah Brown. Jackson is their leading scorer at 13 points per game and Brown especially is noted for knocking down the trifecta – as he was responsible for more than half of Westhill’s three-pointers in their game against Chittenango, John Geer is also another option to shoot beyond the arc – a player who had 11 points against Norwich in their most recent outing, and guard Antonio Scrimale can attack the rim.
That being said, any of these four players present an offensive threat and their bench can provide instant energy in a pinch.
The Westhill defense is heavy on ball pressure in mostly the half-court setting and aren’t afraid to press in the full court either. Zach Falkenburg of Chittenango – the head of the Bears offense received double coverage whenever he had the ball on offense, as Westhill limited his scoring ability throughout the contest. Falkenburg who averages 22 points per game – was held underneath that average scoring 17. Westhill is able to pressure guards impressively well and present a tall task for the Purple Tornado on Saturday.
The positives for Norwich yet again is their offensive and defensive presence inside the paint. 6’6” senior Chris Jeffrey will be the tallest player on the court. Ideally, keeping Jeffrey out of any foul trouble would be prime for Norwich. The combination of Jeffrey, Tre Bonham, Dashawn King, Ky’sawn Veale and Michael Carson have all played in a Regional game before and understand the importance of this game – having been burned by Bishop Grimes last year 69-60.
Out of the remaining Tornado hoopers – Jeffrey scored seven points and Bonham scored two in last year’s match-up with Westhill. Norwich has the experience of playing in a regional game over a still young Westhill team.
With Norwich failing to reach the New York State Sports Writers list of ranked teams until this past week- entering at number 24 despite beating number eight ranked Waverly.
Meanwhile, Westhill has climbed to the second slot with a 22-1 record. The Tornado will need every ounce of focus in order to keep pace with their respectable foe in Westhill. Norwich is once again seen as the underdog and maintain a steady chip on their shoulder as part of it.
For both teams, the regional championship game is nothing new, something that has made both programs contenders for a State title in Binghamton next weekend. The Tornado will tip-off at 1 p.m. against the Warriors at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College, on Saturday, March 11.
The winner will punch their ticket to the Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton to compete in the New York State Class B Final Four.
Sun Sports Contributor
Frank Speziale Photo
NORWICH- The upcoming game for the Regional final is a chance for Norwich’s for the Tornado to make trip to the NYSPHSAA State Championship game – something that hasn’t been done since the 1993-94 season, and resembles something very similar to the last four regional match-ups that Norwich has had – against perennial Section III powerhouses.
And when tip-off ensues at 1 p.m. at the SRC Arena of Onondaga Community College there will be a mixed feeling of revenge and disdain.
Both the Westhill Warriors and Purple Tornado have long dominated their respective intersectional competition. The Warriors have been dominate against the Class B schools in Section III, winning their seventh sectional title in the past nine years this past Sunday, March 5.
Meanwhile, the Tornado achieved their fifth sectional title in six seasons a week ago today.
Over the past three showdowns between the two teams, Westhill controls a 2-1 lead; with their two wins coming during the most important games: Regional playoffs.
Norwich won a 60-51 decision last year during the regular season. However in 2013 and 2014, Westhill beat Norwich in the two aforementioned Regional finals by a combined four points and in one of the contests needed overtime to take down the Tornado.
Unlike the Westhill teams of past, the Warriors aren’t considered to have a dynamic scorer such as their previous state championship guard; Jordan Roland. However, the Warriors are keen at masking their secret weapon in Sean Dadey who only averages 11 points per game on the season – Dadey exploded for 26 points in their sectional championship game against Chittenango. Dadey wasn’t only just their leading scorer on the game, he was also the main offensive facilitator.
One factor that goes without question is that this Westhill team can move the ball very well. Their guards are well disciplined under the tutelage of head coach Kevin King with their ‘Run & Gun’ style offense. They aren’t afraid to push the tempo and always look to make the extra pass if it ensures them an easy bucket on offense.
Other scorers for the Warriors include big men Kameren Jackson and Zechariah Brown. Jackson is their leading scorer at 13 points per game and Brown especially is noted for knocking down the trifecta – as he was responsible for more than half of Westhill’s three-pointers in their game against Chittenango, John Geer is also another option to shoot beyond the arc – a player who had 11 points against Norwich in their most recent outing, and guard Antonio Scrimale can attack the rim.
That being said, any of these four players present an offensive threat and their bench can provide instant energy in a pinch.
The Westhill defense is heavy on ball pressure in mostly the half-court setting and aren’t afraid to press in the full court either. Zach Falkenburg of Chittenango – the head of the Bears offense received double coverage whenever he had the ball on offense, as Westhill limited his scoring ability throughout the contest. Falkenburg who averages 22 points per game – was held underneath that average scoring 17. Westhill is able to pressure guards impressively well and present a tall task for the Purple Tornado on Saturday.
The positives for Norwich yet again is their offensive and defensive presence inside the paint. 6’6” senior Chris Jeffrey will be the tallest player on the court. Ideally, keeping Jeffrey out of any foul trouble would be prime for Norwich. The combination of Jeffrey, Tre Bonham, Dashawn King, Ky’sawn Veale and Michael Carson have all played in a Regional game before and understand the importance of this game – having been burned by Bishop Grimes last year 69-60.
Out of the remaining Tornado hoopers – Jeffrey scored seven points and Bonham scored two in last year’s match-up with Westhill. Norwich has the experience of playing in a regional game over a still young Westhill team.
With Norwich failing to reach the New York State Sports Writers list of ranked teams until this past week- entering at number 24 despite beating number eight ranked Waverly.
Meanwhile, Westhill has climbed to the second slot with a 22-1 record. The Tornado will need every ounce of focus in order to keep pace with their respectable foe in Westhill. Norwich is once again seen as the underdog and maintain a steady chip on their shoulder as part of it.
For both teams, the regional championship game is nothing new, something that has made both programs contenders for a State title in Binghamton next weekend. The Tornado will tip-off at 1 p.m. against the Warriors at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College, on Saturday, March 11.
The winner will punch their ticket to the Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton to compete in the New York State Class B Final Four.
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