NORWICH – On Friday, the Norwich Purple Tornado boys’ basketball team hosted the first round of sectionals against league opponent Windsor. Norwich, who earned the third seed in the Section IV, Class A tournament, swept the series against Windsor during the regular season. With the season on the line, Norwich did not let its home crowd down as they picked up the 68-46 victory to advance to the next round.

It was also Norwich’s final game at home since they advance to play the #2 seed Maine-Endwell on the road.

Both teams showed their speed, taking the ball quickly down the court and finishing. Windsor saw early success with the long ball and defensive rebounds, but Norwich played great defense, seeing blocks from Graham Burton and steals from Burton, Kassen Stubb, and Cooper Chrystie. Zak Myers even had a block off the bench. Norwich also had a solid rhythm going in the first with driving inside for the jumpers.

Norwich showed great teamwork with helping each other out, especially tipping in the ball when their teammate gets knocked down. Kassen Stubb was there for Steven Dowdall for the tip in.

Norwich started building a comfortable lead halfway through the second quarter, forcing Windsor to turn the ball over consecutive times and maintaining momentum offensively. Stubb had 12 points just in the first half alone.