BINGHAMTON– The Norwich boys were in full force both offensively and defensively as they traveled to Binghamton high school to beat the Binghamton Patriots 86-71.
“Once we stopped turning the ball over, we really started pounding the ball inside,” said Norwich boys head coach Brian Collier.
The big guys for Norwich, Jamison Luke and Chris Jeffrey, did just that for The Tornado combining for 20-points. 18 of which Luke picked up with the spare 2-points coming from Jeffrey on the foul line.
“Obviously Jamison had a really good game and Chris played really well, and Carlos had some big shots for us. Once we slowed them down a little and made them play in the half court I think we had a big advantage,” explained Collier.
Norwich would impressively lead The Patriots the entire game, however, only slightly and not counting the brief moment when the game was tied midway through the second half.
Norwich would have 35-29 lead going into the second half of play, partially due to the hot play from senior Carlos Ithier who netted 11, of his team leading 23-points, in the first quarter alone.
“We definitely like to shoot the three, but once we started getting it in we start winning games and thats when we start pushing it. We have to wear the teams down, and once we wear them down then we start beating them in the paint,” said Luke following the game.
Despite giving up a quick 5-points to The Patriots to start the third quarter, Norwich would cruise to a semi-comfortable lead.
Norwich would take the slight lead into the fourth quarter where they extended it slightly and seemed to settle into a rhythm, as they fluctuated right around an 11-point lead throughout.
Norwich would close close out the game scoring 11-points to Binghamton's four, to win 86-71.
With this win over Binghamton, Norwich advances to the STAC finals to be played in Binghamton this coming Friday, Feb. 12, against Elmira. Elmira advances after they beat Johnson City 57-53, last night as well.
This marks the third year in a row Norwich has advanced to the STAC finals as they look to make it three consecutive years of walking away STAC champions.
“It would mean a lot to me and my team because we have always wanted to have a 3-peat and make history for Norwich. We just gotta play good defense and not struggle to guard Elmira or JC. It doesn’t matter who were playing, just need great defense the whole game,” said Ithier following the game and prior to knowing the outcome of the other semi-final game.
“Very special for our kids. Obviously our program has come a long way and has been very good for a long time. But we have got that elevated the last couple of years and we have had a chance to do things we have never done in the schools history before.” said Collier. “We played Johnson City earlier this year and Elmira we played earlier this summer, they are very good. Both teams have tremendous athletes and tremendous basketball players. Hopefully we will be able to rise to the challenge on Friday night.
Score by quarter:
