NORWICH – The Norwich girls varsity basketball team hosted their longtime school rivals the Oneonta Yellowjackets this past Sat. Jan. 20, at 7 p.m., with the Tornado emerging with a 46-23 victory.

“Could have gotten out a little better offensively but on the defensive end we were very sharp,” said Norwich head coach Josh Bennett.

Despite Coach Bennett's call for more points on the offensive end, Norwich impressively came out shooting as they racked up a 15-4 lead in the first quarter.

“A little sloppy at the start offensively but I think not having played in nine days it took us a bit to get a feel for things on the offensive end,” said Bennett.

Norwich would close out the first half racking up another 14-points, while holding the Yellowjackets to a mere 3-points.

Megan Komendarek and Makenzie Maynard ran the floor in the first half for the Tornado, as the pair scored 9-points a piece.

Norwich's playoff opener was all but in the bag when the girls stepped back on the court after the halftime break, as they lead Oneonta 29-7.

The defense loosened up as the game went on and bench players entered the game. However, despite Oneonta scoring slightly more often with some starters resting, the bench players for Norwich held their own. This depth on the bench is going to play a huge factor as the Tornado girls continue to push further into the playoffs.

Norwich would close out the win allowing 16-points in the second half while netting an additional 17-points, as Norwich would defeat Oneonta 46-23.

Next up for Norwich is a rematch against Susquehanna Valley, as Norwich moves to the semi-finals of the Section IV class B playoffs. The Norwich girls will play Sus. Valley on the road at 7 p.m. on Wednesday Feb. 24.

“Last time they killed us with their pressure on defense. We have to take care of the ball on offense and rebound better to win,” said Bennett.