By Robert Jeffrey
Sun Sports Contributor
ONEONTA- During their win over Seton Catholic on Wednesday, the Purple Tornado offense reigned supreme as their offensive efficiency and ball movement was incredible for those who looked on during the team’s most important game to date. However, with Section IV seeding still up in the air and with every game counting for a potential number one overall seed, the Purple needed their offense to show up on Friday night, as Norwich traveled to rival Oneonta. The Tornado proved to be victorious over the Yellowjackets 51-38, but the game remained close for the first two quarters of play.
The Tornado offense started off hot in the first quarter scoring 15 points. The duo of Ky'Sawn ‘Pop’ Veale and Dashawn King aided the Tornado – combining to score 10 points in the opening frame. The Yellowjackets, mustered up nine points of their own to keep the contest within an arm’s length.
The second quarter proved to be the moment the ‘Jackets waited for – stinging the Tornado for 14 points while only allowing the visitors to score nine points in the quarter. Teddy McGraw came up huge for Oneonta in the quarter, scoring all seven of his points on the night in the second period of play, guiding the Yellowjackets to only a one point deficit as the Tornado lead was down to one point; 24-23 as both teams headed to the locker room at the first half’s end.
With the Tornado offense struggling at the end of the second quarter, the Purple turned to creating offense through their defense. The Purple Tornado forced Oneonta turnovers – causing the host Yellowjackets to cough up the basketball 11 times in the contest. Four of those steals once again came from the elusive and sneaky freshmen in J.T Vinal.
Add in the Purple Tornado’s effort on the defensive glass – pulling down 24 total defensive boards and having Vinal, Chris Jeffrey and King record five or more defensive rebounds in the ballgame.
Toss the Tornado rim protector in – Jeffrey who used every bit of his 6’6” frame to change incoming Oneonta shots , while sending three unsuspecting Yellowjacket shots back. The addition of all three of these Tornado defensive qualities equaled a 15 point second half for Oneonta. Compare that to Norwich’s 27 point second half offensive production.
King scored 11 of his game high 17 points on the night in the second half alone after only scoring six points in the first half of play.
Jeffrey led the Tornado with total rebounds at 11, nearly recording a double-double with nine points. Tre Bonham led Norwich with four assists on the night, while also recording nine markers of his own in the win. Keaton Mark led host Oneonta in scoring with 12 points.
Norwich (14-4 overall) begins the Southern Tier Athletic Conference tournament on Wednesday February 8, hosting Ithaca with tip off scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
