Boys’ Basketball
Norwich 54, Union-Endicott 41
NORWICH – Norwich christened the newly-named Jack Jones Gymnasium at Norwich High School with a quality win over Union-Endicott Monday night in the Tornado’s final tuneup before sectional play.
Patrick Coates had his third straight 20-plus point night leading NHS (14-5) with 21 points. Coates scored in every quarter hitting from the inside and outside, drives to the basket, and spot-up three-pointers. Nate Foote added 10 points and Vaughn Labor nine.
“We’re excited with this win,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott. “(Union-Endicott) has some talented athletes, so to play as hard and as well as we did, we’re happy with that.”
Jones served as Norwich’s director of athletics and physical education from 1989-2000 before retiring. He returned for three interim stints and earned the admiration of Norwich coaches, teachers, administrators as well as players from his days as a basketball coach at Sidney High School. Several of those dignitaries from Jones’ past were on hand to speak about a man they respected.
“Having the ceremony for Mr. Jones was special for everybody,” Abbott said. “He totally deserves all that he gets, and for us to come through with a victory makes it all the more special.”
Norwich began to pull away late in the third quarter when Foote hit a layup and followed that up with a three ball making it 42-36 at the end of three quarters.
Coates, David Carson, Vaughn Labor, and Cory Dietrich tacked on points during a 7-2 start to the fourth period to create a double-digit bulge.
Norwich limited Union-Endicott to just five points in the final quarter, and held the Tigers scoreless the final 3 1/2 minutes.
Abbott spoke glowingly of his starting point guard, Tim Clark, who had his second straight scoreless game. Still, Clark was the focal point of the Tornado’s offense and defense. “It’s amazing the impact Timmy has on a game without scoring a point,” Abbott said. “The things he does on the court are so important, and with Patrick, Nate, and Vaughn putting the ball in the basket, we’re a darn good team.”
Norwich’s junior varsity club plays in the STAC playoffs today at 2:30 p.m. against Horseheads at the Broome County Arena.
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