Norwich and U-E line up for the jump ball (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH– The Norwich Purple Tornado unified basketball team had a big crowd at yesterday’s game against the Union-Endicott Tigers.

Norwich and U-E played four eight minute quarters, where U-E won 50-44 in a tight game that came down to the final minutes.

Both teams had aides and coaches for support on the bench while each team had partners on the court to assist the athletes.

For the Purple Tornado, Quincy Carnachan was their partner. He pumped up the team and made sure everyone had the chance to score. He also scored a three-pointer to put the Tornado within two points.

Norwich’s Josh Lawton played a great game with 10 points. He scored a two-pointer at the buzzer with the help of Quincy to end the first quarter. Lawton also dribbled the ball out on his own a few times and took it right to the basket for the score.

Anthony Berg led Norwich with 14 points while teammate Ryan Smith threw up a three-pointer to put the Tornado up 40-38 with three minutes left.

But, U-E tied it right back up and held the lead.

Andrew Fochtman and Kylie Lawton also contributed with two points for Norwich.

Norwich hosts Owego next Monday May 16 at 5pm as the Tornado will add two more partners to their team.