Norwich’s Josey Ryan led the team with 28 points in the 60-49 win over Sidney. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH—The Norwich Purple Tornado girls' basketball team opened up a new season at home against Sidney on Wednesday night. Despite being non-league opponents, both teams played highly competitive and aggressive in the first game of the season.

With several ties in the opening few minutes, Norwich built a comfortable lead throughout and were able to secure a 60-49 win late in the fourth quarter.

Norwich saw some nice three's early on from Josey Ryan and Brooklyn Burke straight off the bench along with drives inside by Josey set up from great defense on the other end of the court by Emma Urgo.

Urgo and Josey just worked together nicely with Urgo able to tip the ball and Ryan able to take it away and find her way to the basket.

Josey had 16 of her total 28 points on the night in the first half, where Norwich led by 13, 29-16.

Sidney became more aggressive in the opening minutes of the third quarter, forcing Norwich to commit mistakes and come up with defensive rebounds to make it a six point game.

Norwich built the lead back up with Josey Ryan and Sidney's Isabella Conroy trading buckets, along with some help from Urgo.

Both teams also went to the free-throw line multiple times with Norwich having the most chances, going 11-for-29 with Ryan making seven of her 13 attempts. Sidney was 10-for-18.

Sidney had chances as Norwich's lead kept being cut to six again, but each time, Norwich would come up big on defense or picking up offensive rebounds.

Alivia Burrell fought for an offensive rebound late in the game and was able to find Kerragan Reid for two. Brynley Ryan also had some nice shots late in the game as well.

Josey Ryan led Norwich with 28 points as Urgo finished with 13. Kerragan Reid finished with seven points as Brynley Ryan had six points and Brooklyn Burke added five points.

Alivia Burrell made one free-throw to contribute in the win.

Norwich (1-0) hosts Sus Valley next Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. as they continue a three-game home stand.

Congratulations to Coach Abby Flynn on her first win as she is coaching Norwich girls' varsity this season.