Valley Sports ReportNORWICH — Waverly led by five points heading into the fourth quarter, but Norwich closed the game strong to rally for a 64-51 win here Friday night in STAC boys basketball action.
The game pitted two of the best Class A teams in Section IV. Norwich improves to 12-3, while Waverly falls to 10-5.
"Heading into tonight’s’ game, I knew the sectional implications and felt the winner of tonight’s game would be in the driver seat for the 3-seed," said Waverly coach Lou Judson.
"The game had a playoff feel to it and there’s a lot we can learn from it.
"I was very pleased with our effort and poise through three quarters," noted Judson. "I felt we outplayed them and should have been up more than five points going into the fourth (quarter).
"However, in the fourth, (Norwich) became much more aggressive defensively, and we didn’t handle it as well as we did earlier in the game.
"There’s a lot more I could elaborate on, but I already shared my thoughts and displeasure toward the end of the game," added Judson. "I also have too much respect for our school district and the game of basketball to share anything further."
Senior Carter Davies scored five points in the first quarter, and senior Hogan Shaw and junior Ben Shaw added four points apiece to help Waverly to a 17-15 lead after the opening eight minutes.
The pace slowed in the second quarter, and Waverly outscored Norwich, 9-8, to take a 26-23 lead into the halftime locker room.
Hogan Shaw scored seven points, including a 3-pointer, while Ben Shaw scored four points and sophomore Jack Pipher added a 3-pointer as Waverly outscored Norwich, 18-16, to take a 44-39 lead into the final eight minutes.
The Purple Tornadoes knocked down a pair of 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter, then made 11 of 12 free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Hogan Shaw led Waverly with 13 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Ben Shaw, who was 6-for-6 from the line, had 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, and Pipher had eight points, three rebounds, and four steals.
Senior Porter Daddona added six points, 11 rebounds, and two assists for the Wolverines, while Davies chipped in with five points and six boards, and freshman Braiden Judson had three rebounds.
Kassen Stubb led Norwich with 18 points, while Aiden Young scored 12 points, and Carmine Pastore added 11.
Waverly returns to action Wednesday when it hosts Oneonta.
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IN PHOTO: Waverly's Ben Shaw. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
