By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Last season proved to be a special one for Norwood basketball.
The 24-6 Pirates reached the Class 2 final four for the first time in school history and defeated North Andrew in the third-place game.
For head coach Shane Chadwell, the experience only made the team eager for another shot.
Finishing third in Class 2 with a 24-6 record, we were happy but not satisfied,” Chadwell said. “We return four out of five starters and feel our taste of success has only made us hungry for more success.”
While Norwood graduates Jalen Drake, Zack Black and Josh Bradshaw depart the program, expectations are high with the majority of Chadwell’s roster returning.
The Pirates will be led by all-state senior standout Garrett Davault.
The 6-foot-3 Evangel University signee averaged 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists last season.
“Garrett is arguably the best player to ever come through here,” Chadwell said. “He wants to win more than any kid I have ever coached. He once again will be key to our success.”
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
McBride will be joined by returning classmates Justin Chadwell, Max McGown and Jacob Sinning.
Justin Chadwell, a 6-foot-3 forward, averaged 8.0 points and 5.0 rebounds last season.
“Justin has gotten stronger and become more of an offensive threat this off season,” Coach Chadwell said. “He once again will be key to our success, as he plays extremely hard every possession.”
At 5-foot-10, McGowan averaged 3.0 points, 3.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds last season quarterbacking the Pirates’ offense.
“Max’s leadership as our point guard, and ability to guard the other team’s best guard, is such a big factor for us,” Coach Chadwell said. “We will look for him to score more for us this year, and become more of an offensive threat.”
Sinning, a key reserve, will move into a more prominent role for the Pirates. He averaged 8.0 points and 5.0 rebounds last season.
“Jacob came in last season and gave us some really big lifts off the bench,” Coach Chadwell said. “If he can play with high energy every night, he can be a big factor for us.”
Junior Gavin McGraw, Norwood’s second-leading scorer at 12.0 points per game last season, also returns.
The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists, as well.
“Gavin shot the ball really well this summer and is a really strong kid,” Coach Chadwell said. “He once again will be a factor for us offensively.”
A pair of incoming freshmen could be poised to make impacts at the varsity level, as well.
Peyton McDaris and Noah Drake, both 5-foot-9 guards, will look to contribute this season.
“Peyton has a very high basketball skill level,” Coach Chadwell said. “He can handle the ball really well and gets to the rim for his age and size. He can also be a great on ball defender.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
“Noah can hit the open 3. He shot it really well for us this summer, and we will look for him to get some open looks and hit some big shots for us. He is also a great defender. These two will
have to adjust to the physical play of varsity basketball, but I feel they will get it by playoff time.”
Seniors Andrew Hooker, Dylan Calhoun and Brayden Wehrer will also compete for varsity minutes.
“We have high expectations this season,” Coach Chadwell said. “We return a lot of our core guys, and I think we have a chance to be more balanced offensively. Last year’s group bought in to accepting their roles. I think if we can do that we have a chance to be pretty good.”
Norwood tips off its season Nov. 19 at home against Sparta.
