By Chris Parker
Norwood boys basketball had a season for the history books last year. The Pirates posted a 31-1 record on the way to winning the Class 2 state championship in a thrilling 64-63 victory over Bernie.
“It was an historical run,” Norwood head coach Shane Chadwell said. “We were blessed to have such great support from the community. A lot of alumni were able to come out and watch the state championship game. It was great to see a small community come out and support us and bring a state championship back to Norwood.”
A large group of nine seniors departed the program leaving behind an enduring legacy.
“They brought the first state championship ever back to Norwood,” Chadwell said. “This group will forever have a picture hanging in the gym for their kids and grandkids to see, and a great story to go with it.”
While the loss of all nine seniors will be felt, it will be especially difficult to replace Garrett Davault. The Class 2 Player of the Year averaged 24.2 points, 6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game last year.
“You don’t replace a guy like Garrett overnight, but he set a great example of what working hard can do for an individual,” Chadwell said. “We return some talented players who will have some high expectations this year.”
Leading those talented returning players are Gavin McGraw, Peyton McDaris and Noah Drake.
“Each one of these guys played a big role in our success last year,” Chadwell said. “They are no stranger to big moments”
McGraw averaged 10.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game as a junior. He was named honorable mention all-conference.
“He (McGraw) knows what it takes to win and we look to him for leadership,” Chadwell said.
McDaris scored 5 points per game to go with 2 rebounds and 1.5 assists as a freshman.
“Peyton McDaris has a high basketball IQ. He is a true leader and will run the point for us,” Chadwell said. “We will look for him to be a big part of our offense this season. He is also a great on-ball defender.”
Drake scored 5.3 points per game in his freshman year.
“Noah Drake is also a great shooter and defender,” Chadwell said. “He will also be asked to step up and lead our team on both sides of the court this season.”
Dillon Bennett is the team’s only other senior this season.
“We will ask him to be a defensive specialist for us a lot of nights,” Chadwell said.
The sophomore trio of Cooper Vaughan, Gunner Bradshaw and Riley Stidham will be varsity newcomers making an impact this year.
Chadwell on Vaughn: “Cooper is an extremely good shooter who has the ability to create and find his open teammates. He sees the floor really well. He also will be a key factor for us.”
Chadwell on Bradshaw: “Gunner had a good summer for us. He will have to play in the post and stay out of foul trouble. He can score around the rim and be a big rebounder for us.”
Chadwell on Stidham: “His length and inside presents will help us, once he learns our system I think he will fit in really well.”
This young group showed marked improvement over the offseason.
“Each one of our guys grew up over the summer, both physically and mentally. This group has something to prove,” Chadwell said. “We have multiple guys who can score the ball. We will look for everyone to have big games on different nights.”
Norwood opens its season on Nov. 22 at home against Plato.
“We may be young but our goal is to out work people each night we step on the floor,” Chadwell said. “I am excited about the upcoming season. This group knows everyone will be out to get us after last year success, but they are ready for the challenge.”
