By Chris Parker
Norwood boys basketball had a roster with no seniors last season, but that did not stop the Pirates from winning 17 games.
This year, those same players return looking for even more.
“We are all taller, stronger and faster, and look like upperclassmen this year,” Norwood head coach Shane Chadwell said.
Peyton McDaris and Cooper Vaughn each earned first-team all-conference honors as juniors.
“Peyton guards really well and has really developed his shot from the outside. Cooper is a really good shooter and very athletic,” Chadwell said. “We will look for these guys to lead us and do whatever it takes to win.”
Senior guard Noah Drake is a versatile weapon.
“Noah Drake can play at any position,” Chadwell said. “He shoots it really well and can score inside. We will look for him to be just as big of a part as Cooper and Peyton.”
Gary Williams and Gunner Bradshaw are a pair of post players who will provide presence inside.
Andrew Bradshaw enters his junior year coming off a strong summer. He brings good shooting to the team.
Carder Kelly and Pierce Lawson are a pair of returning juniors. Both are strong scorers with Kelly shooting the three and Lawson being a left-hander who can get to the rim.
Junior forward Hunner Finch along with sophomores Laken Coatney, Remington Hill and Brady Vaughan and freshman Carson Vaughan will all be newcomers looking for minutes.
“I think our depth is our biggest strength,” Chadwell said. “We have several guys who could find themself in the rotation.”
Norwood hosts a jamboree on Nov. 19 with Fair Grove, West Plains and Willow Springs. The Pirates open the regular season on Nov. 22 at home against Dora.
