By Chris Parker
Norwood boys basketball is coming off a strong season with a 24-3 record that ended with a two-point loss to Hartville in the district title game.
“We had a really good season,” Norwood head coach Shane Chadwell said. “We finished 24-3. Although it did not end the way we wanted, our season was not defined by one game. These seniors put a lot into our program and helped prep those underclassmen.”
Those seniors include Cooper Vaughan, Peyton McDaris, Gunner Bradshaw, Gary Williams and Noah Drake.
A quartet of seniors return to lead the team this year including Carder Kelly, Andrew Bradshaw, Pierce Lawson and Hunner Finch.
“We will look for our seniors to be leaders,” Chadwell said. “Most good teams have a senior who shows up and brings it every day and we have a few of those guys this year.”
Kelly earned honorable mention all-conference honors last season.
“He (Kelly) has gotten stronger and shoots the ball really well,” Chadwell said. “He has become more physical, and we will look for him to be a leader for us.”
Andrew Bradshaw is a 6-foor-1 guard.
“He (Bradshaw) can also shoot it really well and has a great mid-range,” Chadwell said. “He will be a big factor for us.”
Lawson is poised for a breakout season.
“Pierce can shoot it and is crafty with the basketball,” Chadwell said. “He is long and can guard. We really look for him to have a breakout year.”
Finch will look to have a healthy final season.
“Hunner has battled some injuries, but if he can stay healthy he can give us some important minutes in key situations throughout the year,” Chadwell said. “He is a great kid and knows his role, something that is key for most good teams.”
Juniors Remington Hill, Brady Vaughan and Laken Coatney along with sophomores Carson Vaughan and Drae Bradshaw will be newcomers to varsity.
Chadwell on Hill: “What he may lack in size, he makes up with his toughness. He plays hard and will run the point for us.”
Chadwell on Brady Vaughan: “Brady had an outstanding summer. He shot the ball really well and played bigger than his 6’2 frame.”
Chadwell on Coatney: “Laken also had a great summer and has really grown since last year. He will be a big factor for us.”
Chadwell on Carson Vaughan: “Carson is a tough kid and can guard. We will look for him to give us some big minutes.”
Chadwell on Drae Bradshaw: “Drae will do whatever is asked of him. He can shoot the ball and may be asked to give us important minutes throughout the year.”
This group will give Chadwell good depth to work with.
“Once again, I think our depth will play a big factor,” Chadwell said. “We have eight guys who could be on the floor and could see themselves in the rotation.”
Norwood opens the regular season on Nov. 21 at home against Dora.
“I am really excited for this group to get their chance to shine,” Chadwell said. “They have played behind a really talented group, and I think they are ready to prove themselves. We have to be physical. We play a tough schedule, and we have to match people’s physicality. We do have to focus more on controlling the boards, but with this group we have several guys who could average 10 rebounds a game. We need to get multiple shot attempts on fewer possessions. We also need to limit opponents on one shot per possession.”
