Freshmen Peyton McDaris comes up clutch to help lift Norwood Pirates to a state title.
Recently named to our Fab Five Freshmen list, Norwood’s Peyton McDaris proved worthy of Rob Yanders’ praise, displaying icy veins and a willingness to step up when his team needed him most. The result was the first state championship in his school’s history - in any sport.
In Norwood’s semifinal bout with College Heights, McDaris hit clutch free throws. In the Class 2 State Championship game against Bernie, McDaris was 6-6 at the line (with four coming in the final two minutes), but it was his last play that will be remembered.
Down one with 24 seconds to go, McDaris stole the ball and was able to find teammate Garrett Davault for what would wind up being the go-ahead layup. Davault finished with 24, capping an excellent career for the Pirates.
“We were in a half-court press; we’d been pressing all game,” McDaris says of the big play. “Emotions were running high. Both teams were up and down with every lead change. Our press finally got them to mess up, and I saw an opportunity to get the ball and find Garrett for the shot.”
McDaris says that being a champion is a great feeling. “Not many freshmen get to say it,” McDaris says. “It was a great opportunity and has been super fun.”
A Yanders Law product, McDaris’ growth as a player over the past few years has been dramatic. His late-game production would be an exclamation point on that growth, but this is far from the end.
Asked where Peyton gets his confidence from, his Father, Levi McDaris, says that some of it is natural, but most comes from the unseen hours of work.
“He has been through years of very hard work with (Rob) Yanders and The Basketball Movement,” Levi McDaris says. “Hours of work every week has been difficult. It is a big commitment financially and with our time, but we have seen a difference, and we are glad to be able to do it.”
“It is a big commitment for us, but honestly, it is a really big commitment for (Peyton),” McDaris says. “Getting done with regular practice or other sports and sometimes driving over an hour to Springfield when he still may have homework to get to afterward… There are many nights where I know he doesn’t feel like it, but the hard work has been worth it. Nothing has been better for my son.”
Peyton’s Dad reflected on the beginnings with Yanders Law and the prospect of playing bigger, better players from all around the country. “He wasn’t ready at first,” McDaris says. “By the end, he knew how to play at that level, and it shows now.”
Asked how Yanders Law has prepared him for big moments, Peyton credits the drive and commitment of the coaches. “Coach Rob and Coach Craig (Smith) have a different kind of drive that they push you with,” Payton says. “You don’t always realize it while you are there in it, but the results definitely show when you’re out.”
Peyton’s story is one we have heard before. We are always proud to see one of our gym rats succeed, whether in sports or life. Making the trek from Norwood to put in the work is a special kind of commitment. It reminds us most recently of Isaac Haney’s time driving in from Dora, which culminated in a D1 basketball career.
“The work I’ve put in - several nights every week has prepared me for those moments,” McDaris says. “It is second nature; I don’t have to even think about it anymore.”
Peyton McDaris is on our Fab Five Freshmen list for a reason. Congrats to McDaris, Davault, their teammates, and all of Norwood for this accomplishment. Levi McDaris noted a buzz around the community, and it is deserved.
Stay tuned for more stories from local players helping their teams make strong “postseason” pushes as the final games conclude!