Darnell Mcleod's role as a good teammate has helped Perry to a spot in Dayton

 

(Darnell Mcleod during OHSAA tournament game. Photo: Tavin Mccully)

PERRY TWP, Oh--Having a role on a championship team is key, teams thrive when all hands have a solid role and play with chemistry, that is the role that Perry's Darnell Mcleod has excelled, helping his team for a chance at a state title. 

This Perry team having won just 14 games and a 15 seed says a lot about the grit this team has. The winners of their last five games, this team is truly an underdog story.

"My role on this team is work hard, play good defense," said Mcleod. "Just be a good teammate to others."

When they scored a victory with a game winning 3-point buzzer shot by Luke Wolf versus Warren Harding, people started to believe in this team, but Mcleod already knew, "I knew from the beginning playing in the summer that we have a very good team and are very well connected," he said.

He has some incentive also being the son of a pro basketball player, Keith Mcleod (1998) who played and starred for Canton Mckinley High School under then head coach Dave Hoover, would have some impact on his all around game, with his dad playing at every level.

"My dad plays a big role without him I wouldn't be here right now, same with my mom," he said. "But my dad has always been there for me and supported me through the rough games and good games I've had," he continued to say.

Now the time is to focus on bringing a state basketball title back to Perry, which has a chance to be the Federal League's fifth state champion within the last 20 years.

Mcleod who has averages of 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds will have to put out a defensive master class going up against Westerville's Tai Perkins, the Central District and OCC Capital Player of the Year with backcourt teammate Micah Young. 

(Perry's Darnell Mcleod showing defensive side against Dover's Luke Leggett in a regular season game. Photo: Chuck Cordes - Ohsfbmedia.com)

He understands the assignment and the meaning of 'teammate' going into battle, "Not everyone is able to play in the state championship, so definitely a great moment to experience," he added.

The Panthers will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21 the 3rd game of day as they will see if they can do a Stark County sweep with Louisville playing in the tip-off game at 1:00 p.m. at University of Dayton Arena.