Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 29, 2024 Saugus High sensation: Peyton DiBiasio blazes trails across multiple sports By Dom Nicastro S ophomores are probably premature candidates for GOAT talk. Saugus’ Peyton DiBiasio shatters that thinking, though. How could she not be in the conversation? Three years into her Saugus High School basketball career, DiBiasio, 16, has an all-star and two All-Conference selections under her belt. Yes – all-star as an eighth-grader and All-Conference as a freshman and sophomore. The point guard and Ms. Everything on the court helped the Sachems to back-to-back Northeastern Conference championships and the program’s first postseason victory in recent memory this season. She averaged 17.8 points per game, five rebounds and four assists this season. “Peyton’s a great kid, and she’s an all-around athlete who obviously contributes tremendously to any team that she’s on,” Saugus High School Athletics Director Terri Pillsbury said. “We’re happy to have her here. She’s a great asset for us to have.” DiBiasio does it all on the court. She can score in the 30s, controls the game tempo with her excellent ball-handling skills and court awareness and gets her teammates involved making great passes. Basically, she’s Caitlin Clark in red and white. She not only stands out on the basketball court but also exhibits impressive adaptability and dedication across various sports disciplines. Multi-sport versatility DiBiasio’s inaugural volleyball season last fall is particularly notable. Despite having no prior experience, she quickly became an integral part of the team, contributing to Saugus High School’s historic tournament appearance. Her ability to transition seamlessly into a new sport, learn rapidly and make significant contributions speaks volumes about her natural athleticism and work ethic. Initially unfamiliar with the game, DiBiasio was grateful for the supportive team and coaching staff, which allowed for a rapid learning curve. DiBiasio’s natural athleticism was put to good use, starting in the front middle position due to their ability to jump high A young Peyton started playing basketball around the time she learned to walk. and hit the ball hard, and later adapting to play front right as the team’s strategy evolved. “Playing volleyball this year was really fun,” DiBiasio said. “The transition was a little tough since I had never really played before but over time it felt natural and had seemed like I had been playing forever. I was very happy to have been a part of history this season and helping the program make that first tournament appearance they had been waiting for.” Basketball: a focused ambition While DiBiasio’s athletic endeavors span multiple sports, her heart and ambitions lie firmly in basketball. Her decision to pursue track and field in the off-season, over her previous engagement with golf, is a strategic move aimed at enhancing her basketball performance. This choice underscores her commitment to refining her skills and physical capabilities with the ultimate goal of playing basketball at the collegiate level. DiBiasio’s involvement with AAU basketball, particularly with the MCW Starz, further illustrates her dedication. Competing against top Division 1 prospects and participating in high-profile tournaments across the country has not only honed her skills but also significantly contributed to her personal development as a player. She’s competed in tourneys like Run 4 The Roses in Kentucky, and other tournaments in Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indiana. “Playing point guard is the toughest job on the court,” DiBiasio said. “There’s a lot happening each trip up the court, and I have to read the defense to see what’s available. It’s also my job to know everyone’s responsibilities on each play so if ever someone is out of place, I have to help direct them to the right place, otherwise our plays won’t work.” DiBiasio explained that being adaptive is crucial in basketball, as each game requires different tactics. She emphasized the importance of control and the ability to read plays, whether it means being aggressive on the offense to get shots or draw fouls, or passing to teammates in a better position. She noted that her approach is to always aim for the paint, but she adjusts her strategy based on the defense’s setup. Trusting her teammates and coaches is also a key part of her game management, ensuring they make the right plays to win. “My style is always first trying to get to the paint no matter what,” she said. “It’s just a matter of what the defense is doing when I get there. If they are collapsing on me or playPeyton DiBiasio takes a shot from the point for the Sachems. ing a box-and-one, then I’m looking to drive and kick to my shooters. But if they are not … and I can get to the basket and either score or shoot free throws, then we can have success that way, too.” DiBiasio said that having eight seniors on her high school team made the season special. She reminisced about playing with some of these seniors since she was in second grade, highlighting the bond and shared growth in their basketball journey. Making history with a state tournament home win was a standout moment (58-12 over North High of Worcester), in addition to an NEC Lynch Division title, a feat not achieved since 1984. DiBiasio expressed pride in contributing to the team’s legacy and is gratified to have been part of a group that improved the program for future players. “We’ve seen and been through a lot together,” DiBiasio said. “We’ve had some tough losses but a lot of big wins, too. So there have fortunately been more happy locker rooms than sad ones. … In the end I was happy I could help send eight great players and teammates out on a very high note. They really helped build the program, and I’m very happy to have played a part in it. Our goal should be to leave the program in better shape than when we arrived, and I think this year’s team has helped do that.” Mentorship and personal growth The role of mentors in DiBiasio’s athletic journey cannot be overstated. From her first coach, Erik Stockwell, who recognized her talent in second grade, to the impactful guidance of coaches Mark Schruender, Norma Waggett and Joe Lowe, these figures have significantly influenced her growth and success. These mentors have provided not just technical coaching but also life lessons, instilling in DiBiasio a sense of responsibility, dedication and the importance of hard work. She praised Coach Paul Moran – now coaching in Marblehead – for never missing an opportunity to coach her and making the learning process enjoyable. Schruender not only taught her in eighth-grade math but also served as her head coach for two years, granting her the opportunity to play varsity basketball at just 13 years old. Her journey in the AAU circuit began in fourth grade with Evolution, where different coaches contributed to her development, building her confidence and skills. As she progressed, she joined the MCW Starz, where she’s been exposed to a higher level of competition and coachPEYTON DIBIASIO | SEE PAGE 11
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