Peyton Scott leads Ducks to NCAA tournament victory

Peyton Scott, a key player for the Oregon Ducks, experienced a special moment before their NCAA tournament game against Vanderbilt. She was surrounded by family and friends, feeling their support as they cheered for her. Scott expressed how emotional it was to see her loved ones, especially her grandfather, Terry Davidson, who has been a Duke basketball fan for many years. Growing up in a small town in Ohio, Scott bonded with her grandfather over Duke games. She remembers spending nights at his house, enjoying snacks, and cheering for Duke. This past game at Cameron Indoor Stadium was particularly meaningful for both of them, as it was Davidson's first visit to the arena and Scott's debut in the NCAA tournament. Scott has been playing basketball since she was five. After playing on a boys' team in elementary school, she joined the Cincinnati Angels AAU team, where she caught the attention of college scouts. She played four years at Miami (Ohio) and transferred to Oregon, where she faced challenges, including an ACL injury that sidelined her for a season. Despite these hurdles, Scott has become a leader for the Ducks, surpassing 2,000 career points. In the recent game against Vanderbilt, she made key plays that helped secure the win. Oregon's coach praised her as the team's heart and soul, highlighting her hard work and determination. Looking ahead, Scott will face Duke, the school she once dreamed of attending. Her grandfather, a loyal Duke fan, will support her during this game. Scott attributes her resilience and work ethic to her family and her upbringing in a small, close-knit community. She continues to embrace her roots as she pursues her basketball dreams.