By Kyle McCaskey

Derby’s guards were finding their shots at will against Andover Central on Jan. 17. Hannah Jimenez knocked down a season-high 16 points, and Madi Greenwood added 15.

Only this game, Derby lacked production from its post players. It continued a revolving door trend for the Panthers. As a team, the collective whole struggle to be on target on the same night.

“It seems like we have one or two girls on, and everybody else is off,” said Jessica Fuller, Derby head coach. “It’s not the same people every time.”

Andover Central picked up a 60-51 win over the Panthers, but Derby (3-6) gave it a run for three quarters.

Jimenez drained a 3-pointer three minutes into the second quarter to give Derby a 19-18 advantage – its first lead since a 1-0 score to open the game. However, it would be Derby’s final one.

Andover Central claimed a 29-25 lead heading into halftime. Alyxis Bowens brought Derby within one out of the break with a 3-point play. Later, Greenwood nailed a 3-point shot to tie the game at 33. The Jaguars clung to a 37-35 edge after three quarters.

Down 43-40 in the fourth, Derby’s offense began to stall and the defense sagged. An 8-0 run essentially finished off the Panthers.

“We need to learn how to win some of these close games,” Fuller said. “We’re with these teams. We have just a little mental lapse.”

Two statistics troubled Derby throughout the game. The Panthers committed 22 turnovers, while Andover Central played a fairly clean game, giving the ball away 10 times. And while Derby won the rebounding battle overall, the Jaguars collected 15 boards on the offensive glass.

Together, it allowed Andover Central to take 18 more shots from the field than Derby. 

Along with her scoring punch, Jimenez recorded eight rebounds. Her offensive development has been a welcome addition to the Panther attack.

“I think she’s figured out that she can do both. She can go to the basket and post up, and she can shoot from outside,” Fuller said. “She’s getting some confidence in some things she can do, and is feeling comfortable shooting the ball.”

The Panthers also received a boost from junior guard Kennedy Long. A vital part of the rotation the past two seasons, Long missed the first eight games of this season with a leg injury. She scored two points and grabbed six rebounds in her first game back. 

“We’re looking to her to get some points, but she’s also one of our best defenders,” Fuller said. “She’s a little timid right now, which is understandable since she’s been out for so long. I think once she gets comfortable and gets going, she’ll be a big part.”

Derby will play in the Topeka West Capital City Tournament this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

 

JV girls score tournament championship

Derby won the Rose Hill Junior Varsity Invitational this past week, sealing the championship with a 35-29 victory over Andover Central on Jan. 17.

Makenzie Holcomb notched 11 points for Derby against the Jaguars, while Bailey Hansen added 10.

The Panthers opened the tournament with a 50-42 win over Rose Hill on Jan. 14. Freshman Tara Greiving stole the show, scorching the Rocket defense for 27 points, including all 16 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter.

Also on Jan. 14, Derby defeated Circle 48-40. Greiving scored 13 points.

Varsity Girls

Andover Central 60, Derby 51

Jan. 17 at Derby

                   1   2   3   4   Final

Andover C.   14 15  8  23    60

Derby          12 13 10 16     51

Andover Central: Gee 14, Evan Stamp 12, Snodgrass 8, Huelskamp 7, Kretchmar 7, Palmer 3, Masen Stamp 3, Pedersen 2, Zarich 2, Glenn 2

Derby: Jimenez 16, Greenwood 15, Holcomb 8, Liebst 5, Bowens 3, Hansen 2, Long 2

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