GLEN GRUNWALD
Hutch Post
DERBY, Kan.
— It was a hard-fought game in Derby, but the Panthers walked off the court with a piece of the AVCTL-I title alongside Maize after a 53-46 win over Hutchinson Friday night.
It was a grind for the Panthers in the matchup against the Salthawks, similar to the 59-56 loss in Hutch earlier this season. With Derby leading 48-44 with 43 seconds left to play, Derby senior Jameer Clemons drove down the lane and scored a layup that drew a foul in the process. Clemons hit the free throw to create the separation the Panthers needed. A pair of free throws by Deshawne Titus sealed the game for Derby.
Hutchinson behind Nic Lange's huge 8-point 3rd quarter had tied the game going into the 4th at 38, but 4 quick 4th quarter turnovers hurt the Salthawk's chances. Those giveaways combined with Derby's Dallas Metzger hitting his 4th three pointer of the game and a Deshawne Titus three pointer pushed Derby to the win, as the Panthers outscored the Salthawks 15-8 in the final quarter.
Hutchinson is now 11-8 and will play at home on Wednesday, March 2nd in the first round of sub-state. They'll find out who they play Saturday. Derby is now 13-7 and will also host a 1st round game in sub-state.