DERBY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Lady Salthawks saw a fast start undone by relentless defensive pressure Tuesday night as Derby pulled away for a 58-42 victory in girls basketball action.
Hutchinson jumped on the Panthers early, racing to a 17-5 lead midway through the first quarter behind crisp ball movement and transition scoring. Derby responded by cranking up the defensive intensity, switching to a tight full-court press that flipped the momentum.
The Panthers used the pressure to force turnovers and ignite a 16-2 run to close the quarter, regaining the lead at 21-19 midway through the 2nd quarter. Hutchinson steadied itself in the second quarter and trimmed the deficit to one, heading into halftime trailing 31-30.
Derby took control after the break, continuing to suffocate the Salthawks offensively. Hutchinson managed just six points in the third quarter and six more in the fourth as the Panthers steadily built separation to pull away down the stretch.
Danae Morgan led Hutchinson with 18 points, accounting for nearly half of the Salthawks’ scoring on the night. Derby was paced by Siaunna Carter, who came off the bench to score a game-high 17 points and spark the Panthers’ second-half surge.
Hutchinson will now have time to regroup, as the Lady Salthawks are off until the McPherson Mid-America Classic begins a week from Thursday. Hutchinson’s opening-round opponent has yet to be determined, but could be host McPherson or Olathe South.