The first game of Derby’s state tournament started like any other game.

The offense came out firing on all cylinders while stifling the opposing offense. Derby jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead, and the team did its thing.

Then Shawnee Mission North pulled out the big guns. Derby had trouble stopping the twins of Shawnee Mission North, Marcus and Michael Weathers.  The twins showed their size, skill and sheer athleticism while combining for 49 points and 17 rebounds.

Not only did Derby struggle on defense, but also the offense sputtered while shooting a measly 35 percent. After losing the lead halfway through the first half, Derby never re-gained it.

Although being down most of the game, Derby players remained cool, calm and collected. Derby opened the second half much like the beginning of the game a fiery offense and lockdown defense.

Once two minutes into the second half Derby lost its mojo. While the rest of his senior class was on the floor, Garrett Green stayed positive, yelling encouragement to his teammates.

The loss did not show on Derby players’ faces until two minutes were left in the fourth quarter. Players started to tear up, some because that was their last game as a Derby Panther, others because they felt bad for the seniors.

In the loss, Derby flashed some of its future talent, with Kenyon Tabor scoring five in the last minute of the game. Although one season ended, the next is right around the corner. With some younger guys getting a taste of the state tourney from the bench Derby looks to return to state next year and leave with a little more than a consolation prize.

Commentary by Owen Berk