Open Notebook: Derby High School
*Photo Credit to Jared Weinman* Derby, Kansas — I had the opportunity to sit in a practice last week and it was easy to see why Derby is always a contender at some point in the season. Head coach, Brett…
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Continue Reading*Photo Credit to Jared Weinman*
Derby, Kansas — I had the opportunity to sit in a practice last week and it was easy to see why Derby is always a contender at some point in the season.
Head coach, Brett Flory, knows what winning looks like and is both feet in when it comes to his players’ individual and team success.
In my opinion, somewhat of a perfectionist in nature, Coach Flory has a team this year that is bought in and hungry for some success.
Josh Osborn (2019) gets the lion share of attention at this point, and from what I saw, rightfully so. The 7’0” big man has a soft touch around the rim, looks pretty skilled, and has shown early in the season that he is a gamer and can rise to the occasion.
While Derby doesn’t seem to have one go to shooter to surround Osborn, they do have guys that can step up and make shots.
Clayton Hood (2019), is a rapidly emerging small college prospect who impacts both sides of the ball. He’s arguably the best perimeter defender that Derby has to offer, can step up and make shots, and create opportunities with good athleticism.
Tre Washington (2020) is coming off of a fantastic football season and will bring a lot of athleticism and explosiveness to the hardwood at the guard position and anchor the backcourt. Sophomore Lem Wash will bring a lot of the same qualities that Tre brings to the table as the 5’11” athletic guard with a muscular frame and a great burst to get into the paint.
While Blake Chadwick (2021) is the shortest player on Derby’s roster, he will be one to watch throughout this year and over the next two years. The 5’9” guard can play solid perimeter defense and has a good stroke that will continue to be refined as time progresses.
Nick Bonner (2020) may be one of the states biggest stock risers when it’s all said and done. Off to a solid start this year, Nick is a good all around guard who can impact the game defensively but also has a good all-around game offensively and will be a big part of the run to the state tournament for Derby.
Last but not least, Derby has a lot of great young talent but a couple guys stood out in particular. Amari Thomas (2022) is only 6’3” as of now but plays bigger than that and for his age is ahead of the curve, already getting varsity minutes.
He seems to enjoy being on the block and doing things other players typically don’t enjoy and he’s becoming more comfortable on the wing as well. Once he gets more varsity playing experience, his decision-making and feel will improve and really be a dangerous player.
The other name to keep in mind is Kole Barger (2022) who has really good size for a freshman guard, is bouncy, and will be a dangerous shooter for the next four years.
Derby always finds a way to be in the conversation no matter the personnel and it seems like this year will be no exception as Coach Flory will have the troops prepared for war as the season progresses.