Derby Returners Get Work

Spring tournaments are allowing varsity returners to perfect their craft. Returners to the Derby program are populating several of Kansas’ top clubs. Their team went 10-8 last year, falling in sub-state to the loaded Campus team that won state. Here’s a look at some of the Panthers who are honing their skills this spring: [player_tooltip player_id="891900" first="Fontaine" last="Williams"], 2022, 6-foot-1 guard, Kansas Players (pictured): The top returner for Derby, Williams earned honorable mention 6A last season after averaging 16.4 points per game. The long, flashy guard is almost impossible to keep out of the lane. He has an ankle-breaking crossover and a nice spin dribble. He’s quick and wiry, but pretty strong as well. Williams can create a ton of opportunities for himself. Williams is the leader of the Kansas Players. [player_tooltip player_id="891908" first="Jameer" last="Clemons"], 2022, 5-foot-10 guard, Midwest Magic Elite - Hernandez: Second-leading scorer on last year’s team, Clemons brings a lot of energy and grit. He never gives up on a opposing drive to the basket, and somehow blocks shots at the rim. He’s a standout defender who can handle the ball and create opportunities for teammates. He never backs down for Midwest Magic when going up against top competition. [player_tooltip player_id="891920" first="Amari" last="Thomas"], 2022, 6-foot-4 forward, Kansas Players: The third leading scorer last year, Thomas is a solid presence in the lane. He blocks shots and annoys drivers. Offensively, he has good hands and moves well. Thomas averaged 10.2 points per game last year, and led Derby in rebounds and blocks. [player_tooltip player_id="1195610" first="Trent" last="Parke"], 2022, 6-foot-1 guard, Midwest Magic Elite - Hernandez: Another talented guard returning for Derby, Parke is showing his smooth ball handling and intelligent play for Midwest Magic. He’s a ball hawk on defense, intercepting passes and pestering drivers. Parke has a nice, versatile offensive game and understands the role of the point guard. Deshawne Titus, 2022, 6-foot-1 guard, Kansas Players: Yet another guard who got a lot of playing time for Derby last year, Titus will build upon his 3.7 points per game as a junior. The highlight of the sweet shooter’s season was an explosion off the bench for 12 late points to defeat Wichita Southeast in the playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id="1080191" first="Caleb" last="Brown"], 2023, 6-foot-3 forward, Team Buddy Buckets: Brown got in a lot of games as a sophomore. He’s got length and can get up, making him a nice option in the post. He also can drive and make things happen. He may be a nice change of pace for the guard-rich panthers. George Nikolov, 2022, 6-foot-7 center, Midwest Magic Elite - Resa: Perhaps a key to Derby’s next season, Nikolov could be the interior presence this team of brilliant guards needs. Nikolov is a hard-working big man. He is showing with Midwest Magic that he can be a force on the boards and an inside-out option. He can float to the perimeter and knock down the three. He’s agile and powerful, with a nice jump hook. He didn’t make much of an impact last year, but he might be a difference-maker next year. Trey Hill, 2022, 6-foot-1 guard, Kansas Players: Hill got sparse PT last year, but has a lot of talents. He’s a good outside shooter and a shifty ball handler. He is demonstrating that he can make a difference at both ends for the Kansas Players. Jasiah Shields, 2023, 6-foot guard, Oz Elite - Brown: Shields got in a handful of games as a freshman, but recorded no stats as a sophomore. He is a dangerous perimeter threat and is effective at driving and kicking the ball to open shooters. He’s a versatile scoring threat.