Photo credit Kaelyn Kissack
By Joanna Chadwick
For the Derby girls basketball program, consistency at the highest level has become the expectation and this season was no different. Finishing fourth at the state tournament for the second time in three years, the Panthers once again proved they belong among Kansas’ elite.
Under coach Bryan Chadwick, who just completed his third season leading the program, Derby has now gone fourth, second, and fourth in 6A.
“This was one of my most fun years as a coach,” Chadwick said. “It didn’t end the way we wanted, but making it to the Final Four for the ninth time in 11 years is something to be proud of.”
Chadwick, who brings 35 years of coaching experience, has built his approach around more than just wins and losses. His philosophy centers on developing a program rooted in toughness, discipline and unity while also preparing players for life beyond basketball.
“I want to build something that lasts,” Chadwick said. “Not just a team that wins games, but a program people are proud to be part of. Success is about growth — how players respond to adversity, how they lead, and how they carry themselves.”
That mindset showed throughout the season as Derby battled through a schedule filled with challenges. The Panthers picked up key wins, including strong performances against Andover and a dominant showing against Washburn Rural in the sub-state championship.
However, the state tournament didn’t unfold the way Derby had hoped.
“We struggled against Shawnee Mission South and East,” Chadwick said. “We just didn’t make enough plays to win.”
Even so, navigating a season with a mix of youth and experience proved to be a valuable step forward for the program.
“Our biggest challenge was balancing our youth with our growing experience,” Chadwick said. “We’ve made tremendous progress, but we have to keep focusing on the small details that separate good teams from great ones.”
Looking ahead, the program is firmly in place. Derby returns a strong core that includes Aysia Fox, Maya Harris, Alex Dinsmore, Siaunna Carter, Sarai Graham, Xoey Watie, Ashlyn Bohaty, and Macey Van Metre — a group Chadwick expects to take the next step.
“We expect them to be competitive, hungry and driven,” he said. “We still have some unfinished business. This summer will be crucial.”
As the program continues to build, the goal remains the same.
“Our aim is to compete for a state championship every year,” Chadwick said.
