Derby

8A
The Valley Center Hornets put together a strong, steady performance Thursday night, defeating the Derby Bulldogs 35–26 in a matchup defined by defensive pressure and timely scoring. Valley Center opened with a narrow 9–7 lead after the first quarter but quickly found its rhythm, using active hands and improved ball movement to build a 22–11 advantage by halftime.
The Hornets appeared in full control early in the fourth quarter, stretching the lead to 14 before Derby mounted a late push to trim the deficit. Still, Valley Center remained composed down the stretch, closing out the game with disciplined possessions and resilient team defense.
Averie Dewey anchored the Hornets on both ends, collecting 7 rebounds to go with 10 points and a game-high 5 steals. Gia Hall added 5 rebounds and a free throw, helping hold Derby to limited second-chance opportunities. Zoey Nelson contributed 3 steals and 3 assists, while Tessa Black matched her with 3 assists of her own.
Offensively, Kylie Skladzien led all scorers with 13 points, providing consistent scoring throughout the night. Nelson and Layla Becker each chipped in 4 points, Josslyn Lewis added 2, and Hall and Black rounded out the scoring with 1 point apiece.
The win moves the Hornets to 5-4 on the season.

8B
8th Grade B had an exciting finish at Derby, winning 20-18. Hayley Johnston secured the victory hitting two free throws in the last seconds of the game. Hayley finished the night scoring 11 with Kyler Menges, Peyton Gonzalez, and Layla Becker adding 2 points each and Ryleigh Ray with 3 points. On the defensive end, Josslyn Lewis had a great game playing aggressive, moving her feet, getting steals, and securing lots of loose balls. The team as a whole has been playing more aggressively and pulling down more rebounds.

7A
The Hornets opened the game with a slow first half, taking a modest 10–5 lead into the break. After halftime, Valley Center found its spark. Point guard Kendall Merrifield ignited the offense, pushing the tempo and creating opportunities that led to an explosive 29-point second half.
Merrifield led all scorers with 23 points, controlling the floor and setting the tone for the Hornets’ turnaround. Sophia Fellows added 8 points, providing steady scoring and energy on both ends. Kate Stratton provided relentless intensity and chipped in 4, while Madison Truman and Laura Garten contributed 2 points each.

7B
The Valley Center Hornets 7th Grade Girls B Team faced a tough challenge Thursday night, falling 30–22 to the Derby Bulldogs in a game defined by defensive pressure and second-chance opportunities.
Evie Taylor led the Hornets with an impressive 9 points, consistently attacking the basket and providing needed offensive spark. Despite her efforts, Valley Center struggled to maintain momentum due to an unusually high number of turnovers that disrupted their offensive flow. Missed passes and rushed decisions allowed Derby to convert mistakes into points on the other end.
Rebounding also proved to be a significant obstacle for the Hornets. Derby controlled the boards throughout the game, often securing two or three attempts on a single possession. The Bulldogs’ dominance inside made it difficult for Valley Center to close the scoring gap.
Although the final score didn’t land in their favor, the Hornets continued to compete with energy and grit. The matchup provided valuable experience as the team looks to tighten up their passing game and capitalize on rebounds defensively.