The Derby Invasion varsity men started off 2009 with a gritty 57-51 win at Pretty Prairie on January 6th.  Derby started fast with full court pressure, forcing numerous turnovers and led 19-12 after the first quarter.  The Invasion extended this lead to double digits in the 2nd quarter, led by Kyle Barger, but early foul trouble prevented Derby from blowing the game open and Pretty Prairie was able to hold together long enough to head into the locker room at halftime, down 34-23.  The 3rd quarter saw Pretty Prairie step up the pressure with its half court trapping defense.  The home crowd also sensed a comeback as the Bulldogs cut the Derby lead to only 44-41 by the end of the quarter.  However, the 4th quarter belonged to the Invasion as Coach Brian Swallow made frequent substitutions in the post and at guard that kept Pretty Prairie off balance and provided scoring opportunities both in the paint and on the perimeter.  As time wound down, the Bulldogs were forced to foul and Sean Michaelson made 5 of 6 free throws to seal the victory for Derby.  The Invasion were led by Michaelson with 15 and Barger with 13.  Josh May added 8 points and 10 rebounds from the post.  With the win, the Derby men move to 8-2 on the season as they prepare to host the Reno County Sabre’s Friday night at Calvary Baptist in Derby.

In women’s action, the Lady Invasion fell to a very talented Lady Bulldogs squad 66-43.  Pretty Prairie started off with full court pressure which resulted in several easy layups and also executed well in the half court offense and led 34-16 at half.  Derby battled back in the 3rd quarter behind the scoring and rebounding of senior post Debbie King and guard play led by Leah Pauli but the Lady Bulldogs were always able to respond and maintain their lead throughout the 2nd half.   King led Derby with 23 points followed by Pauli with 13.  The Lady Invasion are back in action Friday night against Reno County.