DERBY — Senior Chris Burley looks to be in late-season form although its still January.
Burley, a state champion two years ago at 119 pounds and a second-place finisher last season at 120 during the Class 5A state championships, captured first place in his new weight division, 126, during the two-day Derby Invitational on Friday and Saturday.
He beat Bryce Morgan of El Dorado 5-2 for first place.
Junior Kade Sander, a second-place finisher at 138, along with senior Bryce Hofmeister, a second-place finisher at 160 and Greg Burley, a junior and Chris’ younger brother, look to be right on schedule, too. Sander lost a tough decision to Garden’s AJ Hurtado in the title match; Hofmeister fell to Kalin Collins of Wichita South by fall; and Greg Burley decisioned El Dorado’s Kyle Macy, 4-2, to take home third place.
Brothers Burley led the Panthers to a third-place finish with 109 points. Arkansas City won the invite with 185.5 points, followed by Garden City with 140.5.

Great Bend to host
Hays tonight in hoops
Great Bend High School’s basketball teams play host to Hays tonight in their home opener.
The Lady Panthers’ game with Hays tips off at 6, followed by the boys game at around 8.
The GBHS girls are 3-3 overall, 0-1 in Western Athletic Conference play. The Panthers are 1-5, 0-1.

                                             — Mack McClure