The Panthers boys basketball team (5-2) has one of its toughest matchups tonight when it plays Wichita South (4-4) at 8:30 p.m. at Koch Arena tonight in the City League-AVCTL challenge.

“I think the perception, at least that’s out there, is that City League is considered a basketball league and our league is considered a football league,” Derby coach Brett Flory said. “Every year that I’ve been here, that gap has closed I think. We’ve always been very competitive in this event.”

City League basketball teams tend to play fast, and there’s no doubt that the Panthers can take the speed and fight on the court.

“No one plays faster than us,” Flory said. “That’s our deal, that’s why we’ve been successful against City League teams because we play like one… we’ve been successful in this event because we are not scared of them, and I think that’s pretty important.”

The Panthers play few non-league games during the regular season, but the ones they do have will prove to be an advantage later during the postseason.

“It’s great. These are the kinds of teams you could potentially see at the state tournament. The more styles of play, you can face the better,” Flory said.

Looking forward to the game, there’s one goal and it could help the team in long the run.

“A win, first of all,” Flory said. “Secondly, if we rebound the ball and play tough and have a successful night, it could be a good confidence boost as we head into the second half of the season.”