All City 1978 & 1979

All State 1979

Truly one of the finest players to ever grace the basketball court in the history of Nebraska high school basketball. Voted by Journal-Star readers as one of the t0p four players in Nebraska over a forty year period. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court on a team many felt was the best to ever play in Nebraska high schools. In the 1978 season, he helped lead the Spartans to a 19-4 record and the Class A state title, grabbing 227 rebounds and being selected All-City. During the 1978-79 season he continued his aggressive play, leading his team to 16-0 regular season record and entry into another state tournament. His team-leading 336 points (18.7 avg) earned him All-State and All-America honors. Throughout his career, Derek scored 676 points and gathered in 510 rebounds.