By AUSTIN IRVIN
At Bellefonte High,senior basketball player Derek Cox, is lacing his shoes up one more time for the Red Raiders in hopes to lead them to a district championship and more.
Derek was one of the main key players in his season last year. Unfortunately, it ended in heartbreak during the district championship game against the Central Mountain Wildcats. Keeping that tragic loss in mind, Derek is mentally and physically prepared to get the Red Raiders back to that stage.
The Red Raiders would start the new campaign off against familiar foe, Central Mountain, in a rematch of the district championship game. In the high-scoring battle, Derek would lead the team in scoring with 20 points in a close loss to the Wildcats.
“This year we have a bunch of seniors who have been playing together for a while now. We may not be the strongest or tallest team but I feel like our chemistry together will allow us to have a pretty good season. I’m excited for the rest of the season and what’s to come,” Derek said.
Although it was a tough loss, the team as a whole had its many bright moments shaping for what they hope to be a very successful season with Derek letting his presence known.
While Derek makes a huge impact on the court for the Red Raiders, he also leaves a positive impression and is a friend to other players. Senior and fellow teammate, Jacob McConnell, commented on the difference Derek makes.
“Derek is a really good teammate and he really helps the team,” Jacob said.
Derek will look to continue his success and get the Red Raiders back on the right path after a tough three game stretch falling to the Central Mountain Wildcats, Selinsgrove Seals, Tyrone Golden Eagles, and a close overtime loss to the Bishop McCort Crushers.
The Red Raiders win so far this season came against the Clearfield Bison, despite the slow first half the Red Raiders would dominate the second half which would lead to a blowout win with a final score of 62-45 and Derek would lead the team in points with sixteen.
The work he put in during the off-season will not go unnoticed making more of an impact then he already did last year as a junior.
“Throughout the offseason I participated in our summer league in Altoona, playing one game a week. I also participated actively in our offseason workouts that began in the late summer to start of the season. This allowed me to get more comfortable with my teammates and work on stuff I need to improve this season” Derek said.
While Derek will not only be one of the best in Bellefonte Red Raider Basketball but in all of the Bellefonte Athletic programs for the 2023-24 year and get Bellefonte Basketball where they belong, on top of the district.
