Prospect Spotlight: Heather Mills (2020)

<span style="font-weight: 400">A rising senior point guard, Derby standout Heather Mills is gearing up for a strong senior season after helping the Panthers reach the Kansas 6A state tournament a year ago.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">At 5’5, Mills is capable of knocking down open 3-pointers, can handle the ball and takes pride in her defense and motor.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“ I strive to be the motor, or energy source, for my teammates and myself,” she said.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">A year ago, Derby went 23-1 overall and captured third-place as the Panthers rallied from a semifinal loss to Washburn Rural to knock off Olathe Northwest in the season finale. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“Last year— last year was my favorite season of basketball,” Mills said. “Although we didn’t win state, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The chemistry we created and the close friendships are what set last year apart from any other season.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Mills said she worked with her team this offseason as she focused on working out with the Panthers instead of playing club basketball. The team competed at Pittsburg State and several league games. Mills says the expectations are high this season at Derby despite the loss of several key seniors.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“I’m super excited for the upcoming season,” she said. “I believe we will play well together as a team. We focus day by day. Every practice matters and every individual game matters.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Mills says the biggest influence on her basketball to date has been head coach Jodie Karsak.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“(Karsak) has been my biggest influence,” Mills said. “She has helped me establish my role on my team. She not only coaches me at the game of basketball but is coaching me for life. She has helped build mine and my teammates character.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Mills says she enjoys watching former Derby standout Kennedy Brown compete at Oregon State.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“She was not only my best friend at Derby, but she helped me improve my game each day,” Millssays. “She pushed me, showed me the right way to do things, and encouraged me. Watching her makes me so proud because I know how hard she worked to get there. Her work ethic is contagious and my goal this year is to continue to work as hard as she pushed me.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">While she does not currently hold any offers, Mills has drawn some interest from several college volleyball programs.</span> &nbsp;