Aiden Derkack Electrifies in Victory Over La Lumiere at Metro Classic

Coverage by: Antonio Morales

In an electrifying game, Colonia High School left an indelible mark on the Metro Classic, stunning the crowd and the competition. Facing off against the highly acclaimed La Lumiere, a powerhouse team studded with top-tier talent, including the formidable Darius Adams, Colonia was clearly the underdog.

The game commenced with La Lumiere taking an early lead, showcasing their prowess with a structured offense and aggressive defense. Despite the initial setback, Colonia didn’t let the scoreboard dictate their spirit. The first half was a testament to their resilience, ending with a slight edge to La Lumiere at 33-26.

Aiden Derkack, Colonia's standout performer, was instrumental from the get-go. His remarkable ability to break through La Lumiere's defense kept the Patriots in the game. Derkack’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, amassing a total of 33 points by the game’s end, outshining the dual McDonald’s All-Americans on the opposing squad.

The turning point came in the final quarter, where Colonia, trailing slightly, shifted gears dramatically. Derkack, alongside his teammates, orchestrated a 16-point surge while holding La Lumiere to just 5 points. As the Patriots trailed by two in the final seconds, Derkack drove to the bakset to score on a lay up under the rum and drawing the foul which led to the win. This incredible comeback was fueled by Aiden's bright performance as he was relentless in the finals minutes. 

As the final buzzer echoed through Franklin High School, the scoreboard read 51-50 in favor of Colonia, marking a significant victory against one of the nation’s elite teams. This game didn’t just add a win to Colonia's record; it sent shockwaves through the high school basketball community, highlighting their capability to compete and conquer at the highest levels.

The match was a clear signal to all: Colonia is a force to be reckoned with, capable of turning the tide when it matters most. With this victory under their belt, the Patriots look forward to carrying this momentum forward, proving their mettle in upcoming challenges.

Aiden finished the game "feeling great". He states"from the start when we scheduled this game, no one thought we would win but we came to shock the world. We have been working for weeks and were not done, we still have counties and states ahead."