It was an honor they didn’t quite grasp until the MHS Boys ‘92 basketball team was called out on the court.  After more than 30 years since their incredible undefeated season and championship win, the 13 players, managers and coaches have since moved on from their big win, but the awesomeness of the accomplishment has never gone away.

 Beginning in 2001, the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) established the “Legends of the Game” award, an honor given to outstanding basketball teams of the past.  The only requirement to be nominated for the award is that the team must have played more than 30 years earlier.  Important considerations to receive the award include the teams overall record, player and coaches accomplishments, and state championship wins.

It can take several years of nominating a team before it is considered for the award and even longer before it is chosen.  But on their first attempt at the nomination, the MHS ‘92 was selected to be the 2024 “Legends of the Game” because they had a truly remarkable season. 

Through their season, players overcame serious injury and illness, had record breaking shooting games, approached 100% free throw shooting and a near perfect offensive and defensive execution.  While there were individual stand out players, every member of the team played a part in their victorious season.

Decades later, all but two of that ‘92 basketball team returned home to Idaho Saturday, March 2 in celebration and honor of what they together accomplished.  With complimentary hotel stay and banquet provided by the IHSAA, the team reveled in the moments of the past and the opportunity to catch up with their longtime teammates.  

Gathered in the top box of the Idaho Ford Center in Nampa, Idaho for their team banquet, Head Coach Terry Jones took some time to reflect and talk about that special season and to once again thank everyone for the part they played, from the players to his assistant coaches to the managers and to even his dear wife that, in her words, “washed a LOT of jerseys back then.”

The celebration and honor was given in conjunction with the 5A State Boys Basketball championship game between Owyhee and Timberline high schools.  As the game broke for half time, Coach Jones led his team around the sports arena to the applause of the packed stadium to midcourt where they were individually presented with a medallion and plaque to commemorate them as “Legends of the Game.”  Current Malad Athletic Director Dallan Rupp was also presented with a banner, later signed by the ‘92 team, to be hung in the Malad High School gym.

Justin Jones, a major contributor to the ‘92 season, said, “What a tremendous opportunity to see all of our team again!  It brings back so many amazing memories of our hard work, team work, friendships, and the joy we had playing this great game.  What a special moment in time representing the Malad Dragons and what a special moment to be recognized as Legends!  I wanted to thank all of our team, coaches and managers. My heart is full of gratitude for each one of them!”

Lamont Kotter said it well as he shared, “It was an incredible experience to see all of our team again and to share in that special experience. I’m excited to put my plaque and medallion next to my trophy cup where I’ll see it often and think of them all.  I express gratitude for the opportunity I had to be coached by such good men and to be friends and teammates with such a great bunch of guys. 

“My heart was full as I thought about all the experiences we had together and how those experiences helped to shape my life. I have been richly blessed by the associations of good people like these men. I’m grateful to know each of them and for the time we had together on and off the court.”