Dragon fans packed the stands as they supported the MHS students and athletes for the final basketball game of the season against  Aberdeen High School.  At the close of the game, there was no denying what a terrific night it had been.  Fans enjoyed great music from the pep band, impressive dance moves from the drill team, rallying cheers by the cheer teams, a fired up student body and an exciting ball game from the boys basketball team.

Seniors of the boys basketball team, the Dragonettes, and cheer team were recognized and commended for their dedication to their teams, their efforts for learning their sport, and for the memories they made throughout their high school careers. The athletes, coaches and fans also joined together in a moment of silence to honor past MHS coach and longtime dragon fan, Bob Sorenson who passed away earlier in the week.

 The Dragons took to the court to face off against the Tigers having previously faced them in late January.  From the tip off the game was aggressive on both ends of the court.  The play was dominated by a strong defensive game from both teams.  It wasn't until there was just under two minutes left in the first quarter when senior Jace Williams pulled up and hit a three pointer to finally put Malad on the scoreboard.  As the quarter came to a close, the score was Malad 3 to Aberdeen 7.

 The Dragons were quick to come out and score in the second quarter Jace Williams shooting again from behind the arc.  As the players began to drive to the basket, they could see how Aberdeen was slow to collapse in to cover the key, giving Malad opportunities to get a shot off.  Malad’s defense was top notch as they played throughout the night, spreading Aberdeen thin across the court.  They were quick to cover the inside with the first sign of key penetration, making the Tigers work for every chance to score.  

 As the second quarter began to wind down, the intensity of the game went up.  Riley Cluff dominated the game on the block, keeping Aberdeen from scoring and grabbing all rebounds within reach.  His teammates stepped up as well, causing Aberdeen to take rushed shots and forcing turnovers.  With only a minute left in the half, the Dragons were working the ball around when Baylor Bean found Braylin Tripp open on the block.  Braylin went up for the shot and missed after being fouled, putting in his two shots from the free throw line.  

 The team went on defense and began to anticipate the Tiger’s play.  Braylin took a chance and jumped in, stealing Aberdeen’s pass out to the wing.  He took off down the court only to be pushed and fouled from behind.  The Dragons inbounded the ball and quickly passed it around the arc when Jace Williams found an opportunity to drive to the basket to work in a short jump shot for two points and to tie the game up with ten seconds left in the half, leaving the score Malad 13 Aberdeen 13.

 Malad got scrappy as play continued in the second half.  Bridger Bastian defensively covered the court well, causing chaos wherever he played, whether it was making Aberdeen pick up the ball early coming down the court, trapping deep into the corner, picking up steals on a Tiger fast break and sneaking in for the weak side rebounds.  The team’s hard work kept Aberdeen on their heels and slowed their offensive game.  Malad’s scoring was slow throughout the third quarter as well.  Jace Williams once again drove into the key, working around the defense to lay the ball up off the glass for another two points.  On Aberdeen’s next possession, Malad again stole the ball for another quick two points.  The Dragon’s closed out the half by bringing the score to Malad 20, Aberdeen 24 as Braylin Tripp hit a three pointer with less than a second left.

 Dragon fans were on their feet as the last quarter play began.  The boys team had been playing an energizing game, a game with fight, aggression and confidence that only got more exciting through the final quarter. 

 Early on Baylor Bean was fouled as he drove to the basket and attempted to lay the ball in, scoring as he shot from the free throw line.  Bidger Bastian, also scored for the Dragons as he was fouled bringing the ball down the court.  MHS spirit and grit flooded the gym as the team, cheered on by their fans, made some big stops and sent a clear message to Aberdeen that they would fight to the end.  

 As Jace Williams was defending deep in the key, he blocked Aberdeen’s shot to take it back down into Dragon territory.  Baylor Bean was passed the ball in the corner where he drove the baseline past Aberdeen defenders to bank it in for another two points.  One minute later, Malad again swatted away the Tiger’s attempt to score and take it down to put points on the dragon scoreboard. With time ticking down the Dragons continued to fight but struggled to catch the Tigers, Aberdeen eventually winning 39 to 32.

 Following the game, the coaches and athletes had a lot to share about the game.  Coach Tony Gibbs said, “I couldn’t be more proud of the boys and the efforts they made tonight.  They left everything out on the court and did a great job.  It was a great last game for the season.”  Coach GIbbs had been stressing to the team throughout the season how important it was for them to be learners of the game, constantly studying their own play and their opponents. He could see them doing just that throughout the game as they worked to break down Aberdeen’s press, find ways to create scoring opportunities and to tighten up their defense.

The players commented on what a fun game it was to play. The energy and fun didn’t just come from what was happening on the court but also by the rallying spirit the fans brought to the game.   The students of the pep band, cheer and drill teams, the ESPN spoof sports reporting crew along with those cheering along in the stands helped to make this a game to remember.