The Malad Dragons had their final week of the 2022-2023 season as they faced off at home and again in Soda Springs against the Cardinals.  The Dragons hosted the Cardinals for their final game of the regular season and then played them a second time in a play in game for the spot in the upcoming district games.

As it was the last home game, the team began the night by honoring their senior players.  Jaden Ward, a guard, had played for the Dragons all four years of his high school career.  Austin Jacobsen, a scrappy defender for the MHS team, played all but his sophomore year on the team.  Gavin Coackley, moved to Malad just prior to his junior year, giving Dragon basketball two years.  The three seniors suited up together to start their final game on their home court.

The two teams came off to a slow start, ending the first quarter with Malad ahead, 7-6.  Braylin trip attacked the basket, managing to drive down the left lane, and passed the defense twice to lay up the ball.  Baylor Bean dropped down into the deep corner to sink a three pointer to pull ahead of the Cardinals.  The Malad Defense did well to keep Soda Springs from scoring opportunities in the opening quarter.

The second quarter took off much more quickly for the Dragons.  Once again, Tripp found that sweet spot off the glass as he took the ball down the left side of the key, followed by two sunk free throws two possessions later.  Ben Peterson put in a jumper from behind the arc for Malad, to bring the score up to 14-16 midway with just under five minutes left in the quarter.  Not long after, Peterson nailed a second jump shot from the corner of the free throw line as he came off the screen by senior Austin Jacobsen.  

The Dragon defense worked hard to close the gaps and frustrate the Cardinal offense as they worked the ball around.  Ryan Hubbard made some key stops on the block.  In one instance, his man was passed the ball under the basket and Hubbard was nothing but immovable and solid.  The Soda player attempted to fake up and around Hubbard, but there was no moving the junior defender and the player was forced to get rid of the ball before losing it.

Coming into the second half with the score of Malad 19, Soda Springs 26, the Dragons came out ready to tighten up the gap.  The team managed to hold the Cardinals scoreless for the first four minutes while they worked their way up with a big three from Jaden Ward.  After a missed shot by the Cardinals, Peterson managed to come up with the ball after scrapping for the long rebound.  He quickly passed it up to Bean who then connected with Tripp just ahead of him down the court.  Leading him with his pass, Tripp dished it back over to Bean who put it in to end the fast break with a Dragon score.  With one minute to go, Malad was able to tie it up at 28 points but Soda Springs managed two more points to end the quarter, 28-30.

As the fourth quarter was played out, the Dragons energy, focus and discipline began to wane.  Small mistakes, both offensively and defensively, allowed the Cardinals to take control of the game and take the win with the final score, Malad 37, Soda Springs 45.

Coach Zach Beutler admitted it was a tough one to go out on, that those mistakes like turning their back to the ball, not executing their offense and getting into foul trouble really cost them when it came down to it.  The team has had a lot of challenges to face and overcome this season, such as illnesses, injuries and other issues that kept players from the game.  The coaches were forced to shuffle their athletes around, trying to fill the gaps the best they could from week to week.  Had the players health and other factors been different, it could have been a very different season for the Dragons.

Speaking of his senior players, Coach Beutler had nothing but praise and gratitude for their hard work on and off the court. “Jaden was a captain this year and did a great job leading his team.  Austin was a real catalyst on defense, helping make some great stops this year.  Gavin came in and really helped out in those times when we would call him up.  All of these boys had shown a lot of respect and were coachable on the court,” shared the coach.

The Dragons faced the Cardinals one last time in Soda Springs as they vied for a spot in the District 5 tournament Saturday, February 11.  Unfortunately, Malad came up short, losing 32-44.