With the final state championship games over, the winter sports season has officially come to an end.  The Malad Dragons saw some ups and down over the last season with big wins, upsets and losses in all of their sporting events.  As the winter season wraps up, the MHS coaches share highlights, challenges, and the excitement of future prospects in a Q&A with The Idaho Enterprise.

Girls Basketball Head Coach Trevor Jones

Overall, how did your season go?

“With new Coaching staff and program we knew this year was going to be full of ups and downs for  the Lady Dragons.  We knew it was going to take a tremendous amount of hard work and adjustments.  Overall, we saw great progress and we are super proud of the girls. The previous years the program had been trying to get some foundation laid. Last year the program was still building with a combined record of 1 win and 40 losses. This year they were able to gain some traction.  As a program this year we had a winning record with a regular season record of 37 wins and 20 losses. All three teams ended with winning records.“ 

What were some of the challenges you faced?

“We had an uphill battle from the beginning with a tough schedule. We were playing bigger 4A and 3A schools and having one of the toughest districts in the state. Having to play against some big Utah schools and then some of the top ranked 3A schools is intimidating.  It was a process to start to believe in themselves and once they got that going, we were able to compete. That’s all you can ask is to put the players in a position to have a chance to compete.”

What did your team do well? 

“Our team came together and started to believe in themselves and each other. The girls bought in and went to work. There were a lot of different roles and challenges but the success they had is all theirs. They put in the time with open gyms, 10,000 shot clubs, summer camps and tournaments. They showed up to practice every day and went to work. Our motto was “Earn Everything”.”

What were some highlights from the season?

“We had some pretty special moments this year. Our first win was out at Butte. They were a program that beat us in one game by 46 points last year.  To go out there at the start of the year and get a big W was promising. Another highlight was the girls draining nine 3 pointers in a just over a quarter time frame- that was a rush! 

“Another pretty sweet experience was our “Revenge Week”.   Ririe and Firth had both beat us earlier in the year and we knew we could compete with them.  Not only did we beat them both but the Ririe game we had previously lost by 24, we were able beat them by 14. A  38 point turnaround!  It really shows what our girls are capable of when we show up.  Our JV Team went 15-4 and the most impressive win was against an undefeated Soda Springs team. To beat a program like that on any level is a huge accomplishment.  

“One of the most special moments was winning our first home district game in 3 years. It was a nail biter against West Side and switching leads back and forth. We hit a huge basket in the final seconds and free throws down the wire. It was such a special moment to have the girls and student body storm the court and sing the School’s fight song together with the fans. 

“Finally in our last game of the season after trailing an entire game, our girls scored 29 points in just the final quarter of the game.  Showing the definition of what Malad Girls Basketball has become. There is no quit in these girls no matter the situation or the outcome. They gave it their all and fought until the final buzzer sounded.    

What sort of things do you have planned for your team in the off season?

“Basketball is a game of opportunity and making the most of each chance or possession. The Lady Dragons will focus on capitalizing on a few more opportunities to reach their goal of playing in a District championship and going to a State Tournament. They will be putting in the work with spring leagues, summer camps, jamborees,  the 10,000 shot club, open gyms and time in the weight room, the future is going to be exciting with these girls. 

What are you most looking forward to your season next year?

“This year was a challenge and tough to see several teams we beat this year come home from the state tournaments with trophies. But also, with all the positives and growth, This year was a glimpse of what is to come. With these Malad girls work ethic and determination, BIG Goals are in their sites, better start ordering your next season tickets. Future will be an exciting one!