The Lady Dragons added two more games to the win column as they defeated the very talented 4A Bear Lake Bears and their first district opponent, the scrappy West Side Pirates.  In two very differently played games, Malad faced a challenge on the court.  But as they always do, the team played Dragon basketball to take control of the game and come out victorious in the end. 

Malad hosted their first meeting of the season against the Bears Thursday, December 11.  The last time the two teams had played, the Lady Dragons put together four quarters of gritty, determined basketball to upset Bear Lake, one of only a few losses for the team.  It was clear for both teams that the 2025 matchup and subsequent results would have significant meaning for them.

As suspected, the game turned into a fierce battle on the court, one that was largely dominated by defense at both ends.  Bear Lake, notorious for their quick transition and wide coverage, made it difficult for Malad but found an equal contest for their own offense as they faced the aggressive and relentless MHS defense.

Because of the strong defense, it wasn’t until nearly two minutes into the game that the first points were scored, a free throw for the Bears.  The Lady Dragons answered with a scoring possession of their own, Kiley Miller sending the lob pass to Liv Nelson on the block finishing with a made basket despite being surrounded by Bear Lake defenders.  Brynlee Jones added a mid range shot off the pass from Izzy Haycock.  Miller added a lay-in basket for Malad to further extend the small lead, taking a long pass from Mikell Keetch as the team transitioned down to the offensive end of the court.  Bear Lake countered with a three point shot to bring them back within two just seconds later.

The scoring continued to be slow for both teams but it was the Lady Dragons that led as they finished out the first quarter of the game, up 13-7.  The second quarter went in favor of Bear Lake as they hit several outside shots to take the lead 18-16 midway through the quarter.  Miller tied the score again after Haycock zipped a pass down to her from the left wing, seeing Miller wide open on the opposite block.  The two teams inched their way up to end the opening half tied at 21.

The Lady Dragons came out renewed to play the third quarter, undeterred by the challenge the Bears had given them in the first quarters of the game.  Over the next 8 minutes of play, the MHS team clamped down on defense to hold Bear Lake to only 3 points while they added 13 to their score, going up 34-24.

The Malad team played a patient game on offense, working the ball around the court until they found an opening to exploit.  Paityn Ward drove into the key from the left wing, committing a number of defenders to her.  As they stepped up, she made the short pass to Nelson open on the block.  Nelson took one quick step to the basket for the easy bank shot.  The duo ran the same play on the following possession, this time Nelson scoring as she turned to the middle of the key. 

Left open on the right wing, Mikell took the uncontested shot, drilling it through the net.  Not long after she put in another scoring basket at the top of the key.  Miller added 4 points in free throws throughout the quarter, getting fouled by the same defender as she went up for the shot.

All the while the Lady Dragons were on a scoring run, the Bears struggled to make an headway offensively, making only one scoring three pointer early in the quarter before they hit a 6 minute dry spell- all a result of Malad’s defense forcing a number of turnovers and rushed shots.

The fourth quarter turned in Bear Lake’s favor as they barely outscored Malad 15-14.  Fortunately the Lady Dragons’ resilient efforts held their hard fought lead.  Bear Lake came out in a full court press, an attempt the MHS team scored on the first trip down the court.  The fast paced quarter led to quicker transitions down the court, resulting in more possessions for the Bear Lake team.  

As the quarter closed out, Bear Lake began to foul, hoping for missed free throws and secured rebounds.  The tactic turned against them as the Lady Dragons put in 10 free throws by Keetch, Haycock, Nelson, and Ward.  As the seconds ticked down, it was clear that the Lady Dragons would be the clear winner of the courtside battle, a 48-39 victory.  

The closely played contest was evident in the stats, each team leading in various aspects.  Bear Lake out rebounded Malad, 39-31, while the MHS team had fewer turnovers, 11-18.  Each team made 15 field goals, the Lady Dragons shooting 32%.  Malad made up the difference at the free throw line, hitting 15 bonus points in contrast to Bear Lake’s 7.

Saturday, December 13, the Lady Dragons faced their first district opponent of the season as they traveled to West Side High School.  The Pirates brought an overly aggressive game, a game dependent on taking advantage through sheer chaos rather than finesse.  The on court officials did little to add structure to the game, allowing the fiery, nearing on violent attitude to play out.  

 Malad struggled in the opening quarter with the erratic play on the court, allowing the Pirates to dictate the pace and flavor of the game.  The MHS team had scoring opportunities, but struggled to connect with the basket, resulting in a trailing score as the first quarter ended, 10-12.

But as Malad does, the team fought through the adversity on the court, putting up 23 points in the second quarter while only allowing 12.  Coming into the second half up 33-24, the Lady Dragons stepped on the court better composed and collected.  The third quarter turned out to be the most physical of them all with a number of questionable reffing moves.  Despite the struggle and frustration, Malad led West Side in the quarter 11-10.

As they played into the fourth quarter, the Lady Dragons found their rhythm, both offensively and defensively, holding the Pirates to only 5 points in the quarter while they added 15.  

Haycock played a large part in the MHS victory, scoring 18 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, snagging 2 steals, with zero turnovers.  Keetch and Jones each added 11 points, Ward with 8 and Mady Vanbebber with 7.  Nelson led in rebounds with 9, Miller following closely with 8.  

The high pressure games are just what the Lady Dragons are looking for as they play through the season, knowing they can only improve as they take on tough teams.  Their upcoming week includes just that as they travel south to play Fremont High School, a leader in the Utah 5A division, on Tuesday, December 16.  The following day they will play the Tigers in Aberdeen before facing Bear Lake for their final matchup of the season.  Over the Christmas break, Malad will host the Lehi Pioneers December 27 at 7 PM.