In the final weeks of the Lady Dragon basketball season, the MHS team has taken their play to a new level, making a statement each time they step out on the court.  In their most recent week of games, Malad dominated conference opponents West Side and Declo with a combined score of 125-50.  

The Lady Dragons hosted the West SIde Pirates in their second matchup of the season Thursday, January 22.  In their December game, the Pirates brought an aggressive, yet unstructured approach to the game that made it difficult for Malad to fall into a rhythm. 

Learning from their previous experience, the MHS team was much better prepared for the rough and tumble sort of game.  And instead of meeting them in their jungle ball strategy, the Lady Dragons went on the attack, putting together a skilled offense and defense that stopped the Pirates in their tracks.

It didn’t come all at once for the Lady Dragons, beginning the game with a slow start offensively.  West Side’s high energy defense forced Malad to work the ball around, being both methodical and intentional with their passing.  Early in the game, the Pirates were able to force multiple turnovers with a sort of blitz tactic, sending two defenders to pressure Malad’s ball handlers just after crossing half court.

The system had its merits- catch the offense off guard where they can’t return to the back court and are forced to make a rushed pass.  Fortunately, the Lady Dragons didn’t need much time to adapt to the West Side defense and were soon enough, using it to their advantage.

In the final minutes of the first quarter, Malad managed to go up on the score board 17-6.  With the Pirate defense playing so heavily at the top of the key, the Lady Dragons began quickly rotating the ball around the perimeter, eventually kicking the ball into the open post.  Kiley Miller and Liv Nelson had a text example of a post lob entry- Nelson creating just enough space under the basket for the catch and Miller delivering on the pass for Nelson to finish the play with an easy lay in.

The duo added another two points for Malad, this time Nelson setting up the play with a high screen for Miller on the outside.  After one quick dribble and a jump stop, Miller cast up the shot that sailed through the net.  Izzy Haycock managed a final score for the Lady Dragons, scooping in a layup with seconds left on the clock.

Playing Lady Dragons style basketball put control squarely in Malad’s hands for the remainder of the night.  The second quarter turned out to be the team’s highest scoring quarter of the season as they tallied 28 points.

The points were carried by one athlete alone as all seven Lady Dragons players stepped up to make scoring opportunities.  Still, Nelson stepped up in a big way at the post, scoring 7 of her 11 points of the game in the second quarter.  Haycock made a big splash two as she went to the free throw line multiple times and ended the quarter 6/6.  Brynnlee Jones made a little magic behind the arc, hitting two three pointers for Malad.  The Lady Dragons ended the first half up an impressive 45-15.

West Side made adjustments to their offense, hoping to direct their offense from the high post to open more options.  But Malad was quick to squash any potential offensive threats that came from that, allowing few passes to the position.  The drives, kickouts, and yo-yo passes didn’t amount to much as the Lady Dragons were quick to cover the court.  As a result, the Pirates only put up 5 points for the quarter, a stark contrast to Malad’s 18.

With the clock running throughout the final quarter, the game wrapped up quickly.  West Side’s only successful offense came from the free throw line, landing four bonus shots.  Malad ended the contest up 66-28.

Against Declo, Brynnlee Jones and Liv Nelson team up to defend the basket from the Hornets shot attempt.

 Two days later, the Declo Hornets took their shot at the 5th district leader in their second matchup for the season as well.   It was another, unsurprising, dynamic opening for the Lady Dragons, putting up 40 points to Declo’s 13.  In every regard, the MHS dominated the game, making 26 field goals in contrast to Declo’s 7.   Malad also tallied 33 rebounds, 17 assists, 10 steals and 4 blocks where Declo had only 19 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks.

Keetch led the offense in scoring with 13 points, with teammates Jones and Paityn Ward each adding 12.  Miller and Haycock added 6 with Nelson scoring 4.  

“These girls continue to make great strides on the court.  We are honing in both our offense and defense, finding little things that make improvements in big ways,” shared Head Coach Trevor Jones.  He continued, “When we execute on the floor, the possibilities of what we can do are wide open.”

The Lady Dragons have one final game to their regular schedule before beginning their post season tournaments.  The MHS team will host the Soda Springs Cardinals Wednesday, January 28 where they will also recognize their senior players.