Closing out the regular season at home, the Malad Dragon basketball team came up just short in their final game of the season on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, falling 54–52 to the West Side Pirates in a hard-fought battle to the final buzzer.

The Pirates were the first to put points on the scoreboard, but Ruger Smith was quick to tie the game for Malad. Giving a little full court pressure, slipped around his opponent as he broke to the ball, stealing the pass to put up for an easy lay-in.  The two teams traded baskets throughout the quarter, Braun Nalder next making a scoring drive for Malad.  

Senior Justin Toone put Malad up 7-4, taking the ball on the block before pivoting to face his defender and making a step move to the hoop.  Getting fouled on the scored shot, Toone added another point to make it a three point play.  Nalder expanded the lead as he hit a three pointer from the top of the key, connecting with the pass from Oak Smith on the right wing.  Over the final four minutes of the opening quarter, the Dragons continued to outpace the Pirates to end it 17-8.

Easton Green making the baseline drive.

Malad narrowly held onto their lead as the two teams closed out the first half, going into the third quarter up 28-25.  The Pirates continued to surge ahead in the third quarter as they came back, outscoring the Dragons 16–8, setting up a tense final quarter. 

Going into the final eight minute stretch, the MHS found themselves down 36-41.  The Pirates played a physical game on both ends of the court, using their speed and size to snag rebounds and steals that they were able to convert to scoring opportunities.  In the opening minus of the quarter, they pushed their five point lead to 11.

Calling a timeout to collect themselves as a team, Malad came back out renewed in their efforts.  Defending the West Side offense, Oak Smith managed a strong defensive rebound, pushing the ball down the floor.  Easton Green sprinted ahead, spotting up on the left side of the arc, Oak sailing the ball ahead for Green to hit the wide open three.  

The Dragons moved to the other end of the court, setting up in a high pressure half court defense, resulting in a timely Pirate turnover.  Doubling the player slashing down the lane, Ruger Smith and Nalder deflected the pass and grabbed it for Malad.  In MHS territory, Malad made quick passes around the court before Green found an open lane to the basket, driving in to score a layup.

The Dragon defense forced another turnover on the Pirate’s next possession, getting the steal on a baseline out of bounds.  Carter Carey connected with the hoop next for Malad, hitting a midrange jumper as he broke to the ball from the baseline.  Ruger Smith made another key defensive stop for Malad, ripping the ball out of the hands of the oncoming ball handler.   Setting up the offense, the Dragons worked the ball around the outside before Carey came across the baseline and off the double screen by the Smith brothers to nail a three pointer on Malad’s very next possession.    

Justin Toone making a move to the basket to score for Malad.

Looking to hit back to back threes, Carey sent up another outside shot at the top, bouncing it off the rim. Green fought for the rebound, putting in the second chance shot to bring them back within two points.  

This new trend- a defensive stop turned to an offensive score- put Malad on a 12-0 run with just 90 seconds left to play.  The momentum fully swung in the Dragons favor, the Pirates were desperate to make a stop.  With the clock winding down, the MHS team took possession of the ball working to find an open shot when West Side got the steal.  Taking the ball to the other end of the court, the Pirates drew the foul to put in two bonus shots, making it 50-54.  

With six seconds left, Malad inbounded the ball, Dawson Beutler getting the next pass as they hustled down the floor.  Attempting a quick outside score, Beutler made the long shot, heavily contested by the Pirate defender, the contact landing him on the floor.  The shot went short, Carey keeping it in bounds before Nalder came to make a last second score for Malad to close the gap 52-54. 

Tallying up the stats, Carey led the Dragons with 14 points, while Green added 11 points and 5 rebounds. Nalder contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Oak Smith finished with 6 points, 7 assists, and a steal. Toone provided key defense with 2 blocks along with 6 points and 4 rebounds. Ruger Smith had a strong all-around performance with 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals.

Despite the close loss, the Dragons showed resilience and teamwork throughout the game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. While the scoreboard didn’t swing in their favor, the effort capped off a strong home season and set the stage for postseason play.

The Dragons will open their district play on Tuesday, February 17 as they travel to play the Declo Hornets on their home court.  Splitting their earlier season games, the game will be a true contest.  With injuries and illnesses healing for the Dragons, a full bench is sure to be their best resource as they move through the tournament.  Head Coach Zach Beutler shared, “Post season starts this week and we are excited to kick things off with Declo!”