Malad High School entered their post season tournament play, opening the 3A District 5 Tournament on Tuesday, February 17, with a hard-fought matchup against Declo. Despite playing a competitive game, the Dragons fell to the Hornets, entering the elimination bracket.   Malad was then set to play the Aberdeen Tigers, hosting the contest and closing out the game with a resounding victory.

Game #1 of the tournament saw a close first quarter between Malad and Declo, the teams traded baskets to end the period tied at 13 apiece.  Oak Smith punched in the first score for Malad, sending up a shot from behind the arc to take the lead 3-2 after the first minute of play.  Going to the other end of the court, the combined efforts of the Dragon defense kept the Hornets from a scoring opportunity.  Converting their defensive energy to offensive possibilities, Easton Green dribbled down the court to connect with Justin Toone, taking the ball to the hoop to make it 5-2.

Ruger Smith made a small run for the Dragons, dumping in a two pointer before snagging a steal and taking it to the hoop.  Getting fouled on the drive, Ruger hit both free throws to put Malad up 9-4. Continuing the MHS push, Toone put in a second chance basket off the left block rebound.

The Hornets began closing the gap on the scoreboard, hitting two bonus shots from the free throw line.  Declo took advantage of the aggressive MHS defense, going to the line for multiple bonus shots to tie the game at 11.  Both teams managed another score to end  the quarter, 13-13.

Declo pulled ahead in the second quarter, outscoring the Dragons 23–13, a deficit the Dragons fought to overcome the second half of the game.  Their third quarter play looked promising as they won the 8 minute period 17-8.  Jumping straight into a physical and intense play, both teams traded steals and turnovers, proving that this was going to be a fight to the final buzzer.  

Slowly the Dragons chipped away at the Declo lead.  Toone knocked in two free throws to get the scoring going for Malad, earning the shots off a baseline out of bounds play.  Green, getting the ball at the top of the key, saw an opening to drive to the basket to earn another layin for Malad.  Ruger Smith picked up a defensive rebound in the key, launching it into MHS territory for Green to scoop up and drop in to bring it within five points.  

Keeping pace with Declo, Malad found themselves still down by five as the final seconds of the quarter ticked down.  Looking for a quick basket, Ruger Smith dribbled to the right wing as his brother Oak Smith dove down in the key before cutting off an elevator screen to the top of the key.  Connecting with the pass, Oak was heavily guarded.  He took a dribble to create just enough space to send up the shot, dropping it through the net just as the buzzer rang out to bring them within two points, 43-45.

The Hornets managed to pull ahead in the final quarter, the final score 66–54. Green led the Dragons with 18 points and five rebounds, while Ruger Smith added nine points, five assists, and four steals.  Toone chipped in eight points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Malad finished with 20 rebounds and nine steals, showing hustle and effort, but turnovers (20) and Declo’s strong shooting proved too much in the opener.

After regrouping, Malad played the first game of the elimination bracket, hosting Aberdeen in what turned out to be a dominating performance.  The MHS team sent a statement with an 82–24 victory, jumping to a commanding 24–5 first-quarter lead and never looked back.   The second quarter looked nearly identical with Malad putting up 24 points to Aberdeen’s 7, but it was the third quarter where the Dragons scored the most points in a quarter this season as they went 30-7. 

Dawson Beutler started the scoring for the second half, hitting a three pointer in the deep corner off a pass from Ky Willie.  Not long after, Willie forced an Aberdeen turnover, grabbing the ball to advance it down the court.  Hitting Ruger Smith with the pass, he connected with Toone as came down the lane for another Dragon basket.  Making efficient use of another fast transition, Ruger Smith dropped a three pointer from the opposite corner to put Malad up 56-16.

The Dragons were hot from anywhere they cast a shot from- Beutler and Willie hitting back to back three pointers before Ruger Smith slipped behind the defense for a baseline block shot.  Carter Carey made a move in the paint, scoring the shot despite multiple defenders on him.  Braun Nalder made quick use of his offensive rebound before Trigger Jones came off the bench for another three point score for Malad.  Green and Rylan Beck put up bonus shots as the last minute closed out the quarter 78-19.

Running the clock for the final eight minutes, the game quickly came to an end, Malad celebrating their 82-24 victory and advancement to the next stage of the district bracket.

Beutler led the charge with 17 points and four rebounds, while Green added 15 points. Ruger Smith orchestrated the offense with seven points and six assists, and Oak Smith contributed eight points with six assists. Willie added a spark with eight points and five steals. Malad shot an impressive 46% from the field and 41% from three, compared to Aberdeen’s 22% shooting and 10% from distance, and dominated the boards 37–26. The team’s unselfish play was evident in 27 assists and 15 steals, allowing Malad to cruise to a decisive victory.

The Dragons will take their game on the road as they go up against #1 seed Wendell on Tuesday, February 24.