The Malad girls basketball team delivered a tournament run for the ages, capturing the state championship with three dominant performances at the IHSAA State Basketball Tournament and cementing their place in program history.

The Lady Dragons opened tournament play Thursday, February 19, at Kuna High School with a commanding 70–35 victory over No. 8 seed Kellogg. Malad set the tone immediately, erupting for 26 first-quarter points and never looking back. Kellogg briefly found hope after opening the game with the first basket, but that optimism was quickly erased as Malad responded with a 22–0 run, firmly seizing control of the game.

Kellogg struggled to slow the MHS offense as the Lady Dragons scored in transition, executed with precision in the half court, and connected from both inside the paint and beyond the arc. Regardless of who had the ball, Malad found a way to finish possessions.

On the defensive end, Malad showcased its signature high-pressure, lock-down defense, limiting Kellogg to just 35 points. Switching seamlessly between full-court and half-court looks, zone and man-to-man coverage, the Dragons disrupted offensive rhythm and forced turnovers that translated directly into scoring opportunities.

Balanced scoring and relentless defensive pressure defined the opener. Izzy Haycock finished with 12 points and five assists, Brynnlee Jones added 11 points and six rebounds, and Liv Nelson controlled the paint with five points and 11 rebounds. Malad dominated the glass with 51 rebounds and recorded 10 steals in a complete team performance.

That defensive identity carried into Friday’s semifinal matchup against the Grangeville Bulldogs. Having faced Grangeville in the semifinals the previous season, the Lady Dragons knew they were up against a physical, disciplined team with no intention of conceding an easy win. Grangeville featured two college-committed players coming off strong opening-round performances, but Malad remained unfazed.

The Dragons attacked the basket relentlessly, scoring repeatedly off direct drives and drive-and-dish opportunities. More than 20 games of shared experience had built chemistry and trust that showed in their ball movement and spacing, resulting in open looks and balanced scoring throughout the lineup.

After building a solid first-half lead, Malad broke the game open with a decisive third quarter, outscoring Grangeville 24–19 on the way to a 73–52 victory. Jones led all scorers with 19 points, adding five assists and three blocks. Paityn Ward contributed 14 points, while Mikell Keetch ran the offense with poise, finishing with 10 points and seven assists. Malad tallied 22 assists and eight blocks, overwhelming the Bulldogs with disciplined defense and unselfish play.

While the path to Saturday’s championship game felt familiar, the emotions entering the final were dramatically different than the year before. Gone were feelings of nervousness and uncertainty. Instead, the Lady Dragons felt confident, composed, and at home. They trusted their preparation, their teammates, and their coaches, fully aware the challenge ahead would require their best effort.

Malad earned the Sportsmanship award, an accomplishment made possible by the players, coaches, fans, cheerleaders, drill team and band that all created an exciting state basketball

 Saturday’s championship matchup against Ambrose reflected that mindset from the opening tip. Malad wasted no time asserting control, as Haycock drained a three-pointer just seconds into the game. The early basket set the tone for the next 32 minutes—Malad capitalizing on opportunities and applying constant pressure.

Ambrose struggled to find offensive rhythm as the Dragons adjusted defensively, extending the perimeter, denying shooters, and rotating with purpose. Help defense was ever-present, forcing the Archers to earn every point.

Malad ended the first quarter with a 24–15 lead and carried that momentum into the second. Keetch led the charge with six quick points attacking the basket, while Jones scored from both inside and beyond the arc. Kiley Miller provided a steady presence on both ends, and Ward delivered valuable scoring off the bench. By halftime, the Lady Dragons had extended their advantage to 39–19.

The third quarter saw Malad tighten its defensive grip even further. With Ambrose’s key players in foul trouble, any attempted momentum swings were short-lived. Aggressive play from the Archers resulted in trips to the free-throw line for Malad, where the Dragons were perfect in bonus opportunities during the quarter, led by Nelson’s 4-for-4 performance.

As the final quarter unfolded, Malad’s confidence grew with every possession. The bench played a key role down the stretch, and each player took the floor on Idaho’s biggest stage. When the final buzzer sounded, the entire team erupted, celebrating a 68–43 victory and the program’s long-awaited state title.

Keetch led the championship effort with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Ward added 13 points, and Nelson delivered a dominant performance with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks. Once again, Malad’s defense dictated the game from start to finish.

Across three games, the Lady Dragons outscored their opponents by a combined 79 points—70–35, 73–52, and 68–43—against the state’s top competition. Their 211 tournament points tied the state record for most scored in a tournament and ranked second all-time in 3A history.

Players and coaches alike pointed to defense as the foundation of the championship run. Senior Keetch reflected, “I knew after the Fremont game when we played so well together that we were going to win the championship. Our defense was way better this year, and our chemistry was amazing.”

Several players noted how different the experience felt from the year before. “This year being on the court felt like it was our home gym,” Haycock said. “We weren’t nervous—just excited to play one last game together.” 

Liv Nelson winning the tipoff in the Lady Dragons final game.

That chemistry was years in the making. Many of the starters have played together since elementary school, a bond that showed in their trust and communication. Ward shared, “It was a cool feeling to watch everyone succeed and see our hard work pay off. Our confidence came from our work ethic and relationships.”

Jones echoed those sentiments, adding, “We came back stronger than ever. We worked on our weaknesses, loved each other, and had one goal—to win a state title.”

The championship marked just the second state title in Malad girls basketball history and the first in 33 years. Head coach Trevor Jones emphasized the journey behind the achievement, calling it a true joy to be part of the program and praising the players’ dedication, resilience, and character. Along with the championship, Malad was awarded the 3A Idaho Girls Basketball Sportsmanship Award, reflecting the values displayed throughout the tournament.

Gratitude poured out for Dragon Nation and the entire Malad community—administrators, boosters, alumni, students, band, drill team, cheerleaders, families, and friends—whose support filled the arena and fueled belief.

In every sense, this championship was earned. Through defense, balance, chemistry, and heart, the Lady Dragons didn’t just win a title—they showed everyone what Malad basketball is all about, bringing home a banner that will hang forever and represent something truly special for decades to come.