Teams at all levels have settled into the winter sports season and the Malad Dragons are no different.  Mens and womens wrestling and basketball are in full swing with games and matchups just on the horizon.  Athletes, coaches, and fans are excited to see what the season holds, knowing that nothing will come easy- just the way they want it.

Men’s Wrestling

The reigning state champion Dragon wrestling team has been hitting the mats and is all geared up for another exciting season. With the taste of last year’s victory still so sweet, the pressure is on for a repeat as state champions.  Some might feel that sort of pressure as daunting but the MHS team is excited to meet the high hopes and expectations set.

The Dragon wrestlers have already begun working towards their goal of a second state championship win with their off season and preseason work to be ready to face any opponent on the mats.  In the off season several athletes competed and trained with Team Idaho, helping to keep them in wrestling shape and preparing them for the high school season.  The coaching staff has worked to mix up their schedule this season to include other teams and wrestlers that they will likely see at the final season tournament.  

The coaches are excited with the group of athletes wrestling for the Malad Dragons this year from their seasoned senior to the incoming freshman. Head Coach Devin Morrison said about the 2024 season, “We have a great group of young men on the team that work well together and push each other to succeed. Our seniors and juniors are doing a really good job of leading the team and helping the underclassmen prepare for the season. They have big goals as a team and as individuals and us coaches are excited to watch them accomplish those goals.”  

Women’s Wrestling

Since their beginning in 2022, the Lady Dragon wrestling has seen growth every year, both in numbers and in skill.  This year is no different with an all new high of 20 wrestlers trying out for the sport.  

Even though the program is still young, the improvements the athletes and coaches have made since their beginning has been significant.  Their time and experience has helped them know where to start, what to work on, and where they will make progress that will translate to wins on the mats.

The Lady Dragon wrestling coaching staff shared how excited everyone is for the season to finally be started, saying, “Everyone is excited to be wrestling.  The girls are looking good and we think it’s going to be a great season.”

Men’s Basketball

The Dragon basketball season may have only officially began a week ago, but the team has been hitting the gym for weeks in anticipation for the coming season.  The Malad roster tallies an exciting 23 players, 6 upperclassmen.  Compared to teams around the district such as West Side, Declo, and Aberdeen who are loaded with senior athletes, the Dragons are quite young with 10 sophomores and 7 freshmen.  Unfortunately, of those 23 are a number that are suffering injuries and aren’t likely to return this season.     

Regardless of team size or age, the Malad Dragon basketball team has the skill and talent to play with any team on the court.  Head Coach Zach Buetler shared, “Our boys are capable of competing every night even with our stacked schedule. All but three programs on our schedule are coming off +500 performances last year. Nothing will come easy and we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Women’s Basketball

While the men’s basketball and wrestling teams are just getting started, the Lady Dragon basketball team is fully into their regular season.  With a preseason jamboree and four games already played, the MHS team has started the season with a 3-1 record and is clearly on their way to a successful season.

Malad’s women’s basketball team also came in fewer numbers than they had anticipated due to injuries, topping out at 23, giving them a full roster for three teams.

The Lady Dragons have started their season with a steep schedule, taking on three teams that had qualified for the 2023-2024 state tournaments.  The Malad team is looking for an easy ride as they begin their season but rather a challenge knowing that is the only way they will improve.

Head Coach Trevor Jones reminds his players, “We have a chance to do something with our team this year, but only if we show up to play.  We have to earn it- nothing is given to us.   It’s our time, we just have to believe it.”

Regardless of what sport is in the gym on a given night, Malad sports fans can be sure that they will have a great performance to see.  The players and coaches are ready to put in the work for a great season of exciting possibilities.