As the 2024-25 high school basketball season unfolds, two teams from Idaho—Declo and Malad—are charting starkly contrasting courses. Declo boasts an unblemished record, while Malad struggles to find consistency. Here’s an in-depth look at the numbers and storylines shaping their seasons.

Team Overviews

Declo (24-25)

• Record: 13-0 (4-0 conference)
• Performance: Declo has emerged as a powerhouse this season, maintaining a perfect record. The team’s dominance is reflected in their 1.000 win percentage both overall and in conference play.
• Scoring: Declo averages 53.1 points per game, showcasing balanced contributions across all quarters. Their defensive strength is also notable, allowing only 497 points across 13 games.
• Key Games: Wins against strong opponents like Firth (twice) and Soda Springs underline Declo’s championship aspirations.

Malad (24-25)

• Record: 5-9 (0-2 conference)
• Performance: Malad has had a challenging season, with a .357 win percentage overall and no wins in conference play. Despite flashes of brilliance, consistency has eluded the team.
• Scoring: Malad averages 48.9 points per game, slightly trailing Declo. Their defense has struggled, conceding 741 points so far.
• Key Games: Malad has faced tough losses against teams like Firth and Aberdeen, highlighting areas for improvement.

Head-to-Head: Declo vs. Malad

The two teams met earlier this month in a tightly contested game. Declo edged out Malad 55-51 in a conference matchup on January 11. The game showcased Malad’s resilience, but Declo’s composure in key moments sealed the victory.

A rematch is scheduled for January 24 at Malad, offering the home team a chance for redemption.

Common Opponents

Analyzing their performances against common opponents reveals a stark contrast:

• Declo: A perfect 5-0 record, including dominant wins against Firth, Wendell, and Soda Springs.
• Malad: A 0-3 record against the same teams, struggling to close out games.

This disparity underscores Declo’s superior execution and ability to adapt against various styles of play.

Strengths and Challenges

Declo’s Strengths

• Consistency: The team performs steadily across all quarters, minimizing lapses that opponents can exploit.
• Defense: Allowing just 497 points in 13 games, Declo’s defense is a cornerstone of their success.
• Depth: Balanced scoring and teamwork make them difficult to contain.

Malad’s Challenges

• Inconsistency: Struggles to maintain momentum, especially against stronger opponents.
• Defense: Conceding 741 points reflects vulnerabilities that need addressing.
• Conference Struggles: An 0-2 record in league play underscores the need for improvement in key matchups.

Upcoming Game: January 24, 2025

The stage is set for an intriguing rematch at Malad. Declo will aim to extend their unbeaten streak, while Malad seeks to leverage home-court advantage to pull off an upset.

Key Questions:

• Can Malad tighten their defense and capitalize on scoring opportunities?
• Will Declo maintain their composure and extend their dominance in conference play?

Final Thoughts

While Declo’s record and performance position them as clear favorites, Malad’s potential for improvement keeps the storyline compelling. Regardless of the outcome, the matchup is a testament to the competitive spirit of Idaho high school basketball.