Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
February 26, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 9
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Unrest following cartel operation
STATE CHAMPS!
After just missing out last year, the Lady Dragons are Idaho’s 3A State Champions!
From Runners-Up to Royalty: Lady Dragons Finish Historic Run as State Champions BY ALLISON ELIASON
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-toman 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 op-
portunities. 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 CHAMPS On Page 11
FFA Auction another success!
The annual FFA Alumni and Supporters Auction Fundraiser was held at the Event Center on Monday Evening. The event is the primary fundraising activity of MHS’s FFA club, and featured donations from a large number of individuals, businesses and organizations. The annual event is used to generate funds that support the activities of the FFA chapter throughout the year, and allow the Malad chapter to continue its high level of excellence and involvement, including costs like travel expenses, material supplies, scholarships, and other things that help keep the program vibrant and growing. The evening featured ham, potatoes, salad, rolls, and brownies, which were served by members of Malad Chapter FFA. Members also served as auction staff, displaying and transporting auction items throughout the venue. After the guests were welcomed and the food had been served, the live auction began, while the silent auction continued in the background. Many of the items in the auction were created by FFA members, including welding projects, tables, and a large swing rocker. Other items included event tickets, passes and stays at nearby recreation spots. More practical items like pallets of sod, and other home and farm items were also hotly contested. Food items, candy, gift cards, auto and camping supplies, cosmetics, appliances, furniture, clothing, blan-
Reiner pleads not guilty
Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder more than two months after their deaths, denying for the first time that he fatally stabbed his parents. Nick Reiner has been held without bail since his arrest hours after his parents were found dead on Dec. 14 at their home in the upscale Brentwood section of Los Angeles. Reiner was not wearing the suicide prevention smock he wore in his first court appearance in December days after his parent’s killings. It was the third time he had been set to enter a plea, but issues surrounding the high-stakes, closely watched case, including a surprising change in defense lawyers, kept it from happening until Monday. Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, died from “multiple sharp force injuries,” the LA County Medical Examiner said in initial findings. Authorities said they were killed hours before the bodies were discovered. A court order has prevented the public release of more details.
Gas prices edging up
Auctioneer Roger Stockwell announced he would be retiring after this year’s auction, and thanked the FFA.
kets, custom wooden signs, and countless other items made it certain that those who wanted to bid were able to find something they had to have. Those too shy to bid in public kept the silent auction tables buzzing with participants outbidding each other throughout the night. Some of the specific items auctioned off at the event FFA On Page 9
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Youth Council......................................Pg. 2 Young Producer Program....................Pg. 4 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
A Mexican military operation in Tapalpa, in the western coastal state of Jalisco, has triggered widespread unrest across parts of the country, following the death of Oseguera Cervantes and a number of other high level cartel members. Oseguera, who formed and led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had been considered Mexico’s most powerful cartel boss since Sinaloa kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán was arrested last decade. Mexican authorities were aided by US intelligence support. Twenty-five members of Mexico’s National Guard died during attacks in the state of Jalisco. The killing sparked unrest in the aftermath, with suspected gang members torching buses and businesses while clashing with security forces. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said “peace, security and normalcy” are being maintained across the country. The US State Department urged American nationals in parts of Mexico to “seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels.” The department is also running a crisis phone line for US citizens impacted by the unrest. Other tourists were stranded after several US carriers suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta.
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Obituaries............................................Pg. 9 Sports..........................................Pgs. 11-12
Idaho gas prices moved closer to the $3 mark this week, with crude oil prices applying upward pressure on state and national pump prices. According to AAA, Monday’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $2.97, which is three cents more than a week ago and 18 cents more than a month ago. The national average currently sits at $2.94 per gallon – a penny more than a week ago and eight cents per gallon more than a month ago, but about 21 cents cheaper than a year ago. Idaho remains out of the top ten at 13th in the country for the most expensive fuel, with today’s highest prices in California at $4.63 per gallon and the lowest in Oklahoma at $2.34 per gallon.