Young Malone reviving rich basketball tradition

MALONE — Typically when a basketball team is led by a freshman, sophomore and a junior one might immediately think it’s a rebuilding season. But this is Malone. And Malone is anything but typical.

The Jackson County school has a rich basketball tradition that includes 13 state championships dating to 1952. There is a particular title-like buzz surrounding the school this season as the Tigers have rolled to a 19-3 mark and are unbeaten against Florida opposition. Malone also is 9-0 in District 1-1A of the new Rural division, which was created to give smaller schools a more realistic challenge in the postseason.

“We’ve had some 20-win seasons here,” Malone coach Steve Welch said. “But I know this is the best record we’ve had through 22 games, it’s the best at this point in at least the last 10 years.”

There are three more regular-season games on the schedule. Welch is hopeful the Tigers can advance far this season and secure back-to-back first-round postseason wins. The Tigers had a three-year drought of opening losses snapped in 2010-11.

Making matters more difficult is Malone’s regional grouping. It’s likely Malone will have to face Chipley and Holmes County in the regional semifinal and championship. Malone has defeated Holmes County this season and didn’t schedule Chipley, much to the lament of Welch.

That’s putting the horse before the cart, as they say, and Welch is concentrating on continuing to win with what is a youthful roster. Eight varsity players are underclassmen. The team’s top three scorers will return next season.

The team is led by sophomore guard Chai Baker and his 16.2 points per game. His brother, Ty Baker, is a junior forward and adds 12.4 ppg and is a defensive presence in the paint at 6-foot-5. Freshman Antwain Johnson is third on the team with 7.4 ppg.

“That is a great luxury to have, to have your top three scorers come back,” Welch said. “You always like to have them staggered at different grade levels and it helps you sustain through some hard times.”

There has been little need to push through hard times this season. Things seem to be rolling Malone’s way, but Welch refused to buy into the notion the Tigers are living off fortunate bounces of the basketball.

Senior leaders LaDarius McElroy and Chris Murff have helped Malone stay grounded amid one of the best seasons in recent memory. Welch called Murff, a guard, the heart and soul of the team.

“He brings the defensive intensity,” Welch said. “He’s really our vocal leader.”

McElroy is fourth on the team with 6.2 ppg and as point guard distributes the ball to the potent scoring trio. Welch added that McElroy also has a “big voice on this team.”

Chai Baker is the player looked to for a clutch basket. Welch said there’s never a reason to doubt the sophomore will contribute, the only question is how often.

“He can get a bucket in most any situation,” Welch said. “He’s got a knack for scoring, but also is good on the defensive end.

“He just finds a way. Some nights you think he didn’t shoot well and you look in the book and he had 20 points and 10 boards.”

Ty Baker joins his brother in athletic ability, Welch said. He is long and provides a force on opponents’ top post players, but Ty Baker also adds needed athleticism.

“He can fly and he gives you so many opportunities to get second-chance points,” Welch said. “He shoots the 3 good and defensively can change the game.”

Johnson provides a spark off the bench. He is near two other players, junior Austin Williams and senior Shaquille McDole, in scoring, as the deep roster has placed Malone firmly back on the basketball map.

Where the Tigers finish still is undecided. In any case, motivation isn’t a concern. 

The school’s history stands on its own, but Welch makes it a point to drive it home to the team before each season. The multitude of championship banners and high expectations also punctuate his point.

“We take pride in the history, it means a lot to put on a Malone jersey,” Welch said. “The program has held itself up. What those guys did in the 1950s started it.

“When you think Malone, you think basketball.”