As a high school athlete, how does it feel to be recruited by multiple colleges?
“It feels great,” said Cornwall High School varsity basketball player Don Malone. “I’m very excited.”
Coaches from 25 Division III schools have reached out to the starting forward about playing for their school next season. Malone visited the campus of Misericordia University and fell in love with it immediately. The school remains at the top of Malone’s list, along with the College of Staten Island, Clarkson University, and Orange County Community College. But no matter which school he chooses, Malone is looking forward to playing basketball beyond high school.
“I love the game. I couldn’t imagine life without it.”
Malone was first introduced to basketball, by his uncle, when he was in the first grade. He quickly found he loved playing with his friends, the speed of the game, and most of all – winning games.
Malone’s uncle taught him the finer points of the game, but one bit of advice stands out the most.
“He always tells me to stay aggressive, to always keep my head up and never back down from anybody.”
That’s sound advice for the 6 foot 5 inch forward who stands above the average height among the other players at his position in Section 9. His height allows Malone to score easily when he’s guarded by the smaller opposition. In games against teams outside Section 9, Malone also gets a taste of his own medicine when he’s the shorter of the pairing. No matter who his competition is, however, the strategy is always the same.
“To try and get the easiest shot possible every possession whether it’s for me or my teammates.”
When Malone began playing basketball he joined the Cornwall recreation league. He also played for the Catholic Youth Organization, as well as the Amateur Athletic Union. He played in all three leagues at the same time, but balancing each was never a problem.
“If I didn’t like it, I would find it difficult, but I loved it, so it was easy.”
In seventh and eighth grade, Malone played modified ball, followed by two years on the JV team before making varsity his junior year.
Last season, the boys finished with a regular season record of 11-6 and the third seed in the Class A playoffs. Entering this season, Malone said it was his goal to win a Section 9 championship.
“I think we definitely have the talent to do it. We’re on our way to being good enough to win it.”
The Dragons’ current record stands at 7-3 with another month to play before the playoffs begin. What makes this season different from those in the past, Malone said, is the chemistry the players have on the court. Malone has been playing with many of his teammates since his recreation days.
“It just makes it easier to know where your teammate is going to be.”
Another difference is Malone being named co-captain for the season. He enjoys his status as a role model for the younger players on the team and he makes sure to pass on what he’s learned over the years.
“I keep everybody loose and make sure everyone is having fun, but more importantly I make sure we’re getting better.”
Malone advises the younger players not to let the noise from the opposing crowds get into their heads.
Although he doesn’t teach them much, Malone’s four younger sisters look up to their brother as a role model. Between his influence and his uncle’s, the quartet has pursued basketball as well. Malone’s oldest sister is a junior and plays on the varsity, while his second oldest is the leading scorer on the modified team.
Malone enjoys playing one-on-one with his sisters and vows to never let any of them beat him in a game.
“I will not let them have those bragging rights over me.”
