Northwest Indian College shooting guard Malachi Rogers’ basketball career hasn’t been without adversity between the pandemic and a cross-country move, but his talent on the court was undeniable in a season that concluded with a national tournament victory and an MVP title for the sophomore.
Despite finishing the 2022–23 season with a 6-19 overall record, the NWIC men’s team rebounded in the 10-team American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) National Basketball Tournament with a 105-90 victory over Stonechild College on April 1.
NWIC coach Adam Lane nodded to the struggles the athlete has overcome.
“Malachi was one of the first recruits who signed his letter of intent to play for me at NWIC,” Lane said in an email. “His first year was completely canceled and his second year was cut short due to COVID. So to finally play a full season this year was a huge success in itself … It would’ve been easy for him to move on to another situation, but he stuck it out and it really paid off for him.”
Part of the challenge for Rogers in leaning into his college basketball career was moving 1,600 miles north, leaving loved ones and familiarity behind.
To most young people, the town of Bylas, Arizona, remotely located within the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in the southeastern region of the state, would be considered mundane. To Rogers, Bylas is home.
He grew up with nearly 1.8 million acres of forest land and wildlife habitat in his backyard. With a population of just under 2,000, it is home to a close-knit community of Apache Indians — descendants of Athabascan Indians who migrated to the area during the 10th century.
“One of my favorite memories of growing up in Bylas was being able to go outside and explore the mountain ranges in the back of the house,” Rogers said. “My friends and I would also ride our bikes down to the river and go fishing and swimming.”
In addition to recreation, sports were popular in Bylas, fueling Rogers’ love for basketball at a young age.
“I’ve always had [a] ball in my hand since I was 3 years old,” Rogers said.
A 2020 graduate of Fort Thomas High School, Rogers played varsity basketball all four years, ending his prep career with 1,500 points, an accomplishment few players reach. He also led his top-ranked team to a 1A state championship, earning him Player of the Year honors.
Northwest Indian College sophomore Malachi Rogers drives past a defender April 1 during the Eagles’ 105-90 victory over Stone Child College in the AIHEC National Basketball Tournament championship. (Photo courtesy of Natasha Brennan, Northwest Indian College)
Despite his high school accolades, Rogers drew little interest from college programs.
“One of the things that drew me to NWIC was that they were the only school that emailed me back,” Rogers laughed.
Landing with the Eagles ended up paying off between a national tournament victory and being named MVP. Off the court, Rogers describes himself as quiet. But on the court, he’s talkative, constantly encouraging his teammates. Rogers’ selflessness, as well as his ability to hit tough shots down the stretch, are two of his greatest on-court strengths.
“He really hit his stride in the second half of this season leading up to our national tournament,” Lane said in an email. “I’m extremely proud of him and couldn’t be happier to have him as a part of our program here at NWIC.”
Although he’s far from home, Rogers has found it easy to adjust to living in Bellingham.
“Growing up on a reservation is a struggle,” Rogers said. “There’s not much for young people to do and we have to drive 40 minutes to the nearest city to get the things we need.”
Bellingham has much more to offer, Rogers said, like milder weather, scenery and closer proximity to activities.
“Living in Bellingham is great,” he added. “It’s such a beautiful place and there’s tons to do here.”
When Rogers isn’t on the court, he may be out fishing, enjoying nature, gaming or shopping for more shoes to add to his impressive collection.
“I love shoes,” he added. “I have some retros, but the majority of my shoe collection is Jordan Nike brand.”
He plans to complete an associate’s degree in general science and continue his basketball career while earning a bachelor’s degree in sports science.
No matter how far his travels lead him, Rogers says keeping family connections is important.
“I believe I’ll always miss home,” Rogers said. “But, as long as I stay connected with my family, that’s all I really need.”
