Most high school players want to be in the starting lineup, but for Marmion’s Dave Malley, continuing in his role off the bench suits him just fine.
Just like he did last season, the junior guard is a primetime shooter despite not being a starter for the Cadets, providing the all-important juice to keep things going.
“Coach talked to me and said we have to find out how you can score more,” Malley said. “In past games, you come off the bench and you seem to give us a spark and let the game come to you.
“We think as a sixth man you can score more.”
Malley scored more Friday night, picking up nine of his game-high 11 points off the bench in the first half as Marmion pulled away for a 60-25 Catholic League White win at crosstown rival Aurora Central Catholic.
Dialing up from long distance, Malley went 3-for-3 from 3-point range and even drew a foul on another three for Marmion (4-2, 2-1). Ben Piekarz added 10 points for the Cadets.
Marmion’s Dave Malley (3) looks to take a shot against Aurora Central Catholic during a Catholic League White game in Aurora on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
Nick Czerak came through with eight points for Aurora Central Catholic (5-3, 1-1).
Malley, meanwhile, is turning into a version of The Microwave — Vinnie Johnson of the Detroit Pistons’ Bad Boys Pistons era — for Marmion coach Joe Piekarz. Malley is instant offense.
“He brings such a dimension off the bench,” Piekarz said of Malley. “When Dave comes in, obviously, he’s a really good shooter, but he’s a good on-ball defender.
“He brings that extra spark. Usually, when you’re subbing, you can go down. We feel like we go up when he comes in. He did a really nice job.”
Marmion’s Dave Malley (3) sets up on offense against Aurora Central Catholic during a Catholic League White game in Aurora on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
The left-handed Malley uses his smooth touch all over the arc to be a separator off the bench. It’s a role that he has grown accustomed to for the Cadets.
“Because I did it last year, it wasn’t too much of an adjustment,” Malley said. “I embrace my role. It’s not about me. Whatever can help the team win, me coming off the bench, still scoring points, still hitting shots.”
Malley hit his first 3-pointer during a 19-0 run to give the Cadets a 20-3 lead early in the second quarter. He then hit a three and two free throws in a subsequent 12-0 run for a 35-12 halftime lead.
“I thought we moved the ball really well,” Piekarz said. “When we start moving the ball like that, we get a lot of open looks. We have a lot of guys that can score.
Marmion’s Dave Malley (3) looks up at the scoreboard after being fouled against Aurora Central Catholic during a Catholic League White game in Aurora on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
“It was a nice, balanced, team effort.”
To senior point guard Ali Tharwani, Malley’s skills just give him yet another option.
“Dave is a great shooter,” Tharwani said. “As a leader and a point guard, how do I get him going? It gets me going a little bit. It gets the bench hyped. I want to get Dave involved.
“He brings that spark. He’s a winner.”
Malley confirmed that he would like to showcase more of his offensive game in the future, though.
Marmion’s Dave Malley (3) reacts on defense against Aurora Central Catholic during a Catholic League White game in Aurora on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
“I want to start driving the paint before I start shooting threes because that can get your game going,” Malley said. “Maybe doing those things will help me get into the starting lineup.
“But right now, I’m fine coming off the bench.”
Friday was the first game for the Cadets since a 66-46 loss to St. Ignatius, a team that has already defeated defending Class 4A state champion Benet this season. The loss was instructive.
“It showed the different levels of teams in our conference and where we want to be,” Malley said. “It gave us a goal of what we need to work on to become a team like that or beat a team like that.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
