Honoring a Mentor
Concord High has officially christened its summer basketball league the "Dave Bonner Memorial Summer Basketball League," a tribute that reflects the coach’s enduring impact on the city’s court culture.
For decades, Bonner could be found in the bleachers of the school gym, eyes glued to every play, offering quiet encouragement to players and fans alike. His coaching philosophy centered on community, insisting that the well‑being of the kids always came before wins.
The five‑week competition brings together Concord High, Manchester Central, Manchester West, Manchester Memorial, Merrimack Valley, and ConVal, giving each program a chance to sharpen skills and build camaraderie before the regular season.
Looking Ahead
Athletic Director Steve Largy envisions the league as a permanent fixture, hoping to replicate the standards set by the Bonners in the late 1990s and early 2000s while also addressing the recent challenges faced by Concord’s teams.
Current standings show Concord at 4‑3, sitting fourth, with playoffs scheduled to begin on Monday, July 27. Meanwhile, Merrimack Valley remains winless at 0‑7, underscoring the competitive balance the league seeks to foster.
The Bonner children — Matt, Becky and Luke — once wore the Concord jersey and helped the program dominate state rankings, a legacy that continues to inspire the new generation of players.
As the league prepares for its inaugural season under the new name, the hope is that the memory of Dave Bonner will translate into more playing time, stronger programs, and a renewed sense of community on the court.