The New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) will induct Concord basketball legend Matthew Bonner into its Hall of Fame later this month for his individual success as a player and impact on the game in the Granite State.
Matt Bonner won three NHIAA titles during his time at Concord High School. Credit: Monitor file
Bonner, also called the “Red Rocket” and “Red Mamba” during his time in the NBA, started his journey at Concord High School, where he scored 2,459 career points and became the first player in Class L history to surpass the 2,000-point milestone.
He led the Crimson Tide to a 77–6 record and three consecutive NHIAA Class L state championships from 1997 to 1999, and was named New Hampshire Player of the Year during those three seasons.
Bonner averaged 35 points and 14 rebounds per game in his senior season and earned recognition as a 1999 Gatorade Circle of Champions New England Regional Player of
the Year and a finalist for National High School Athlete of the Year honors.
Bonner went on to have a decorated collegiate career playing for the Florida Gators from 1999 to 2003. After college, he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, debuted with the Toronto Raptors and later became a two-time NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs.
“Despite his national acclaim, Matt has never forgotten where it all began. A proud native son of Concord, he has been a lifelong ambassador for New Hampshire athletics, often returning home to support local programs and inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams with integrity and dedication,” the NHIAA wrote.
Bonner became a member of the University of Florida Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015 and a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame (Class of 2018) alongside his sister Becky for their commitment to youth development and community service.
The NHIAA will also induct Derryfield boys’ soccer coach Jeffrey Cousineau, Farmington’s Mike Lee and Lisbon’s Leslie Poore as contributors, wrestling official Richard Ross and Salem softball coach Harold Sachs.
The 25th NHIAA Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Sunday, November 16, at the
Grappone Conference Center Courtyard by Marriott in Concord, beginning with a reception at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets for the event are available for $60 and must be purchased in advance by Nov. 5. If interested, people may contact the NHIAA at 603-228-8671 or via email to: ohayes@nhiaa.org and must include a full name and return address in their message.
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