By: KJ Cardinal
A pair of New Hampshire basketball legends were inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon as Matt Bonner and Mike Lee headlined the Class of 2025 at the Grappone Center in Concord.
Concord’s own Bonner has long been one of New Hampshire’s most iconic basketball figures, and his path from the Capital City to the NBA remains one of the Granite State’s greatest hoops stories.
Few figures have impacted New Hampshire high school athletics the way Mike Lee has. From classrooms to courts, from Farmington to statewide leadership, Lee built a legacy rooted in opportunity, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to kids.
Let’s take a deeper look at each of these two deserving inductees…
Matt Bonner: From Concord to the World Stage
A 1999 Concord High School graduate, Bonner dominated the New Hampshire landscape like few ever have. Under Coach Billy Haubrich, he poured in 2,459 career points, becoming the first Class L player to surpass the 2,000-point mark. Bonner led the Crimson Tide to a staggering 77–6 record and three straight NHIAA Class L State Championships (1997–99). As a senior, he averaged 35 points and 14 rebounds, earning NH Player of the Year honors three consecutive seasons. His postseason accolades included 1999 Gatorade New England Player of the Year and a finalist nod for National High School Athlete of the Year.
Bonner continued his rise at the University of Florida, where his combination of athleticism, academics, and leadership made him a standout in the SEC. A four-year letterwinner and All-SEC performer, he earned Academic All-American of the Year in both 2002 and 2003. Florida later inducted him into the UF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
After college, Bonner carved out a 12-year NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming a fan favorite known as “The Red Mamba.” He helped the Spurs capture two NBA Championships (2007, 2014) and led the NBA in three-point percentage during the 2010–11 season. Beyond the box scores, Bonner was respected league-wide for his professionalism, team-first mindset, and leadership.
Despite his national profile, Bonner never drifted far from his New Hampshire roots. A proud Concord native, he has consistently given back to youth programs across the state and encouraged young athletes to chase their dreams with character and commitment. In 2018, he and his sister, Becky Bonner, were both inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame, highlighting their shared dedication to community service and youth development.
Bonner’s journey — from a dominant force at Concord High to a two-time NBA champion — stands as one of the most inspiring stories in Granite State basketball history.
Mike Lee: A Farmington Legend Who Shaped New Hampshire Basketball
A 1970 graduate of Alton High School and a 1974 graduate of Plymouth State, Lee began his career teaching in Massachusetts before returning home in 1976 to join Farmington High School. What followed became one of the most influential careers in NH school athletics.
From 1977–1993, Lee served as Farmington’s Director of Athletics while also teaching remedial education and running work-study programs. He later earned a master’s degree in Supervision and Leadership from the University of New Hampshire and transitioned into school administration as an elementary assistant principal, middle school principal, and eventually principal at Farmington High. At every stop, his focus never changed: students first — academically, athletically, and as people.
One of Lee’s most lasting contributions came in 1979, when he founded the Farmington Holiday Tournament, originally a four-team boys event. In 1981, he added a girls division to guarantee equal opportunity — setting a statewide standard long before it was common practice. Today known as the Mike Lee Holiday Bash, the event has grown into New Hampshire’s largest boys holiday tournament and remains one of the state’s longest-running traditions. The girls bracket stands as the longest-running girls holiday tournament in New Hampshire.
Lee’s service to the NHIAA was just as impactful. He contributed on the Basketball Committee (1998–2009), the Executive Council (2005–2009), and the Classification Committee (2006–2009), helping shape policy across the state. Coaches throughout New Hampshire credit him for his leadership, mentorship, and his consistent message across decades: school teams come first.
His list of honors reflects his influence:
- Walter Smith Memorial Award (1996)
- Farmington Sports Hall of Fame (2008)
- Inaugural class of the NH Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2019)
But Lee’s true legacy can’t be measured in awards — it lives in the thousands of students who learned lessons through sport under his guidance.
A devoted husband to Carolyn “Candy” Cushman Lee and proud father of Josh and Tim, Mike Lee’s impact reaches far beyond Farmington. His imprint on New Hampshire athletics is permanent.
Joining Lee & Bonner on the NHIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is:
- Jeff Cousineau, Coach (Derryfield)
- Les Poore, Coach (Lisbon)
- Rick Ross, Official (Wrestling)
- Harold Sachs, Coach (Salem)
Check out the full photo gallery from the 25th annual ceremony by KJ Cardinal…
