Da Matchup Showcase Day 2 | Bryant vs. Mills U

A Clash of Champions

There may not be a more anticipated matchup in Arkansas high school basketball this season than this one: the defending 6A State Champion Bryant Hornets vs. the defending 4A State Champion Mills U Comets. When two programs known for toughness, discipline, and deep postseason experience step onto the floor together, it’s never just a basketball game—it's a collision of cultures. And tonight, it was exactly that.

The Hornets entered with star power headlined by Tennessee Tech signee RJ Young and UCA signee Camarion “CB” Bead, both of whom came off big performances earlier in the showcase. Add in the lightning-quick Dae’Juan Ellis, and Bryant was poised to make a statement.

On the other end, Mills arrived with their signature grit, anchored by Arkansas State signee Anthony Hester, one of the toughest two-way players in the state. Alongside him: Maziyah Curry, Marshall Walls, Vance Cunningham, and new addition AJ McCray from White Hall. Mills basketball has never lacked identity, and tonight was no different—they came to fight.

First Half: Bryant Sets the Tone

Halftime: Bryant 44 – Mills U 21

Bryant wasted no time punching first, and they punched hard. The Hornets took two early charges that completely shifted the energy and frustrated Mills’ offensive rhythm. Within minutes, Bryant was controlling the tempo on both ends of the court.

And then… RJ Young caught fire.

Young was flawless from beyond the arc in the first half, hitting 5 of 5 threes and finishing the opening periods with 23 points and 7 rebounds. His shotmaking stretched the floor so drastically that Mills had to abandon help defense, freeing up Bead and Ellis to attack the paint.

Mills struggled to get shots to fall, and although Hester and Walls chipped away, the Comets went into halftime facing their largest deficit of the showcase so far.

First Half Leading Scorers:

• Bryant: RJ Young

• Mills U: Anthony Hester & Marshall Walls (6 pts each)

Second Half: Mills Shows Life, But Bryant Never Breaks

Mills did not roll over.

Down 20+ for most of the third quarter, the Comets surged in the fourth, trimming the lead to 11 points with 4:45 left after a major momentum swing from a charge taken by Hester. Suddenly the arena felt different—Mills was playing Mills basketball.

But Bryant had too much firepower and too much poise.

Young continued to command attention, while Walls put on a scoring show of his own, finishing with 26 points in a gutsy performance that kept Mills within striking distance. In the end, the Hornets simply had more answers, closing out the game with mature, championship composure.

Postgame Thoughts

If this game ends up being a preview of March—nobody would complain.

Bryant looks every bit like a program ready to defend its crown. Young is playing like one of the most confident shooters in the state, and the Hornets' balance and physicality remain defining traits.

Mills might be younger, but they are still the Comets—unmatched intensity, blue-collar toughness, and a ceiling that feels limitless once their pieces fully gel.

This won’t be the last time Arkansas basketball fans hear about these two giants.

KFletch 🖤