Da Matchup Showcase Day 2 | Hot Springs vs. Har-Ber

Hot Springs Trojans vs. Har-Ber Wildcats

Final: Har-Ber 75 – Hot Springs 62

Game 2 of Day 2 at the Da Matchup Showcase brought a different kind of energy to LRCA Warrior Arena, a matchup between a proven 6A program on the rise and a young, hungry 5A squad finding its new identity. The Hot Springs Trojans and Har-Ber Wildcats hit the floor, and while the score favored Har-Ber in the end, both programs walked away having defined exactly who they plan to be this season.

Setting the Stage

Hot Springs enters a new era under second-year head coach Josh Hayes, following the graduation of one of the best to ever come through their program, Jai’Chaunn Hayes (UAPB). This season, the spotlight shifts to a fresh but familiar face: 6'1 freshman guard Vance "Vann" Hayes, who has already been tested with double and triple defensive coverage early in the year. The Trojans are still waiting on key players finishing football playoffs, but return production in Judah Johnson, Elijah Reed, and more.

Har-Ber, meanwhile, is replacing major star power of their own with the departures of Courtland Muldrew (Washington) and Hayden Wood (Jacksonville University). Still, Coach Tommy Deffebaugh has already shown Wildcat basketball isn’t going anywhere, including a strong win over 4A runner-up Morrilton two nights ago.

And from the opening minutes, Har-Ber wasted no time proving that again

First Half: The Wildcats Catch Fire

Halftime Score: Har-Ber 42 – Hot Springs 19

Har-Ber walked into the game with a plan and executed it with precision: punish Hot Springs from behind the arc. The Wildcats went 9–17 from three in the first two quarters, racking up 27 of their 42 points from deep. Ball movement was crisp, spacing stayed tight, and confidence only grew with each make.

Hot Springs struggled to settle in offensively, turning the ball over too often and missing chances to control the tempo. With several football players still out, the roster leans young and is still developing chemistry and it showed early.

Still, there were sparks.

Sophomore Judah Johnson and Nic Haines each finished the half with 5 points, and Johnson’s physicality in the paint hinted at what would come later.

Washington set the tone early and never let up.

Second Half: The Trojans Come Alive

The third quarter saw a more balanced fight, but the story of the half belonged to Hot Springs refusing to quit.

Judah Johnson continued drawing contact under the basket, forcing trips to the free-throw line. If he cleans those up, he has a chance to be one of the most physically impactful players in 5A South this season.

Then came the fourth and Vann Hayes arrived.

The freshman guard dropped 12 points in the final quarter alone, showcasing the poise everyone has been waiting for. Johnson poured in 10 more in the fourth as well, powering a 28-point team quarter that cut the deficit to 15 multiple times.

But Har-Ber was simply too steady. They knocked down three more triples in the 3rd, protected possessions, and leaned on their lead until the horn.

MVP: Jabari Washington (Har-Ber)

Efficient, controlled, and impactful on both ends. His early offensive burst built the cushion Har-Ber rode all afternoon.

Closing Thoughts

Har-Ber showed they’re ready to stay competitive in the 6A West — even after major offseason departures. This is a well-coached, disciplined group with shooters across the roster.

Hot Springs, despite the loss, proved something important: they are going to fight — and they are going to get better, especially once the full roster returns. And if today is any indication, freshman Vann Hayes is worth every bit of the anticipation surrounding him.

There’s a long season ahead. And both teams will be fun to watch.

KFletch 🖤