Da Matchup Showcase Day 2 | LRCA vs. Benton

The lights were bright, the gym was packed, and if there was one game everyone circled as a potential state tournament preview, it was this one. LRCA, coming off a tough 73–78 loss to North Little Rock two nights ago, returned to Day 2 of Da Matchup Showcase with something to prove. And when 5-star Arkansas signee JJ Andrews takes the floor after a loss? Everybody knows what’s coming.

On the other end stood the reigning 5A State Champions, the Benton Panthers. Graduation may have taken some heavy hitters: Harrison Pickett (UAPB), Elem Shelby (UAM), Terrion Burgess (UALR), Caleb Knight (CBC), and AD Gray (Arkansas Tech), but there is still talent in Benton. 4-star sophomore forward Anthony Spratt, Jr., defensive force Javarious Russell, and new transfer Jaeir Hardwell brought confidence into this one, looking to show that Benton is still a serious contender in the 5A race.

First Half: LRCA Sets the Tone

Halftime: LRCA 49 – Benton 29

This game started fast. Andrews wasted no time taking control: 13 points in the opening quarter alone, cleaning the glass and pushing the pace in transition. The Nelson brothers (Kaleb and Kaiden) played like they grew up with a basketball between them, swinging the ball, knocking down shots, reading each other like a mirror. The chemistry wasn’t just good; it was special.

Benton showed flashes early. Hardwell hit a pair of threes, and Spratt got to work inside with 6 first-quarter points. But the Warriors’ intensity kept snowballing. Loose balls. Offensive boards. Transition buckets. LRCA played like a team that had decided there would be no repeat of Thursday night.

Second Half: A Statement. A Warning. A Message.

Things got loud. Physical. A little chippy. But while Benton continued to compete, LRCA shifted into another gear entirely.

Andrews kept attacking, leading a defensive surge that turned rebounds into dunks, steals into threes, and any daylight into a highlight. From the stands to the Benton bench, one truth became undeniable:

Benton had no answer.

By the fourth quarter, the clock ran continuously. A mercy to everyone except LRCA, who looked like they wanted to play another two quarters.

📌 Final Leading Scorers

LRCA: JJ Andrews – 27pts, 13rebs, 5asst, 1blk

Benton: Anthony Spratt Jr. – 15pts, 1reb, 1blk

Final Score: LRCA 91 – Benton 47

MVP: JJ Andrews

A dominant two-way performance.A reminder of why he’s one of the best players in the nation.And maybe a preview of what’s coming in March.

Final Thoughts

If this was a preview of the 5A State Championship, we all need to clear our schedules. LRCA played like a team on a mission, and when Benton finds its rhythm with this young core, they’ll be dangerous again. But tonight belonged to the Warriors.

And it belonged to JJ Andrews, who didn’t just show up, he took over.

KFletch 🖤