Charging Ahead: NLR Edges Hot Springs in Da Matchup Day 1 Thriller

In the opening game of Da Matchup Showcase at Jacksonville High School, the Hot Springs Trojans (5A South) and the North Little Rock Charging Wildcats (6A Central) delivered a contest packed with energy, resilience, and drama. Fans were treated to a hard-fought 69-63 victory for the Wildcats, but the journey to that final score was anything but straightforward.

North Little Rock wasted no time establishing their presence. Kevon “BonBon” Smith electrified the gym in the first quarter, scoring the Wildcats’ first eight points, including two crowd-pleasing dunks and a fast-break bucket following a quick steal. Smith’s dominance, coupled with NLR’s defensive efforts, stifled the Trojans early, giving the Wildcats a 25-9 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The Trojans, however, refused to let the game slip away. Senior Jai’Chaunn Hayes, committed to UAPB, found his rhythm in the second quarter. Hayes nailed three shots from beyond the arc, single-handedly keeping Hot Springs in contention as they clawed their way back into the game. Though the Trojans scored 16 in the period, they still faced a 38-25 deficit at halftime.

Hot Springs emerged from the locker room determined to fight, and fight they did. With junior Dae’Juan Ellis setting the tone defensively, the Trojans went on a run that cut the Wildcats’ lead to just six points midway through the third quarter. Ellis’ quick steals, including one that led to a fast-break assist and another that set up a second-chance basket for LaBraun Christon, highlighted the team’s scrappy and unrelenting style. NLR called a timeout to halt the momentum.

Coach Josh Hayes of Hot Springs showed why his passion for the game is unmatched. His fiery demeanor on the sidelines was a masterclass in old-school coaching intensity. He strategized, argued calls, and motivated his players, earning a bench warning for his relentless advocacy. In an era when animated coaching often gets overshadowed by calmer approaches, Hayes’ style was a throwback to the days when courtside passion could elevate an entire team, a truly lost art.

Trailing by 13 entering the final quarter, the Trojans came out swinging. An early and-one finish by Jaeir Hardwell followed by a fast-break layup by Ellis closed the gap to eight. Christon exploded in the fourth quarter, pouring in 11 points, including a critical three-pointer that brought Hot Springs within two with under a minute to play.

But foul trouble reared its head for the Trojans. Jai’Chaunn Hayes was controversially called for his fifth foul, a decision that sparked outcry from the Hot Springs fan section and left the team without their leader in the final moments. Despite the setback, the Trojans had chances. Ellis forced a turnover, and freshman Daron Hicks came up big with a putback to keep the game close. Yet, a series of missed opportunities under the rim sealed their fate.

BonBon Smith, the game’s MVP, stepped to the free-throw line with poise, sinking two clutch shots to give NLR a four-point lead. He finished the game with 20 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, epitomizing the Wildcats’ balanced attack and cool under pressure.

While NLR secured the win, the game was a testament to Hot Springs’ grit. The Trojans, a mix of youth and new faces, showed they could hang with one of the state’s premier programs. Their team-first mentality and refusal to back down suggest a promising season ahead.

For NLR, the win was expected—they remain a powerhouse in 6A basketball with a history of excellence. Players like Smith, Andre Barnes, and Tadrian Baker form a strong nucleus poised for another deep postseason run. But Hot Springs reminded everyone why the games are played on the court, not on paper.

Next up for the Trojans is a matchup against the 5A Central Jacksonville Titans tomorrow afternoon, while NLR faces the 6A West Bentonville Tigers.

And with that, the season is officially underway.

KFletch 🖤