Stinging in Overtime: Maumelle Outlasts Bryant

The battle of the Hornets took center stage in Game 2 of Da Matchup Showcase, with Maumelle (5A Central) and Bryant (6A Central) putting on a show. In a game filled with high-octane moments and standout performances, it was Maumelle who emerged victorious in overtime, pulling off a gutsy 76-70 win over Bryant.

From the opening tip, Bryant asserted its dominance, taking an 18-8 lead late in the first quarter behind the dynamic duo of Camarion Bead and RJ Young. Bead scored nine points in the opening frame, while Young added seven, combining for relentless pressure on both ends of the court. Maumelle struggled to find its rhythm early, but senior Cedric Jones and big man Malik McGuire kept their team within striking distance, with McGuire grabbing five rebounds and Markalon Rochell making his presence known with two blocks and a deflection.

The second quarter saw Maumelle shift gears. Closing the gap with a balanced attack, the team clawed back from a double-digit deficit thanks to timely buckets from Kam Alexander and a highlight-reel slam dunk from Jayce Tillman. Rochell dominated the paint, scoring nine points in the quarter, six of which came from second-chance opportunities. By halftime, Bryant’s once-comfortable lead had shrunk to just three, 36-33.

The third quarter belonged to Maumelle. Rochell continued his stellar play, grabbing four points and adding three more blocks to his defensive tally. With under 11 seconds left in the quarter, a costly five-second violation by Bryant handed possession to Maumelle. Jones capitalized with a layup to give Maumelle its first lead of the game heading into the fourth, 51-49.

As the clock ticked down in the final quarter, neither team could pull away. With just over a minute to play, Maumelle's Derrick Lewis nailed a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 63. A late traveling violation by Bryant with four seconds left gave Maumelle one last shot, but a timeout advanced the ball to no avail, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime began with a 9-2 Maumelle run fueled by McGuire’s relentless effort on the boards and Rochell’s dominance under the basket. Derrick Lewis drained another clutch three-pointer to push Maumelle forward, but when both McGuire and Bead fouled out, the game shifted fully in Maumelle’s favor. RJ Young gave it his all for Bryant, but Rochell was unstoppable in crunch time, finishing the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks, two assists, and a steal.

Rochell’s all-around brilliance earned him MVP honors as Maumelle celebrated a significant victory over a 6A powerhouse. For Bryant, the absence of UALR commit Kellen Robinson was a noticeable factor, but the team showed grit and determination that will serve them well as the season progresses.

For Maumelle, the win was a statement. This game showcased their growth and determination to compete with anyone. Rochell’s leadership and McGuire’s effort on the boards were the difference-makers, while talents like Jones, Tillman, and Alexander offered glimpses of a bright future.

Next up, Bryant faces the Har-Ber Wildcats tomorrow evening in Day 2 of the showcase, while Maumelle will take a few days to prepare for a road game against the 4A Morrilton Devil Dogs.

Until tomorrow - Day 2 of Da Matchup Showcase,

KFletch 🖤