Day 1 Da Matchup Showcase

Da Matchup Showcase tipped off tonight at LRCA, and from the jump it was obvious why this event continues to grow into one of the most anticipated early-season stages in Arkansas. New faces, returning stars, fresh uniforms, and high expectations, all packed into a gym buzzing with energy.

Day 1 delivered two matchups full of speed, physicality, and the type of intensity you usually don’t see until January. Here’s how the night unfolded.

GAME 1 — BRYANT VS PARKVIEW

The first game of the 2025 Da Matchup Showcase wasted zero time reminding everyone why this event brings out the best talent in Arkansas. The reigning 6A state champion Bryant Hornets stepped onto the floor with leadership, depth, and a whole lot of confidence and from the opening minutes, they made it clear they planned to set the tone for Day 1.

Parkview, stacked with athleticism and headlined by Nebraska commit Jacob Lanier, Ayden Hansberry (Peach Jam Champ), and the always-electric Kolby Bell, came in with their own statement to make as one of the favorites in the 5A Central.

First Half

The pace was blistering from the jump with both teams pushing, running, and firing early. For most of the half, Parkview kept the margin slim, but Bryant gradually turned defensive pressure into separation. By halftime, the Hornets held a 45–29 lead, fueled by the two-headed monster of Camarion Bead and RJ Young.

Bead was everywhere, scoring, rebounding, and orchestrating the offense. Hansberry kept Parkview in striking distance with 13 first-half points, but Bryant’s rhythm was undeniable.

Second Half

Parkview made their big run in the fourth, cutting the lead to as low as 12, but Bryant refused to break. Young and Bead took full command, trading buckets, boards, and defensive plays like a perfectly synced duo. Their stat lines ended nearly identical, a testament to just how balanced and dominant they were:

• RJ Young – 24 pts, 14 rebs, 1 ast, 3 stls (53% FG)

• Camarion Bead – 21 pts, 10 rebs, 7 asts, 3 stls (54% FG)

On Parkview’s side, Hansberry put together a strong 20-point night, and Lanier added a tough double-double performance that showcased why he’s headed to the Big Ten.

But in the end, Bryant’s size, discipline, and veteran leadership closed the door.

FINAL

Bryant 73 – Parkview 53

Da Matchup Showcase MVP: RJ Young

GAME 2 — LRCA VS NLR

The nightcap delivered every bit of the drama you hope for from Da Matchup Showcase, elite talent, huge swings of momentum, technical foul trouble, clutch buckets, and a duel that kept the arena buzzing until the final horn.

The LRCA Warriors, led by 5 star Arkansas signee JJ Andrews, enters as one of the strongest favorites in 5A. NLR, though, brought a deep, athletic, and physical squad with veterans like Kevon “BonBon” Smith, Javen Ashford, and rising sophomore star Elijah Bryant, who was about to have one of the best performance of his young career.

First Half

The whistle was busy, very busy. The teams combined for 33 first-half fouls, and Andrews alone attempted 22 free throws before halftime. Even with the stoppages, the pace stayed high, and NLR’s outside shooting kept them ahead. They knocked down 6 threes in the opening half, and Elijah Bryant lit up the scoreboard for 17 points.

Despite Andrews dropping a massive 25 points and dominating the glass early, LRCA trailed 49–46.

Second Half

NLR opened the third quarter on a surge, stretching the lead to 62–52. But LRCA clawed back behind Andrews, Justice Moore, and a timely spark from their bench. Every possession started to feel like a momentum swing.

With just over a minute left, LRCA tied the game at 71–71 on a huge three by Kaiden Nelson. The arena was rocking.

But the final minute belonged to NLR.

A steal by Dayvian Withers led to free throws that put NLR up two. Moments later, Andrews fouled out on a crucial call, sending Bryant back to the line with 24 seconds left. LRCA got one last lifeline on a big three from Justice Moore, but time expired before they could set up another look.

In a game stacked with stars, it was the sophomore who stole the spotlight.

FINAL

NLR 78 – LRCA 73

Da Matchup Showcase MVP: Elijah Bryant

A signature performance for a young player who looks ready to become NLR’s next big name.

Day 1 of the Da Matchup Showcase delivered exactly what Arkansas basketball fans came to see: star power, breakout performances, and two competitive matchups that set the tone for the rest of the weekend. From senior leaders like RJ Young and Camarion Bead to rising talents like Elijah Bryant, the state is full of athletes ready to make their mark this season.

I'll have full stat graphics and coverage again on Day 2.

See you back inside the Warrior Arena on Saturday. 🏀

KFletch 🖤