Stung at Home: Beebe Lady Badgers Dominate Lady Hornets in Conference Opener

The Maumelle Lady Hornets faced a tough test in their 5A Central conference opener, hosting the formidable Beebe Lady Badgers. Despite a spirited start, the Lady Hornets fell 58-21 to a Beebe team firing on all cylinders.

First Half Breakdown

The Lady Hornets came out with energy, trading baskets with the Lady Badgers in a fast-paced first quarter. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Christianity Garland kept Maumelle within striking distance, trailing just 11-10. However, the second quarter proved decisive. Beebe’s balanced scoring attack and defensive tenacity led to a dominant 26-6 run before halftime.

By intermission, Beebe held a commanding 37-16 lead, fueled by standout performances from Deija Lockhart and Lexi Owens. Lockhart stuffed the stat sheet with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals, while Owens added 8 points early to set the tone.

Lady Hornets’ Effort Falls Short

In the second half, Beebe’s relentless defense and fast-paced offense stifled the Lady Hornets. Maumelle managed just 5 points after halftime, as turnovers and missed opportunities kept them from mounting a comeback. Garland finished as the Lady Hornets’ leading scorer with 12 points, 2assists, and 2 steals, while Ava Fowlkes contributed 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal.

On the other side, Beebe showcased their depth. Owens took over in the second half, adding 8 more points to finish with 16. Hannon Johnson impressed with 12 points, 3 blocks, and a steal, while Shiloh Gomez and Bailey Barton combined for 11 steals, disrupting Maumelle’s rhythm.

Analysis and Outlook

The Lady Badgers displayed why they are a strong contender in the 5A Central, utilizing an aggressive defense and well-coordinated ball movement. With their depth and ability to finish at the rim, they could make a deep run in the postseason.

For the Lady Hornets, the loss underscores areas for growth, particularly in ball security and offensive execution. However, the team has made significant strides compared to previous seasons. Garland’s leadership and the emerging contributions from players like Fowlkes and Makaylen Hall offer a foundation to build upon.

What’s Next?

The Maumelle Lady Hornets (3-8, 0-1) will look to regroup against the Parkview Lady Patriots in their second conference matchup next Friday at Parkview. Meanwhile, the Beebe Lady Badgers (8-1, 1-0) will host the Bald Knob Lady Bulldogs in a non-conference clash.