Scrappy Showdown Sets the Stage for Two Promising Seasons: Maumelle Tops Morrilton 74-63

Monday night was anything but ordinary at Morrilton High School as the Maumelle Hornets traveled to take on the hometown Devil Dogs in a spirited preseason battle. For me, this matchup is always personal. I’ve covered the Maumelle Hornets for years—these boys feel like mine. But Morrilton? That’s home. My kids are Devil Dogs, and in just under three years, my own son will suit up for this very varsity team.

This connection made the game all the more compelling, as both programs displayed their signature scrappiness and the kind of heart that high school basketball fans live for.

The Game at a Glance

From the jump, the energy in the packed gymnasium was electric. Morrilton’s fiery student section kept the noise levels high, while both teams battled fiercely for every rebound, steal, and loose ball. Maumelle came in with the advantage of depth, playing 11 players in the first half to Morrilton’s six. Despite this, Morrilton’s core group of juniors—Isaiah Templeton, Corey Clemons, Ty Wright, Zay Hill, Ahad Kindle, and Kielyn Bunting—refused to back down.

By the end of the first quarter, Maumelle led 21-15. But Morrilton fought back, matching the Hornets’ fast pace and tying the game late in the second before heading into halftime down just five, 41-36.

Standouts and Key Moments

For Maumelle, senior Markalon Rochell shined in the first half with 13 points, 8 rebounds, a steal, and a block. Rochell, alongside Cedric Jones and Jayce Tillman, led an offense that proved deadly from beyond the arc, with five different Hornets connecting from deep throughout the night.

Cedric Jones, a transfer from Conway, showed why he’s an essential piece of this new-look Hornets squad. Despite being surrounded by unfamiliar faces, Jones has worked hard to fit in and bring the team together. The chemistry is coming, and the results speak for themselves.

On the Devil Dogs’ side, junior Isaiah Templeton, an underrated 6’4 forward, proved why he deserves more attention statewide. While his own stat line—9 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist—was modest, his ability to anchor the team and elevate those around him was evident. Morrilton’s collective effort kept them competitive, as their six players combined for 27 rebounds, 13 assists, and 7 made threes.

Depth Wins Out

Maumelle’s depth ultimately tipped the scales. The Hornets were able to rotate fresh players throughout the game, giving their starters the energy to finish strong. Morrilton’s lack of bench players, while impressive given their tenacity, took its toll as the game wore on.

Still, the score doesn’t tell the full story. The Devil Dogs stayed within striking distance for much of the game, and with a deeper bench, the outcome could have been very different.

It’s worth noting an error on the official scorekeeping: Morrilton was mistakenly credited with two free throw points when only one was made. While the scoreboard read 74-63 at the buzzer, it didn’t affect the result—luckily, this wasn’t a conference game or a one-point thriller, as I’ve seen those moments before.

More Than a Game

This wasn’t just another preseason matchup. It was a glimpse of what’s to come for both programs. Maumelle has more weapons, but that doesn’t necessarily make them stronger. Morrilton’s starters proved they could go toe-to-toe with a team that many consider a powerhouse.

Adjustments were made on both sides, and both coaches showed why their programs are among the most respected in the state. For Maumelle coach Michael Shook, this game provided another opportunity to solidify a team that’s still learning to gel. For Morrilton’s coach Keith Zackery, it was a testament to what his six juniors can accomplish. With reinforcements on the way once football season ends, the Devil Dogs are poised to make a serious run this year.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will now turn their focus to their next opponents:

• Morrilton: Travels to El Dorado next Monday.

• Maumelle: Heads to Northwest Arkansas for back-to-back games against Springdale and Fayetteville, Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

For me, the best part? These teams won’t have to face each other again this season.

KFletch 🖤