Reliving Da Matchup Showcase Day 1

Day 1 of Da Matchup Showcase lived up to its billing: competitive games, standout performances, and a platform for Arkansas prospects to prove themselves. With more action ahead on Saturday, expect rising names to continue carving out their place in the state's basketball landscape. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.   Parkview - 53 vs Bryant - 73 | Final   GAME MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='2021891' first='RJ' last='Young']   Bryant's balanced attack and defensive intensity overwhelmed Parkview. Young's interior dominance paired with Bead's all‑around game makes the Hornets a dangerous matchup moving forward.   Top Performers:   - BRYANT HORNETS   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2021891' first='RJ' last='Young'] - 24 pts, 14 rebs, 3 stls | Dominated the paint, setting the tone early and pulling off late.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2021883' first='Camarion' last='Bead'] - 21 pts, 10 rebs, 7 asts, 3 stls | Versatile, outstanding two-way statement game.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2021930' first='Dae'Juan' last='Ellis'] - 16 pts, 2 stls | 3&D Sparkplug who applied pressure all night.</li> </ul>   PARKVIEW PATRIOTS   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2021884' first='Ayden' last='Hansberry'] - 20 pts, 4 rebs, 2 stls | Scored tough buckets despite solid defensive coverage.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2021873' first='Jacob' last='Lanier'] - 17 pts, 10 rebs, 2 blks | Battled inside for buckets and boards, but fell short of the win.</li> </ul>    Ellis plays with a fearless edge. His quickness in transition makes him a constant threat to push tempo, getting out and running the floor. Defensively, he applies ball pressure and forces turnovers, showing instincts that translate well to the next level. Continued growth as a facilitator will round out his game, but his 3&D prowess makes him a valuable piece in Bryant's backcourt.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   NLR - 78 vs LRCA - 73 | Final   GAME MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='2397948' first='Elijah' last='Bryant']   This was a showcase of star power. [player_tooltip player_id='2397948' first='Elijah' last='Bryant']'s breakout performance solidified his status as one of Arkansas' rising stars, while Andrews proved why he's a top‑tier prospect in the National 2026 class. NLR's depth ultimately carried them past LRCA's heavy reliance on Andrews.   Top Performers:   -NORTH LITTLE ROCK CHARGING WILDCATS   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2397948' first='Elijah' last='Bryant'] - 34 pts, 9 rebs, 3 stls, 1 blk - Electric performance, putting the state on notice with play beyond his age.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2382369' first='Kevon' last='Smith'] - 11 pts, 2 rebs, 3 asts - Steady leadership, defense, and playmaking through 4 qtrs.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='3067372' first='Dayvion' last='Withers'] - 11 pts, 2 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls - Confident, aggressive play on both ends, complementary piece.</li> </ul>   -LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WARRIORS   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2021880' first='JJ' last='Andrews'] - 31 pts, 16 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls (25 points in 1st half) - A dominant first half kept LRCA in striking distance.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2616716' first='Easton' last='Boggs'] - 15 pts, 6 rebs (60% 3-5 from 3pt line) - Reliable floor spacer, underrated rebounder and passer.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Malakhi Morris - 7 pts, 6 rebs, 1 blk - Provided size at the rim while protecting and rebounding.</li> </ul>    Bryant stole the show with a breakout performance, displaying advanced scoring instincts for a freshman. His ability to create separation off the dribble and finish through contact stood out, while his confidence from the perimeter kept defenders guessing. Beyond scoring, he showed poise in handling pressure and didn't shy away from big moments, a rare trait for his age. With his athleticism and skill set, Bryant projects as one of Arkansas' most exciting long‑term prospects.     Withers brings defensive grit and energy, thriving in passing lanes and disrupting opposing guards. Offensively, he complements NLR's stars by attacking defenders and moving the ball effectively. His athleticism allows him to guard ball-handlers with more size than he has, giving coaches flexibility in their lineups.     Boggs showcased his value as a floor stretcher, hitting perimeter shots at a high clip. His ability to rebound and facilitate adds versatility to LRCA's lineup. He plays with a steady, composed approach, rarely forcing plays and instead capitalizing on opportunities within the offense. With his shooting touch and size, Boggs is a prospect who can fit seamlessly into modern D1 systems that prioritize outside shooting.     Morris provides size and toughness in the frontcourt, contributing with rebounding and rim protection. His defensive presence was felt around the basket, altering shots and cleaning the glass. Offensively, he's still developing confidence, but showed flashes of finishing ability and willingness to battle inside. With continued growth, Morris has the potential to be a versatile forward who impacts games through effort and defensive reliability.

Day 1 of Da Matchup Showcase lived up to its billing: competitive games, standout performances, and a platform for Arkansas prospects to prove themselves. With more action ahead on Saturday, expect rising names to continue carving out their place in the state's basketball landscape. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.