ARKANSAS BASKETBALL HAS ARRIVED

The 2025 2026 Arkansas high school basketball season did not just begin. It erupted. The Matchup Showcase delivered star power, elite shot making, rising underclassmen, and early season statement wins that shaped the direction of the winter.

From returning stars to breakout newcomers, the Showcase revealed one truth.

Arkansas basketball is deeper, stronger, and more electric than ever.

THE HEADLINER

ELIJAH BRYANT SETS THE STANDARD

North Little Rock 78

Little Rock Christian 73

In a matchup that felt like a postseason preview, Elijah Bryant delivered a commanding thirty four point and nine rebound performance.

His composure was unmistakable. His shot making was timely. His leadership elevated his entire roster.

LRCA’s JJ Andrews answered with thirty one points and sixteen rebounds in a display of strength and competitive fire that kept his team alive until the final minute.

Two of the state’s premier names produced one of the early classics of the season.

THE BRYANT HORNETS DUO

A LEVEL ABOVE

Bryant introduced one of the most explosive tandems in the state.

RJ Young delivered back to back standout performances, finishing with twenty five points against Mills and twenty four against Parkview.

His perimeter shooting, athletic surge moments, and ability to take over possessions separated him from the pack.

Camarion Bead, known widely as C Beast, matched that energy with twenty five points against Mills and a twenty one point, ten rebound performance against Parkview.

His downhill pressure and three level scoring left defenders with no answer.

Together they combined for eighty five points across the weekend. Bryant has a backcourt capable of dictating any game.

UNDERCLASSMAN STOCK RISERS

THE PLAYERS WHO ELEVATED THEIR STATUS

Elijah Bryant

North Little Rock
Displayed complete control of the game with elite decision making and clutch execution.

Vann Hayes

Hot Springs
A confident shot maker who handled pressure with ease.

Judah Johnson

Hot Springs
Played with a relentless motor and delivered strong production in every category.

TEAM TO WATCH

SPRINGDALE HAR BER ANNOUNCES ITS PRESENCE

Springdale Har-Ber delivered one of the most significant wins of the Showcase with a seventy five to sixty two victory over Hot Springs. It was a performance built on strong defense, efficient execution, and reliable leadership.

Jabari Washington led Har-Ber with twenty two points and five rebounds, establishing himself as a composed scorer and a pace controlling guard who thrives in big moments.

Har-Ber looks disciplined, confident, and more than capable of climbing the statewide rankings.

RISING STAR FEATURE

ANTHONY SPRATT
THE NEXT FACE OF ARKANSAS BASKETBALL

Benton sophomore guard and national four star prospect Anthony Spratt delivered a standout fourteen point performance against a highly respected LRCA defense.

He played beyond his age, showing maturity in his shot selection, balance, and pace.

Spratt scored at all three levels, embraced contact, and demonstrated the traits that separate gifted young players from future stars.

Benton has a foundational guard. Arkansas has a future name to follow.

CREATIVE COMMUNITY BEHIND THE EVENT

AR Prep Sports — Kris Boyd

Kris Boyd and AR Prep Sports have long played an important role in recognizing and promoting Arkansas high school athletes. His consistent coverage and presence within the community help reinforce the credibility and competitive importance of events like Da Matchup Showcase.

Boyd’s commitment to highlighting talent across the state has made AR Prep Sports a trusted resource for players, families, and programs.

NICKWEGNERDESIGNS — Nick Wegner

The visual identity of Arkansas basketball continues to grow, and designers like Nick Wegner play a major part in that movement. Through his creative brand NICKWEGNERDESIGNS, Wegner has contributed graphics, promotional material, and visual storytelling that elevate the overall presentation of events across the state.

His support and promotional work surrounding the 2025 Showcase added energy and visibility to the weekend.

COE Films — Nigel Wright

COE Films, led by Nigel Wright, has become a recognizable presence in Arkansas sports media. His film work captures the emotion and pace of the game in ways that connect with players and fans.

Wright’s association with Da Matchup Showcase, reflected on his social platforms, highlights his ongoing commitment to documenting Arkansas basketball with quality and detail.

TITLE SPONSOR RECOGNITION

FIRST COMMUNITY BANK

The growth of Da Matchup Showcase 2025 is made possible through the support of organizations that believe in the value of Arkansas youth, athletics, and community development. First Community Bank stands among those supporters.

Their sponsorship reflects a genuine belief in the young athletes who compete on this stage and in the basketball culture that continues to grow throughout the state. Their involvement helped strengthen the platform, allowing teams to compete at a high level and media creators to document the event with the quality it deserves.

First Community Bank’s support demonstrates the impact that committed community partners can make. It reinforces a message that continues to shape the future of the sport:

Arkansas basketball matters.
The athletes matter.
The culture matters.

By investing in this event, First Community Bank has contributed to the continued rise of Arkansas hoops and the opportunities it provides for players, programs, and families across the state.

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