Maumelle’s Senior Core Leads the Charge While Parkview’s Future Shines Bright

In a series that is always run with high emotions, the first meeting this season of the 5A Central Conference clash between the Parkview Patriots and the Maumelle Hornets took place Friday night. The Hornets outplayed the Patriots, securing an emphatic 82-69 victory. Maumelle, now 9-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play, showcased their experience and depth, while Parkview, at 1-10 overall and 0-2 in the conference, highlighted their youthful talent.

Early Domination by Maumelle

From the opening tip, the Hornets gained possession but lost it almost immediately to a quick steal by Parkview’s Kolby Bell. Bell pushed the ball down the court for what seemed like an easy layup, but senior Jayce Tillman raced back to make a spectacular chase-down block, denying the Patriots the opening score. This moment set the tone for the Hornets’ defensive intensity throughout the night.

Moments later, Maumelle turned defense into offense when senior Derrick Lewis sank a three-pointer to put the Hornets on the board. Lewis, whose contributions often extend beyond the box score, sparked Maumelle’s early momentum. Parkview found themselves in early foul trouble, racking up seven fouls in the first four minutes, which forced an unplanned rotation and disrupted their rhythm.

The first half was defined by Maumelle’s dominance. Their defensive pressure and ability to capitalize on turnovers led to highlight-worthy plays, including a perfectly executed assist from sophomore Kam Alexander to senior Talan Poyner for a buzzer-beating three-pointer. By halftime, the Hornets held a commanding 41-19 lead, with senior Markalon Rochell leading the charge with 10 points.

Parkview’s Second Half Resurgence

Despite a rough first half, Parkview came alive in the second, scoring an impressive 50 points and showing the fight that has historically made this matchup intense. Junior Jayden Slaughter was the catalyst, delivering a double-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, and a block. His younger brother, freshman Jorden Slaughter, showed glimpses of his very bright future with key plays under pressure.

Parkview’s supporting cast also stepped up. Junior Bruce Williams contributed 9 points, and Kolby Bell, who started the game with a defensive spark, finished with 7 points and 3 rebounds. While their efforts narrowed the gap, Maumelle’s balanced attack and veteran leadership proved insurmountable.

Hornets Seal the Deal

Maumelle’s experienced senior lineup kept their composure, with Cedric Jones Jr. leading the team in scoring with 20 points. Jayce Tillman had one of his most complete games, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks while shooting efficiently both at the line and from the paint (5-8 FG 63%, 6-6 FT 100%). Malik McGuire anchored the defense with 17 rebounds and six blocks, a performance that underscored his value as a team player and a must-watch prospect for college recruiters.

Markalon Rochell continued to be the Hornets’ steadying force, contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. His leadership on both ends of the court exemplified why this Maumelle team is so dangerous.

Both teams displayed impressive athleticism, with highlight-reel dunks, three-pointers, and a combined 19 blocks.

Key Takeaways from the Matchup

This matchup marked only the second time in four seasons that Maumelle has won at Parkview, and it’s the first time they’ve done so in dominant fashion. The Hornets’ senior leadership and balanced scoring were key factors. While Parkview fell short, their young core—led by the Slaughter brothers—is brimming with potential. They’ll undoubtedly be a force in the near future.

The Patriots will look to regroup when they host Fort Smith Northside on Saturday, December 28, at 5:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Hornets prepare for a tough test against the Staley Falcons from Kansas City, MO, in the Poplar Bluff Showdown on Thursday, December 26, at 8:30 p.m.

KFletch 🖤