Maumelle Wraps NWA Tour with Tough Loss Despite Rochell’s Standout Performance

The Maumelle Hornets closed out their two-day Northwest Arkansas tour with a 66-53 loss to the Fayetteville Bulldogs at Fayetteville High School on Tuesday night. While the Hornets showed flashes of competitiveness, the Bulldogs’ balanced attack ultimately proved insurmountable.

A Sluggish Start

The game began with tempered energy from both squads. The Bulldogs led 18-15 after the first quarter, and by halftime, they held a seven-point advantage, 32-25. Despite some spurts of effort, Maumelle struggled to close the gap in the second half, allowing Fayetteville to maintain at least a 10-point cushion for most of the final two quarters.

Leading the Hornets’ charge was senior standout Markalon Rochell, who tallied a double-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. Rochell was consistent on both ends, but Maumelle leaned too heavily on his production. Senior Jayce Tillman added 11 points and 2 assists, but the Hornets lacked the scoring depth to keep up.

On the other side, the Bulldogs showcased their depth. Five Fayetteville players scored in double digits, led by Odie Williams, who notched 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals. Tyler Bell, Jaxon Jorgenson, Xavier Brown, and Kinyun Johnson each added 10+ points, with Johnson also providing key plays down the stretch.

Turning Points

Fayetteville’s ability to spread scoring responsibilities across their roster was a decisive factor. The Bulldogs consistently found open looks and capitalized on Maumelle’s lapses on defense. Their ball movement and control were particularly evident in the second half, where they tallied 34 points.

Meanwhile, Maumelle couldn’t find a consistent rhythm. Fouls were fairly called, but the Hornets seemed hesitant at times, missing opportunities to shift momentum. Despite closing the gap to within three points on multiple occasions, the Hornets couldn’t sustain the runs needed to regain control.

JV Squad Shines Bright

Before the varsity contest, Maumelle’s JV team earned a thrilling 61-59 victory. Caleb Horton’s late-game heroics—scoring the game-winning basket with just 1.7 seconds left—secured the win for the Hornets. Horton finished with 13 points, while Talan Poyner led the way with 16 points. Reese Shearon and Kamryn Alexander combined for seven three-pointers, contributing crucial firepower before sitting out the second half.

What’s Next?

The Maumelle Hornets now turn their attention to the 2nd Annual Dandy Dozen Tournament. They’ll face Newcastle, Oklahoma, on Friday at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Saturday rematch against the Bryant Hornets at 6:00 p.m. Fayetteville, meanwhile, will participate in the "Hoopin’ on the Hill" showcase.

KFletch 🖤