03 Feb 2024 Elijah Newell – Maumelle (501 Basketball Team 2024)

Finishing as a quarterfinalist in last year’s Class 5A state tournament, Maumelle enters 2024 with a strong focus on team growth.

As a senior leader, Hornets guard Elijah Newell understands that improving his team’s mental toughness is just as important as its physicality.

“Our goal this season is to win a state championship,” he said. “First, we have to have the mentality for it. Once we have the mentality, then we can get there by working hard in practice and becoming a team. By being a vocal leader and pushing my teammates during practice, I believe that success will come easier in the game.”

A three-sport athlete at Maumelle High School, Newell’s versatility goes a long way both as a leader and as a student-athlete. “Elijah is a great teammate,” Maumelle Head Coach Michael Shook said. “He’s a hard worker, a great communicator and exhibits leadership through his athleticism and willingness to help others.”

After high school, Newell plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to play football.

“Don’t just do what you love during practice,” he said. “Put in the hours before and after practice, too. The more hours you put in, the more you improve.”

When he’s not playing the games he loves, Newell is making an impact as a role model in his 501 community.

“Elijah has worked with our youth basketball and football camps and volunteers as a mentor at our elementary schools,” Shook said. “He always has a positive attitude and encourages others when they need it.”