That is how it is done.

Good Saturday morning and welcome back to Championship Weekend is on tap this morning.

We've got the two way girls title game between Mt.

Vernon, the NOLA and Conway Christian.

Welcome to the broadcast table alongside the real Coach K Christian Williamson Bobby Swafford.

Got a good one lined up today.

Coach, you've been here before.

Led Harrison to the 21 state championship.

What are the is now in session broadcast of this championship game is made possible by the electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

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That is how it is done.

Good Saturday morning and welcome back to Championship Weekend is on tap this morning.

We've got the two way girls title game between Mt.

Vernon, the NOLA and Conway Christian.

Welcome to the broadcast table alongside the real Coach K Kristi Williams.

I'm Bobby Swafford.

Got a good one lined up today.

And Coach, you've been here before.

Led Harrison to the 21 state championship.

What are the emotions these two teams are leading up at the tip off?

Well, if it was anything like I experienced after a week of practicing, the kids and the coaches are just ready to play.

So these two teams are going to tip it off in just a few minutes.

But let's find out what happened yesterday with all the other championship games.

Of course, we've handed out eight titles already this weekend.

And of course, Khloe Clardy led the Conway Lady Walk this gas to the state championship.

The Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year and her Lady Cass outlasted North Little Rock 6253 with an on the boys side in classic, say, Springdale and Jonesboro went back and forth, but Jonesboro completed a three peat with a win there.

Then the one AA girls last night.

Mama Spring started slow, but a huge second half helped them rally past the defending champ Norfolk.

They posted a 4536 victory and the nightcap was the most exciting game of the day.

Mark Treece led for most of it, but County line to the furious rally beat the buzzer and they took home the state title.

But who's going to win the two way title?

We're going to find that out.

Players to watch.

Take a look at how they got here and the keys to the game coming up.

As you're watching the Centennial Banks, the basketball championship on Arkansas PBS Sports team sports in Arkansas really is the building of character.

It's being able to get through trials and tribulations as a team.

You take those lessons from team sports and use them in everyday life situations.

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And welcome back inside bank okay Arena the go to a girl state championship about to tip it off.

The starting lineup is being introduced.

Let's find out how these two squads got here.

Take a look at the bracket first, from Mt.

Vernon to NOLA, a record of 37 and five on the season, a ten point victory over Yale Yeovil summit in the first round.

Their toughest game in the state tournament came in the quarter, the Edge, the riverside and no problems with Mansfield in the semifinals.

A 5230 tally there is Mount Vernon punched their ticket the hot springs on the top half of the bracket.

Conaway Christian Well, they eased to the first round a 24 point victory over Lifeway.

Then they matched up with desert.

No test there either, another 23 point victory, and they took on Hector, another double digit win.

And that's been a trend for this kind of Christian team.

And that's how we've got the lady Eagles and the Lady Warhawks open it up today in the state championship game.

Who are the players to watch?

Will, Mount Vernon and Nola, you're 37 and five.

You've got to have someone who turns the dial and that's Desi McCarty.

She wears number 23, 16 points, 13 rebounds.

A six foot junior can score, but more importantly, she can rebound and give her team second chance opportunities.

All right.

For Conway Christian, their player, to watch Josey Williams.

And that's a name you're going to hear a lot today, 22 points, six rebounds, three assists.

She has signed with Harding Academy.

She can do it all, 2380 points in her career.

She is a four year starter and coach Kristen Williams, Josey Williams, as she's introduced right there, can do it at all levels of the floor.

The three point line in the lane.

She is a facilitator and she's a scorer.

Yes, she's a fun, fun guard to watch as Josey Williams at these two teams.

And you look at the overall match up, there's so much familiarity between Conway, Christian and Mt.

Vernon and all of these two teams have played twice already this year.

Once back in the tournament right after Christmas.

That was a double digit win for Mt.

Vernon, the NOLA.

But that was also the last time that holiday Christian lost the game.

They've won 19 straight, including a double digit victory over Mt.

Vernon in the regional tournament game.

So the third meeting between these two teams, would you play a team that many times, you know what their other's going to do, just throw it up and go play, right?

That's what you got to do.

Yeah, that's going to be a really fun matchup between these two as we're getting set again.

Coach Christian Williams on Bobby Swafford, Thanks for tuning in to the broadcast today.

The two girls state basketball championship is going to be on the line.

You know, the nerves are raging between these two squads.

How do you settle down into an atmosphere like this, an arena bigger than you played in all season long?

I always tell my kids, you know, use it on the defensive end, you know, get those nerves out.

You can always play good defense and hopefully come or get to the basket, get fouled, get to the free throw line, get comfortable.

Mount Vernon, Enola wearing the blue outline and gray Connerly question the whites outlined in Navy Lady Eagles Lady war hawks and tip it up and we are underway for the two way title game got away.

Christian controls the opening tip and now we get an early look at Josey Williams.

She's going to touch it every possession for this squad who averages 58 points per contest looks like they're going to deny Josey I'm sure a lot of schools have done that this year.

Three in the corners go fast Star for Conway Christian Connelly.

Gibson buries the triple from the corner.

Gibson averages ten points a game.

She's the second leading scorer on this.

CONNELLY Christian squad, Mount Vernon goes quickly inside, and that's Desi McCarty.

So the two players we talked about are already going to work for a full four pressure here from Mount Vernon.

Analysts speed up the tempo.

How much of the shot clock effect, what teams do and how they operate this year?

I love it.

We I like to play fast and if that's how you play, it really didn't affect you from way first and tries to work it inside of air and passed over the first turnover of the contest and give it back to the Lady Warhawks.

There's something about this arena.

We haven't seen it yet.

Obviously both teams knocked down their first shot, but he really does some funny things to offenses.

Yes, already Warhawks working on that the left side try to figure out the zone A three on the right wing.

It's good so much for struggling in this arena Yeah does he she's she's a great post player but can step out knock it down five points already for the team's leading scorer on the season Mount Vernon and all of a sudden early five three lead this is Brooklyn frat and so basketball she had a quadruple double against mountain time back in December That's impressive work the shot clock working inside seven on the shot now gives way to a left handed hook.

They're off the mark.

No good.

The rebound and pull him on McCarty and Mount Vernon's out with it that's he's just doing it all are evenly matched team even crowd as well and turnover and Kelly Christian trying to push with the tempo the drive delay no call there no buckets and the lady warhawks are coming back the other way since they're wanting to push a little bit more and that's the easiest way to to calm the nerves, get out in transition, get some easy buckets.

It also prevents the defense from getting back and setting up the zone.

Oh, Eric, pass there and take it away.

Nice steal by Kiara Keith Lee.

She averages three steals per contest.

Here's Williams cut off before she can get to the lane.

Nice job of the help side defense preventing colleague Kristen's leading scorer from getting to the rim.

I've seen Jose just completely take over games.

He's scored 2300 points without him at a time or two and now Williams buries the triple and right on cue spoke it into existence.

Williams Get into the act five seven senior knocks down the 365 score Connolly First down front Nice pass there the high post wide open in the zone Can't get the 15 footer to go though that was Olivia McClelland is that the weaknesses is an offense is that what you're trying to do?

Get to that high post, find a hole in the zone?

Well, it was probably more wide open than it was supposed to be.

Never supposed to be open, right?

Lisa, As a coach, that's what you would say.

We're inside four minute, four and a half minutes.

Now, that was deflected out of bounds.

Well, keep it on this end of the floor.

Melissa Gilbert checks in five six.

Sophomore averages five points per game working inside nice interior pass there Deflected though and take it away good hustle gives the opportunity for the Lady Eagles and they're going to push the tempo loose ball going to have a tight tie up and this is going to go the other direction a little out of control.

There was Williamson lost control of basketball, said Hustle.

Getting back defensively, getting that tip last kind of lay Christian, though, to set up their pressure, going full court with it.

Long pass there over the top of the defense and Mount Vernon the no look gets it across the time line Here's McCarty pull up jumper got it going all the way inside the lane and to the bodies pulls up from eight feet and knocks it down And she's got all seven of Mount Vernon's points.

I don't think she's nervous she is certainly settled in nicely Ball deflected there.

It's almost taken away now.

It is taken away.

I'm going to have another time possession that's going to lead us to our first time out of this first quarter.

Nice flow to it.

No need to fill out the process or have any nerves Mount Vernon at all.

It was a76 lead in the two way title game and you're watching it's the Centennial Bank State basketball Championship on Arkansas.

PBS Sports Centennial Bank is committed to you.

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By remembering that you come first, by empowering our communities to reach their highest potential through our dedication to local charity, education and exceptional service.

Because we are proud to call Arkansas home banking With you in mind, Centennial Bank member FDIC This month on Arkansas PBS will explore the intersection of technology and art, introducing laser cutting into our work culture shock.

Avoiding it is what keeps many from traveling.

But when you travel, the world becomes a smaller place.

Cook path for the entire neighborhood.

Take our castanets to fiery gypsy music and marvel at Granada's Alhambra.

Only on Arkansas, PBS.

Now Wendy's.

We're focused on what matters.

That's why we've made our hamburgers square.

When you want to experience the delicious taste of Wendy's hamburgers, where's the beef?

Now, Vernon Ellis got possession after the tie up and also got a76 lead as we're halfway home here in the first Alamo.

Almost.

Take it away.

Nice defensive effort there by Brooklyn, France.

He averages three steals a game kind of expected the clock still running.

May have to adjust that one.

Oh they got it to stop there.

Looks like the Eagles came out.

MAN one At the time.

Out.

Get out of that zone.

Maybe have to run an extra body or two after.

McCarty She's already got seven points in this first quarter and try to go in zero Mali.

Raby can't get it now they do go back inside power step I almost too strong off the window battle for the loose ball knocked out of bounds will keep it here.

I like the power Steph tossed I think she was a little surprised about how open she was.

Maybe expected some contact and didn't get it and she overshot it.

Arabia's got at the inbounds pass and set it up and a fresh 35.

They don't need it so pull up jumper.

That one short crack clears the rebound quick three pointer from the left side in and out.

No good.

McCartney pulls the rebounds.

Time's up.

Media time out will do different things.

Got a little momentum and takes it away.

You're struggling.

Sometimes it helps you hit the reset button.

So a lot of media travel there got away with it.

Mount Vernon goes baseline.

They do indeed do turn it over.

Williams going to push now for Conway Christian pull up 12 feet Good Josey Williams knocks down the mid range She's such a smart player that's twice now we've seen in this game why drive into the to the lane where the taller bodies are when you can just pull up and shoot over the top?

Nice pass inside Great cut there by Ravi.

They find her underneath in the five eight Junior knocks on the bunny.

She averages 12 points a game shallow little the lost track of her 145 to play three in the corner.

It's good.

Connelly Gibson's knocked down a pair of three pointers now.

Conway Christian, back out in front, 11 nine.

She's just a sophomore off these teams shooting better than 50% already and a try three on the other end in and out no good offensive rebound the put back gets off the mark and away Christian going to clear the rebels Mallory Malone Williams her pass is taken away numbers coming back the other way from Mount Vernon two on one nice dish there it misses the body finish that A.J.

person misses the easy one As we were hit the minute mark in this first quarter, Williams ran into her own player, fouled on the three point attempts.

She's going to earn three shots at the charity stripe.

As a coach, that can make you almost scream.

That's the ultimate no, no, right.

You never fail a jump shooter, but you certainly don't foul a three point shot.

I was over there, definitely a stop The camera team that coach Adam Carlton, a little more calm than you would have been.

Yes.

Josie Williams, her first free throws.

Good.

So the two stars that we expected to see play well today are doing.

So Williams got six points already for Conway, Christian and McCarty.

He's got seven for Mt.

Vernon a NOLA second free throw also third largest lead of the contest for 13 to 9.

Vernon might have to clean up the turnover situation as well already for here in this first period that goes back to the nerves a little bit all three of them.

Good for Josie Williams middle on the tech upset.

It's the middle of their fourth for pressure try to go back side deep three it's good that was from the fake Aussie K side McCarty not afraid of the moment she's in double figures no emotion She's almost a travel there and Mount Vernon crowd certainly wanted it.

There is about a two second differential between the shot and game clock would come late.

Christian can bleed most of this clock down in the first if they want to get it out to Williams out near the halfcourt circle now ten on the shot clock Williams looking to take it one on one and reach in foul The second foul in the corner also been called against the Lady Warhawks.

You can tell Alissa Gilbert's job in this game was to guard Josey.

They double team her up top.

She tries to get around it.

She does not gives it up three to shoot.

That's a three go at them right before the horn off the mark.

McCarty clears it, and that's going to do it for the first 8 minutes of play.

Really entertaining first quarter Conway Christian in Mount Vernon of NOLA 1412.

The score as you're watching the centennial makes the basketball championships on Arkansas PBS Sports broadcast of this championship game is made possible by the electric cooperatives of Arkansas over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops, powering homes, farms and industry somewhere across Arkansas.

We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas Power and People.

Local broadcast of Arkansas.

PBS programing is made possible in part by community bakery, scratch, made breads, pastries, cakes, treats and locally roasted coffees served daily at two locations in Little Rock, 1200 Main and 270 Shackleford.

We all live next level.

We all live next level.

Special thank you to Smoking and Style Barbecue.

You can find them at 2217 Albert Pike Road here in Hot Springs.

Hot Springs providing food for the crew today.

Sara Quarter number two.

It's 1412.

Connolly Christian has the slight lead.

Nice interior pass there and the finish line alone That was a great set play coming out of quarter.

That's when you feel good about a coach.

You draw it up, they execute it to perfection.

Yes.

Leads back to four Raby goes baseline, kicks it out to McCarty Well jump stop in the lane she is feeling it today and Desi McCarty 12 points already for the leader for Mount Vernon Christian working that right side now they get into the lane you tell her their M.O.

is maybe drive and dish mid range will go McCarty with another rebound you said going to the break she had six rebounds in the first quarter.

Now she's already had another one here in the second.

So back in their zone.

As a coach, how much do you like to fluctuate your defense to keep the other team guessing or is it depend on what's working?

Well, depending on what's market, how deep?

I'm more of a man.

I like to get after you and Mandy fans, but of course you got a scheme.

Give your team the best possible opportunity to be successful.

Leaves Russell and a lot of contact there but no foul and she finds the way to finish anyway.

Now Josie Williams in double figures with ten a deep three who might have been a little bit of a heat check there from person, maybe she has the green light.

That looked a little quick though.

She averages 13 points a game for these lady Warhawks.

She's got the range shot out, another three in the corner, the rims out, no good offensive rebound low dribbles it off her own footnote scrum to the loose ball the tie arrow going to go the other direction look like coach has done a little defense on the sideline over there 18 to 14 this game really has a nice flow to it.

You don't really have to mess with the feeling out process when you've played each other twice during the regular season, including just a couple of weeks ago, February 25th, they met in the regional championship game, darting catch just a dangerous pass there.

Pass the halfcourt line.

Nice pass, can't finish, but it's a little blue.

McClelland going to go to the foul line is a really good look from top of the key and this is Marley Rainey She's averaging five assists a game.

It's a great pass safely whistle for her first personal foul as McClelland hits the free throw three second free throw also good Well you're looking at the stat sheet both teams shooting 46.2% from the field.

Neither have missed the free throw and that's why we've got a close game.

It's 1816.

That's what you want as a coach.

Oh, oh.

Lackadaisical with the basketball and person just took it away from her.

Doesn't have the numbers so she's going to pull it out three two right side it's short rebound comes directly to Keith Lee another reaching foul That's the fouls that as a coach you may pull your hair out as well.

You're about 56 feet away from the basket.

Yeah, They're trying to be really aggressive on Jozy, though, whoever the can to get the ball out of number 21 hands.

That's easier said than done, though.

She cross it up three left side off the front of the rim one and done possession Oh here's McCarty missed her teammate underneath that matter there's knocks down the three top of the key They may have to start running the second defender at number 23 she has got 15 points and Mount Vernon's back in front.

You got a player that hot from the floor.

I mean what do you have to do is the two bodies, three bodies change with her mistakes.

She's got to slow her down and three on the rebound.

And she's going to have a double double going into halftime.

It's the rebound there and draws the foul expected this one to be nip and tuck throughout and it has disappointed so far four and a half minutes left here in this first half guarding this double team.

They're almost traveled with it able to get it off to a teammate.

Nice move gravy with the crossover She finishes in the lane you've got to see the defense starting to float with some authority as she pulled out and that left the lane wide open for maybe 2118 to lead.

Williams now going to work she goes baseline runs into a wall gets it off and nice assist there to Connelly Gibson the second leading scorer on the season for the Lady Eagles finishes Seems like they're letting them play a little bit and I like that we've seen that really all weekend It's nice backdoor cut there gets the back screen and the easy lane for person really nicely set design there Percy's first bucket of the contest Williams has got a 15 foot elbow jumper is good that's a super stroke does not see a lot of the mid range jumpers anymore in today's basketball.

They all want to shoot to the 19 footers for three and instead that 15 footer.

It was clear that shots blocked.

That's going to go out of bounds will stay on this end with 23 on the shot clock as they hit the media timeout.

306 remaining really entertaining contests up to this point.

Mount Vernon leads it by one as you're watching the centennial makes the basketball championship on Arkansas.

PBS Sports.

Hi, I'm Steve Sullivan.

And I'm Ed Leon.

Coming up on the halftime show, that wacky and wonderful world of Arkansas t mascot and the educational side of Arkansas, PBS.

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Thanks, George.

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Among them, high school championships throughout the state of Arkansas and Big Red stores.

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Mount Vernon got it with a one point lead with three to play here in the second quarter.

Nice ball fake person.

Let's one fly from deep That's all from Mark Raby with the offensive rebound her put back no good Malone clears the rebound though for Connolly Christian Williams doesn't matter one on three goes the other way finishes in the lane.

Coast to coast when you've got a player like that who's creeping up on 2400 career points, you don't mind if she doesn't have the numbers?

Like I said, she's completely taken over games most recently against Hector.

Authorities jumpers off the mark Williams got the rebound She's going to bring it up herself ridden the whole way up the sideline.

Tough shot there.

A lot of contact no whistle call the ball deflected out of bounds It will stay with Conway Christian McCarty does a nice job defensively of playing without fouling nice job of going straight up making the offense earn it.

Another prime example of it right there is block shot goes out of bounds.

He's a great all around player.

How difficult it is as a an interior player to play consistently without salary.

But you got to be smart.

It's going straight up.

Easier said than done.

There's no doubt.

Another tough shot in the lane.

That one off the mark.

No good.

Guess who got the rebound.

McCarty as he's going to bring it up herself.

Conaway Christian back in that zone.

Person shot fake mercenary from the left side.

Good AJ person knocks down the three and Mount Vernon and NOLA back in once again Ball's deflected out of bounds his back and forth.

We've already had nine lead changes in this game.

That's what you want in a state finals game, though.

We've played 14 minutes of action and it's only been tied for 16 seconds.

We were just going back and forth, swapping the lead and that pass goes in the media role.

Well, too much each on it.

Yeah, but we're hawks and they get after you defensively very active in the passing lanes all these teams averaging the high fifties and it's pretty much what we're on pace for today.

Conaway Washington has won 19 straight contests, 18 of which have been by double figures the last time they lost December 20.

Nice to, you guessed it, Mt.

Vernon and Ola.

It's always a good time to play your best basketball towards the end of season.

And they certainly do.

And that's the Skyway Christian has.

It's now with Williams.

They've won 28 of their last 29 games has kind of like Christian little contact they're going down the sideline Williams hits the bump and one he's not much different he can do She just made a great shot.

So Williams has a chance to convert the three point play and she does 17 points for Josey Williams.

She is already inching towards her season average of 22 is superstar versus superstar in this contest.

Kind of like we expected.

The other one goes the work.

McCarty Her floater won't go too strong.

Now commonly Christian coming back at a two second differential between game and shot clock Looks like we had that first period to see if they want to try to bleed this one down.

They do have a one point lead.

You want to go for the last shot.

The Eagles do look content to do so take care of the ball up there this is Pratt gets it back to Williams that was 11 on the game clock she'll go to work seven on the shot but I know who takes the shot.

There's no doubt she's not giving this one up.

This will have to launch it from deep.

She does that one's way off the mark shots, blocks.

And so at 1.7 seconds left, the Lady Warhawks are going to get possession.

It's not only Christian going to extend the defense, not give it anything easy, maybe launch one deep.

They get into McCarty right at the halfway line.

She lets one go with blocks and that's going to do it for the first half of play.

Really entertaining 16 minutes.

And not surprisingly, the way these two teams have played each other this year, this one's close.

Conway Christian, 27, Mt.

Vernon, Indianola, 26 point game.

As we go to the half, as you're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball Championship on Arkansas, PBS Sports broadcast of this championship game is made possible by the electric cooperatives of Arkansas over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops, powering homes, farms and industry somewhere across Arkansas.

We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

Power and People.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Let me see if any.

See a bounce.

Bounce down.

Bounce.

Local broadcast of Arkansas PBS programing is made possible in part by community bakery, Scratch, made breads, pastries, cakes, treats and locally roasted coffees.

Served daily at two locations in Little Rock, 1200 Maine and 270 Shackleford.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops, powering homes, farms and industries somewhere across Arkansas.

We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas Power and people.

Hey, everybody.

Steve Sullivan here.

It's halftime at Bank Ozark Arena in Hot Springs.

But don't go anywhere because we've got a lot in store for you.

Let's get right to it.

From taking selfies to hyping the crowd.

Mascots bring a unique energy to sports, and it turns out that some mascots are a little more unique than most.

Do I sit here?

Okay.

Oh, excuse me.

Okay.

Whenever I'm ready.

Okay.

Now, scouting is for the bull.

The audacious Arkansas is chock full of bears and eagles and bulldogs.

In fact, there are 354 schools with mascots and more than a few double ups.

But for all the basic BS, there are a few out of the box mascots that only exist in the natural state.

From Batesville South Side, aptly named Southerners to pint sized pests like the Ford Ice red Bugs, here are a few of the wonderfully weird mascots in Arkansas.

Well, Arkansas has three different pitchforks brandishing all unique to the state.

The Morrilton Devil Dogs, the Wonder view daredevils and the garden Go devil all sport the typically horned mascot.

Although the lumber town of Gurdon got the go devils from a piece of logging equipment for quickly pulling up trees, Harrison's figurehead is the one and only goblin, the original goblin was created in 1927 to give the school newspaper a name sporting blue hair and a golden face.

The goblin started out as a smiling friend, but angry and more fiendish in the sixties with its current, meaner incarnation.

Along that same Main street in 1925, the University of Arkansas at Monticello set out to strike fear in their iconic adversaries.

What better name for a frightening foe near the agricultural heart of the state?

Then the bald weevils every Arkansan knows these tiny beetles have been decimating cotton crops and terrorizing farmers since the state was founded.

Danville took the moniker of the Little John's after the French explorer Petit Jean Legend.

Tales of a heroic young French girl who visited the state in search of her long lost love.

The state has since used the moniker for a river mountain and Arkansas's first state park.

Speaking of firsts, the Arkansas School for the Deaf have been known as the Leopards since 1941, three decades before the rock band Def Leppard was ever founded.

However, the famous felines became fast friends when the band toured the state in 2016.

From daredevils to bull weevils, goblins and more.

Arkansas is brimming with spunky and funky mascot.

Who knew there were so many?

One of a kind mascots in Arkansas?

Now let's turn to the student athlete with the emphasis on the student part.

We reached out to schools all over the state looking for athletes who not only excel on the field, but the classroom, too.

Here's the Arkansas PBS student, All Stars Class of 2023 from the girls two way foray in six eight classifications.

We start off with Mallory Malone from the Conway Christian Eagles.

Mallory is captain of the cheer squad during football season and she plans to become a teacher and a coach.

Next up with Jelly Hooten with the Heber Springs Panthers.

Gillett plans to attend Murray State to study Health Sciences as well as run track.

She enjoys reading, playing sports, hiking and drawing.

And finally, we have Chloe Clardy, representing the Conway Wallace Cats.

Chloe has a 4.0 GPA and is heading to Stanford to play basketball.

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Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

And the CIA and the CIA Bounced.

Bounced.

Bounced out.

And welcome back inside Makhosi K Arena.

We've got a good one in the to a girl state championship between Mt.

Vernon and Ola and Conway.

Christian 2726 is our score.

Not only Christian out in front.

Here's a look at the first half stats.

The Eagles and the white version shooting 47% from the field, three of nine from deep points in the paint.

A pretty significant 12 there for Mount Vernon the all of the warhawks in blue shooting 41% for three pointers 14 total rebounds and eight points in the paint.

Let's take a look at some of those highlights from the first half and how these two teams really settled in.

There was no feeling out process.

They were knocking it down from deep.

Connelly Christian in three three pointers.

Alberta NOLA hit four and in the mid range for both of these squads as the Lady Eagles make their way back onto the floor.

Coach Christian Williams made it.

Really?

And you can say it's a team sport all you want, but today's been about two superstars for these two teams talking about Desi McCarty from Mount Vernon and Nola and Josey Williams for Conway Christian, those two are just lighting up the scoreboard for McCarty 15 points, nine rebounds in that first half.

And the other side, you can see the stats there, 17 points for Josey Williams, six of eight from the floor.

She's gotten to the foul line four times, knocked them all down, two rebounds, two assists.

And that's really all you can say.

These two teams are two.

Two players are stirring the straw in the drink.

Oh, yeah.

They they came ready to play and like we've said a couple of times, this is their third matchup.

Um, gosh, you've got to find Josey early in transition and stop her.

She's getting a lot of points by going coast to coast.

You got to find her early defensively and then Desi, she's just so strong.

You've got to block her out, push her out.

Then she steps out and shoots threes.

So you got to find a way to kind of junk your defense and make someone else start trying to shoot the ball.

Share The wealth.

So to me, I guess the hardest part about trying to defend McCarty For Mount Vernon, the dollar is the fact that she has that range, the three point shot in her arsenal.

So you can't just say, okay, we're going to push her out there and let her shoot it because she's already proven that she can beat you from outside as well.

Absolutely.

And you saw when they brought her out of Brady, she, you know, took advantage of it and took it to the basket with a nice move.

Yeah.

So when she's out on the perimeter, the defense follows her, allows a little more driving lanes, backdoor cuts to the basket.

There's a good look at Coach Adam Carlson, his Lady Warhawks trailing by one when they're going to open up this third quarter on defense as the possession Earle points towards Conway Christian.

They haven't talked much about coach Trey Lance.

This squad's 119 in a row and their non-conference schedule, their start of the season was really impressive.

That's when you know that you think you're going to have a really good team as when you schedule the likes of Conway Harding Academy, Little Rock, Christian Academy and Bologna in your first eight games.

Absolutely.

He wanted to kind of see where his team lined up early and took the big hits and now it's proved to be good for him.

We're talking about the six eight champion in the five runner up between your first eight contests.

They started four and four.

They've won 28 of their last 29 since that stretch.

But they open up the second half of the turnover.

Nice steal there by personal Mt.

Vernon by dollar we're in the blues has a chance to take the lead again we've already had ten lead changes in this contest.

McCarty quickly goes to work on the baseline.

Well a six footers good.

Malone was in position a meter shooter over the top, but she muscles it up and gives the warhawks the lead make it 11 lead changes Allen post posting up inside can't get it to her though there's Pratt hands it off back to Pratt in the corner 18 on the shot clock the 13 footer rattles around and goes down for Brooklyn Brach she stuffs the stat sheet seven points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals per game, five for sophomore right now.

You mentioned she had a quadruple double despite the accomplishment.

Doesn't happen every day.

There's no doubt herself she picks up her dribble top of the key gives it over right side this is Gilbert the shot goes behind the backboard and I believe it hit the the support beam and it did so well the stoppage of play going to go the other way.

639 and counting here in the third one point contest between these two schools and Faulkner County.

This contingent from both squads made the trip almost a turnover there for Connelly.

Christian Brandt able to track it down.

This is Gibson.

She does turn it over really nice defense there by the Lady Warhawks.

She's got several steals already in this third quarter, three shot less wings.

Good big time shot there by Persson.

Her defense leads the offense.

She's got three steals in the game, two from five from deep.

She's got eight points, two assists.

And those three steals also has not come off the floor.

Played all 18 minutes so far.

Christian trying to answer now struggling to get a handle on the basketball here in this third seem a little tired and there's a reaching foul on or maybe they're looking to get it into Malone but they can't seem to get past Jesse Josey Williams hasn't had many touches.

Try to force it in there Her they turn it over, but now Vernon turns it right back to him.

You know, lay that one out there in front instead of the bullet passes picked off.

Here's Williams Cross-court Pass to Keith Lee.

She drives the lane that was swatted away, almost turned over.

But.

Connelly Christian keeps possession and a little sloppy with the basketball in the first two and a half minutes of this third quarter crash she drives nice pass inside to Malone but that one goes out She had that one back.

Yep.

Maybe too wide open.

Malone The 511 senior misses the shot and McCarty knocks that one away.

WILLIAMS Her jumpers off the mark offensive rebound her put back does go down valley rim alone averages seven points five rebounds She's got four points and three rebounds in this contest now a double dribble just teams a little sloppy with the balls is it usual the half times not longer but I guess you have time to think about the stage you're at and maybe the nerve starts to creep back in.

Maybe you don't want it to be you roll.

Yes, it's usual for the state championship in the atmosphere.

Another turnover, turnover, those are starting amounts.

Nine turnovers for Conway Christian, four and a half to play.

We're all tied up at 31.

Nice pass there.

They get in the car to go And finally here in this third quarter her first bucket 19 points on eight of 14 shooting Williams looking to answer 15 footer Good Josie Williams has got 19 maybe the shooting percentage is what's really impressive for these two.

I was just looking at that eight of 14 for McCarty seven of ten for Josey Williams, making them count for defense there takes it away almost there McCarty gets it and now she does what she does.

I mentioned before a lot of teams struggled shooting in this arena, and they're not not the case.

They certainly Maltese teams almost at 50%.

Conley Christian is shooting 50% Mt.

Vernon NOLA 48.

Williams deep three left side that went short McCarty gets the rebound.

Haven't been many stoppages in play here in this third quarter teams starting to look a little fatigued.

Yes there's only been one time out called I believe we're going to media stoppage at the next deep ball a deep three a right wing short rebound pulled in by Pratt with Williams He drives right down the middle Eurostep shots BLOCK goes out of bounds and they'll have possession.

When we come back, we have got a good one.

Bruin 3533.

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We have got a good one here.

Kristen Williams Coach Dover 2021 state championship coach Harrison joining me here at Bobby Swafford that shot is short McCarty gets another rebound lets ball deflect it now we're going to have another tie possession I'm going to go to the Lady Warhawks.

Even 3 minutes, it's 3533.

Really if you if you point to any number, I guess it's turnovers for Connelly.

Christian is the one area that's got to clean up.

They've got nine turnovers now.

Vernons just got six miss this as we expected Kirsten it's been even it's yeah absolutely.

Mt.

Vernon won their first contest December the 29th 6241.

Conway Christian won the rematch 52 to 40 on February the 25th will go to lackadaisical there is a pass goes right through Gilbert's hands and another turnover.

So I said turnovers weren't an issue for Mount Vernon and they turn it over 45 to play here in the third quarter.

So not away Christian does get it across the time line Lazy pass there and taken away by McCarty personnel one on one Eurostep off the window no good but draws the blocking foul so ahead of the charity stripe for a pair it seems like both teams need to shorten their passes which is just got to put a little more on it.

You're going to make that long pass and that one was just too lazy and an easy turnover.

We got to those run out.

We haven't seen a lot of transition buckets.

Fast break points tonight.

Conway Christian has two fast break points.

Mt.

Vernon has zero.

Both teams have 14 points in the paint.

So it's really been a halfcourt game, second free throws up and good for person.

So their leads now.

Three 3633 Hassan's got nine so a little halfcourt trap and they back it away.

Does Mount Vernon and all his defense?

Williams just got it left side she goes baseline Nice dish to Malone her shots block the draws the foul so she'll head to the foul line for a pair.

That's what Williams does so well we haven't seen the defense collapse on her a ton but they're starting to put a more focus on 21 and that time alone wide open in the middle of the lane.

She gets it to her and earns the two freebies at the line.

That was a great baseline drive to get Malone open free throw rolls around, does go down for Malone.

She's going to central Baptist College next year play.

She's got five points second free throw up and good CVC there in Conway McCarty she gets it across the time line So inching towards the two minute mark here in the third quarter, Maclellan gives up the review back to McClelland.

She's wide open, doesn't want to take the shot though.

Now tries to drive cut off Mack to Ravi for three short might have been deflected official says no, so let's go in the other direction.

I thought it was not a bean touch that the rotation didn't look look normal.

Well, I thought that one might have been tipped, but I don't agree with me and so I'm not worried.

Stripes Williams two on one she's going to take it herself draws the foul and she's back to the line I mentioned earlier you've got to stop her before she gets downhill.

Yeah.

McCarty picks up her second personal foul and it's of notes.

Not an issue right now, though.

Yeah, no one is in foul trouble have been many fouls called this entire game which we love to see only 17 combined fouls between these two teams as we're almost through the third quarter and you do tip the cap to all the officials this week.

They have let them play.

There's been no question about that.

Second free throw from Williams.

Good is good.

Look at it.

They're just a pure stroke.

Chelsea Williams she's led this team since her ninth grade year, four year starter.

She's got 20, so she has an even 2400 points for her career right on the nose.

Person thought about a deep three and enough space there gets it to McCarty McCarty spins the lane a lot of contact she's going back to the line has such great footwork so the big knee brace on the right knee there doesn't seem to slow her down and I spin move Now Vernon has not made a shot in the last 2 minutes and 24 seconds, but they're getting to the foul line and that's why that free throw keeps them in the lead.

Now, Vernon Nolan, now five and six from the charity stripe.

Connolly Christian is seven of eight in it 20 to play the Lady Eagles with a cross and they're called a foul person picks up the personal hasn't been a lot of subs yeah there has at least two teams not really going to deep into the bench if at all to be quite honest Williams kicks it out three pointer right wing in and out.

Good Right now in Rattle the Home for Brooklyn France and Conway Christian back in front leg shot for the sophomore guard that's now got five runner in the lane Good big answer there for Mount Vernon though as they regained the lead person now in double figures with 11 extend the pressure try to get the ball from Williams can't do it and pull up jumper off the mark McCarty goes up and gets the rebound 36 on the game clock 31 on the shot clock.

So if Mount Vernon tries to slow it down, that was does his 12th rebound for the game a double double for her 23 and 12 following Christmas did a nice job of her on the offensive glass the only one offensive rebound Ravi kicks it out mid range jumper that one in and out no good Connolly Christian out with the rebound and that's a tough style there for McCarty and now she does have three so didn't really found Madeline's foul trouble in the first half That's a foul right there that your coach Adam Carlton he love seeing that happen he love the hustle You got to be a little bit smarter than that.

With 12 seconds left in the quarter.

So Calais Christian has got it now.

9 seconds to work.

Williams double teamed out at half court.

Now at five, she gets into the lane Nice dish wide open.

Three in the corner, off the mark.

No good.

We're headed to the fourth and a nip and tuck affair between Mt.

Vernon and Nola and Conaway Christian.

Just how you draw it up.

We're through three.

It's 4239.

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Okay.

Arena to a girl state championship game has been a good one so far.

A back and forth affair.

This team lead changes between Conway, Christian and Mt.

Vernon Andover coach Kristen Williams here it is a one point game in the state championship.

What are you telling your squad during this time?

Now you've got to do the little things, right?

Got to clean up the turnovers.

You want to meet every pass.

You don't want any of those turnovers here in the fourth quarter that we just saw in the third And you know, do what what got you here.

You know you're both in the finals for a reason.

These two teams combined for 69 wins just ten losses during the regular season are leading up to this point and hoping that they notch win number 71.

I'm almost over and it is taken away.

Raby gets it across the halfcourt line.

You said they got to clean up the turnovers.

They didn't listen.

They turn it over right away.

Well, that's frustrating.

I'm sure Kirsten's got a top of the key now let's head over to raving Diagonal Pass and I'll try to work it around the card.

He's got it Right wing deep, three in front of the rim, no good offensive rebound, not able to be put back up, but see her come all the way down with it.

Gilbert Trying to do too much there.

So Josie Williams now has it guarded by Gilbert No bad pass was taken away so two turnovers for Connelly Christian but they get it right back to settle down.

You can see you can feel the nerves Yeah Serena right now absolutely attention is going to be high for the final 7 minutes.

This to a girl state championship game.

There's so much familiarity between these two teams, the way they play the style.

But one obvious leader, the logos the same way in the same county.

There's just not much difference.

Person deep three off the mark.

Malone gets the rebound.

Now it's a lose a battle for it now got to tie possession with a stay on this end of the floor zero points towards Mt.

Vernon NOLA it's great hustle but you need a block out not one of happened and certainly seeing these two teams stretch that three point line in more than one shot from the bank.

Okay, logo, go up and Coach Carlson wants to take a time out, maybe settle the streets a little bit.

Going to be a full time out, will keep it here.

I think that's a good time out.

The nurse, I mean, they haven't played nervous the entire game with this first 90 seconds of the fourth quarter.

It looks like both these teams are tight.

How well once was told time outs are free.

So.

That's right.

You can't take them home with you and you certainly can't carry them over the next year, so you might as well burn them since then.

Honestly, I mean, you can go to the games of all times.

You look at a matchup on paper like, okay, this team has an advantage.

Maybe Team B may have an advantage here looking on these two teams on paper, watching their contest leading up to this.

I mean, they are the two best teams and they're almost equal.

Yes, absolutely.

Take a look.

Some leading scorers in the contest, Williams has 20 points on seven of 13 shooting for Connelly.

Christian Gibson's got eight, Malone has six.

Those are the leaders for the Lady Eagles.

For the Lady Warhawks.

McCarty has got 23 points first and also in double figures she has 11.

So 34 of the 40 points for the Lady Warhawks coming from those two players before and 23 the obvious focal points on this end of the floor, they're going to have possession with 31 on the shot clock as we're ready to go five team fouls on the lady wore off just two on Connolly Christian so no issue there not flirting with the onus just yet Person gets it in now Torabi up top to McCarty little stagnant at the start here on this possession guarding work working Malone one on one help defense come across Williams got a runner out in front doesn't get it to her she's going to take it herself right down the middle it's good Josey Williams gets Conway Christian there lead again Lead change number 16 of the contest.

Rainey picks up her dribble.

She's in trouble.

They're going to take another time out.

That was a high level shot from Jayson Williams.

This takes it yourself.

No one, stop the ball.

You got to turn around.

Make it.

Give it up.

Don't do it easy.

Lay in Connolly Christian out to a one point lead So back to back Thomas now out Vernon and Ola as their third quarter lead quickly evaporated And we're 2 minutes into this fourth quarter This is a good one and you might want to watch it again and again.

So it was all make your own order or to watch any of these championship games for this weekend.

It's got to end in production.

Scott Nets with yourself a DVD now these title games you mentioned that Jesse Williams signed with Harding.

I feel like they're going to get a great guard.

There's going to be teams in the Great American Conference.

They're going to get tired of watching her play basketball.

There's no doubt about that.

2402 points in her career as a four year starter.

She's just so shifty.

Two rebounds, three assists, two steals, teams out of the huddle.

We'll meet now.

Vernon's basketball, 557 left to play He got away Christian going to extend the pressure maybe take advantage of those nerves and at Mount Vernon and all that's been sealing double team or maybe against the person now they get across the time line this person now 15 on the shot clock dangerous pass there's Gilbert knocked to the ground draws the foul that's going to be team the foul number six so in the next one is going to send Mount Vernon all to the foul line.

I think she got bailed out there.

That's a dangerous pass.

Yes.

Also gives them a fresh shot clock, maybe top of the key she picks up a dribble.

Dangerous.

They're able to find her teammates.

McClellan's out of all five Lady Warhawks on the perimeter they start to balance the floor person her shot in lane won't go battle for the rebound going to have another time possession this time it's going to go over to Connolly Christian and this is the time the game where you have to start paying attention to that possession arrow.

This directly across from us see tie ups more times than any other level of basketball at the high level.

Now, those 5050 balls, the coaches have told them to go for them.

They tell worry about the former now, no, let it all out there.

Vernon trying to deny Williams the basketball now is guarded tightly out of the top.

She does get into the lane kicks it out three small left wing too strong or maybe with the rebound but deflected out of bounds Nice hustle there by Pratt but that's also going to do is allow Calais Christian to set up their fourth wall pressure 4140 Lady Eagles have the lead Ravi just got a second over is a point guard duties here late she beats the press by herself got some numbers kicks it out to the corner three way too strong Offensive rebound though put up in the air by McCarty Donovan Christian had done a really nice job of keeping her off the offensive glass just her second offensive board But that's a big one.

That's a big one as the Lady Warhawks are back in front.

Pratt got it up top passes over to Gibson gets in the Williams 15 footer elbow extended could assist Good you can't let her have a clean look at the basket inside the three point line she'll make you pay and another lead change she's great at that stop and pop gravy she drives the lane Nice pass inside of McCarty and Long Desert.

McCarty gets the feed from Ravi.

He will turn and finish.

Despite hitting the contact 27 points Now for Desi McCarty.

I've watched her play some in the postseason, but I didn't realize she in person.

She's legit.

She is certainly taking over this basketball game on that end of the floor, 28 points, 15 rebounds for McCarty kind of answered Is Williams and Connolly Christian has probably looking at a set Josie perfect timing perfect shot from the free throw line how you draw it up 15 feet pure tide again Cross-court pass comes to McClelland.

We're inside for minutes now back to person.

She thought about a deep 315 on the shot clock for the Lady Warhawks rabies in the corner swinging around.

Here's person now seven to shoot I get it inside of McCarty someone's going to let one fly person her shot her three off the mark rebound battle for inside another tie possession and we'll stay on this end of the floor So a fresh shot clock coming up for the lady warhawks.

We come back.

It's the final media timeout this to a girls title game and we are where we started it It's all tied.

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You should have check out youtube.com slash Arkansas PBS next week and watch all of these state championship games over and over again.

I know coach Kristen Williams well enough.

She's going to go back and watch the game film The Valley, where her performance today, I don't know if I want to.

Now Vernon gets it in winding down to the three minute mark and we're all tied.

These two teams battle it out all season.

They split the two meetings up to this point, McCarty might have got away with an extra step and nice up and under and she continues to stuff the stat sheet 30 now for McCarty you got to believe if they hoist the trophy at the end she's going to get the little one for the MVP.

She'd be my pick That's not about a three She drives kicks it back out now a three from the right side it's no good little short rebound clear by person.

Players need to realize there's a lot of time left.

There is a lot of time.

Two and a half minutes to be exact.

Gravy doesn't care though.

She lets a three go.

It's off the mark.

Rebound pulled in and now a foul in the back court person and an assist excuse me the sixth team foul on Mount Vernon so the next one's going to put the Lady Eagles in the bonus 14 fouls now on Conway Christian so they still got a few to give free throws might be what wins this the end of the game is so different now with the shot clock and you don't have to start giving up fouls as early, but you got to make sure they're in the bonus when do need to give up those fouls.

Williams She's hounded right side.

She gives it up in the corner Tough there We've got a timeout That's a good timeout.

The ball was in the corner, getting a little stagnant.

Too many players on one side of the floor, not good spacing.

So coach Trey Lance there takes the time out can be a full timeout.

Yes.

13 on the shot clock here I assume you got a draw so the for Joseph Williams and more importantly got to settle some of your team down a little bit after that.

Yeah going to just he's been working and I know that Mount Vernon is you know trying to scheme against it but she's she's just a great player making great shots.

Ten of 16 from the floor is Josie Williams talking about the rest of the team they're contributing in as well.

45, almost 46% as a team.

Gibson The eight Melo the six right now has five points.

That's all the scoring for the Lady Eagles.

It's the ball going to be underneath the basket.

You think about going zone here.

They can not prevent something easy under the bucket or you kind of stick if you're going to go man, I wouldn't be a man right here.

I'd be probably double and Jose trying to keep it out of her hands, really focusing on Malone underneath.

Let's keep an eye on 21.

No doubt Gibson has knocked down a pair of threes, 33 for Conway Christian.

Let's say she's the one in the pink shoes, but they're all wearing.

She has a narrow down and he looks like they're in a zone.

I'm going to junk that a little interior screen trying to get Williams popping out to the side.

I can't get it to her.

I get it to Malone now.

Ten on the shot clock for the Lady Eagles to sling it.

Here is Gibson with those two threes gets it inside the lane Pratt a two on the shot clock She lets one up now it's partially blocked and as he finds the rebound Great defense Madsen really nice job defensively coming out of that timeout 145 to play in the second half lady war Hawks with a lead and the basketball person gets it up to McClelland and now they're going to reset with gravy at the top.

Don't want to stall too much you want to get a good shot, go to work now with 12 McCarty posts it up on the blocked.

She's calling for it.

I got to let one go three on the shot clock now person her three guys good write it down It's the putback her third offensive rebound 32 points now I thought that one was going down for person I think we all did Williams in the lane it's no good McCartney another 1 minutes to play Malone gives up the foul Mount Vernon those faithful they're getting into it That's the fifth team foul so they still got to give up two more before they get the bonus down for 22 second differential.

You go ahead and start giving up the fouls and send them to the foul line.

And you think it's too early?

I probably, of course go for a still a the jump.

But yeah, we probably need to start fouling not burn it they certainly they got to give up two fouls before the lady Warhawks get to the foul line and that's why Malone gave that one up there.

So you're going to see some pressure coming out on the inbounds, which is going to be pretty close to our vantage point right here on media row near half court.

If your coach lands here, you're telling your kids are still a lot of time left.

You know, one on one free throws.

It could go either way.

So you're going to have opportunities.

They're going to have their chances in with a shooters like you have with Williams Prats knocked down a three Gibson hit two threes today you've got options.

I've just been so impressed the way McCartney not only can score the basketball, the way she works without the ball, she she grinds every possession on the defensive end to make sure she clears the rebound 14 on that end but stays with it offensively even though it hadn't been her day on the offensive rebounding side of things.

But that one's biggest one of the year so far.

Yes.

Got a handle on the moment though right now if you're Mount Vernon, a lot of smiles coming out of that huddle, but a lot of time.

Listen, I've seen a lot of her all games.

Jesse McCartney smile.

They you're going to be down there right in front of Coach Williams.

They do get it in and across the timeline, too.

Maybe she picks up her dribble and they do give up the foul.

So that's going to reset the shot clock again.

Next one is going to put Mount Vernon of NOLA at the line.

You've talked about who you want to foul.

They're probably offered pretty good free throw shooters.

McCarty might have got away with a push off there and she is fouled not easily either, and that's going to put her at the foul line.

McCarty is three for three today at the stripe and be careful make sure you make a play at the ball as she tried to foul and they didn't call it the first time so she made sure the second time they knew it fouled with emphasis.

There is that's call that McCarty at the line is perfect on the day stays that way for 450 to 45 your score you're kind of like Christian here you don't need a three yet I'd expect to see Williams take possession maybe trying to get to the rim.

Yes, maybe get to the free throw line to get that clock stopped.

Authority makes them both to the leads.

Now six Williams is going to pull up three left wing way short offensive rebound though a quick whistle and a time is going to stay on this end of the floor that did not hit the rim so the shot clock was not resets the 29 to shoot, but that's not going to be much of a factor.

You don't believe on this end of the floor crack gets it right back to the inbound here.

That's Prewitt Excuse me Keith Lee.

Another three off the mark another rebound by McCarty and she's fouled and now she's smiling.

Yep.

So long as they hit the free throws.

You got to believe the Lady Warhawks are poised to take home the title.

Conway Christian is miss their last five shots.

They haven't scored in the last 3 minutes and 15 seconds free throws up and good that's pure you can't make Christian you want to crash the boards on every shot.

Try to get multiple opportunities these second free throws.

Good.

Not many weaknesses in the game for Desi McCarty 35 points, 13 of 20 shooting six of six at the foul line just a junior that three pointer off the mark no good Raby with the rebound she's fouled eight point lead now for the lady Warhawks Malia Raby who's actually not a senior on the court for Mount Vernon that's a scary thought for the rest two way basketball there's not a lot of seniors and there's a few obviously Josey Williams the big one on the other side, Mount Vernon is going to be a threat to get the hot springs for the next couple years.

Free throws.

Good for her.

Maybe she's got five points in the second one.

Also good as a coach, you stress free throws all year long, the off season at the end of practice.

And this is the reason why absolutely 92% from the free throw line Williams her shot in the lane no good ball deflected out of bounds McCarty Still still making a big effort Takes out the tables down there she seems all right she's playing it all out there on the floor.

Yes.

You love to see that as a coach.

Got a time out there, 32nd time out, drop ten point play for Conway.

Christian has got to find a way to get a bucket.

Maybe another quick timeout and then you don't score here, though you may think about calling off the troops in.

Yeah.

And waving the white flag just to get here though is a great opportunity and experience for these kids, coaches, fans, these they both started playing in October because they're a non-football school.

So think about how five months of basketball, ten over one to close this game over the last 2 minutes and 39 seconds and it's now three and a half minutes since.

Secondly, Christian has put the ball in the basket.

Was this final score really not going to be indicative of how close this game was?

Three in the corner from Keith Lee's off the mark rebound pulled away.

They are going to have a tie possession going to keep it with Mount Vernon.

13.9 seconds left.

Let's see if they continue the foul or for the spin and dribble it out.

They get it and it doesn't look like they're going to foul.

They're just going to make them dribble it out.

They do have to get it across the timeline, though, and McCarty is going to get it across self and he's going to be finishing if she ends the game with that possession their hands and go crazy.

Mount Vernon the no I enjoy it they are the two girls state champion great game by both teams you hate there has to be a loser.

The margin was ten it was a ten home run and it's for Mount Vernon.

Another really impressive performance you got a tip of the cap to currently Christian.

They were right in it to the end.

They just picked a bad time to go cold from the field.

This one field goal in the last 4 minutes we're going to step aside.

Trophy presentation and postgame interviews coming up.

Mount Vernon of NOLA is a two way girl state champion.

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It's some moment they've been waiting for in Mt.

Vernon.

Enola as the Lady Warlocks take home a two way girl state championship, a ten oh run to close it out.

That final score, probably not as indicative as close as that game was.

But now we're joined by the head coach and coach.

I mean, you grind it out with them all season, two matchups that go back and forth, you split it.

But today you made the plays in the final 3 minutes to get it done.

Yes, sir.

Our kids did a great job.

I'm so proud of and we've talked about this since we got knocked out last year in the state tournament.

This is one things that we really wanted to, you know, get back to, love it for our community.

It's our first state championship in basketball, so it was great.

First of all, congratulations.

Enjoy it and enjoy this.

But excited are you that you have everyone coming back next year?

It's great.

Everybody always said, you know, everybody be great next year.

We want to be great this year.

Yes.

You know, proud.

We have most everybody come out.

We have one senior attorney, Pruett.

She's done a great job practice for us all year long, always, you know, worked hard.

But, you know, these younger classmen have really stepped up.

You know, even with our 10th, Karissa played Coinlist up our list, did a great job on trying to guard Josie Jones is a heck of a player.

Oh, yeah.

When you look at that stat sheet that you've got right in front of you, there's one that's got to jump at it.

To the way Daisy McCarty played today.

She certainly earned that MVP trophy.

She's played well.

You know, we've been kind of a three headed monster the whole time with Marley, Dusty and A.J., you always win when I'm always going to, you know, pull through force.

I just played great Mama More does a little things, you know, that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet.

She don't care if she score.

She just wants win.

That's you.

No, man.

What do you say?

13 to 20?

That's pretty good.

Pretty good.

Coach.

Congratulations.

Go enjoy it.

I appreciate it.

All right.

That's Coach Carleton from Mount Vernon, though.

Let's take a look at some final stats.

You ahead and take that off.

You would trade spots with your MVP center over here.

Here's the final stats there.

19 of 45 shooting for Mt.

Vernon in NOLA 17 of 44 for Conway Christian.

Again, Coach Williams, the last 3 minutes, Connolly Christian really struggled from the field.

A lot of that credit has to go.

The defense for Mount Vernon as I mentioned, they're just scrappy.

They seem to have tips on a lot of balls and made it hard for Cody Christian to make some of those long passes.

Yeah, that stat may be right in the middle of the screen.

Might be the most important 92% from the foul line.

They certainly ice this game in the closing minutes.

Don't think we're going to get the MVP she took off on us but sometimes that that happens for us but hey that's just the first of four championship games today coming up next, Bigelow and Marshall, maybe a surprise to see these two teams in the state championship game there.

Coming up next, approximate tip off time going to be 152 for those two squads.

So appreciate you tuning in.

This has been a good one.

Mount Vernon, they're all taking the state championship home for the first time in school history.

Coach Christian Williamson Bobby Swafford, appreciate you tuning in for watching the Centennial Big Play basketball championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.

I.