We all that next level.

We all live next level car.

I mean everything.

Just absolutely everything.

I'm Larry Banks and I was a carver cobra for two school year 6 to 9 and 17 and then for Stephens High School was 71.

We had a lot of discussions around town about the schools were going to integrate.

This was the forced integration year seven one most people in the black community lived on or around the hill that was on the other side of the of the highway.

And most of the white community lived closer to the railroad tracks that were that were on the other side.

So literally the two high schools were probably no more than six or eight boxall apart, literally.

I played from Carver in 1967, 70 sophomore year as the only other large city we played over there.

What was special about that team was the fact that there was a bond that developed with that group over the summer leading into the school year.

We knew the schools were going to integrate the next year.

We wanted a special year.

The blazing speed that they had was just is remarkable.

I mean, you couldn't get from one end of the court to the other into the court to attempt a shot about half the time.

They'd already stole it from me in school a point.

And now there still is for me again, I've seen them steal it six or eight times before Anybody can make it past the half court.

It's pure excitement.

We were up and down the floor.

You were not in shape.

You can play with us.

We were in top shape.

I had a couple of parents went to the superintendent because I run Ambassador Road where the head Coach Cross was.

Special.

Coach Cross was the type of coach that allowed the team to be the team.

He knew he had good players and he basically allowed us to play.

It seemed that everyone in Stevens was there, white in black.

It was.

It was rocking.

People wanted to see this team.

Carver The style of play, the character of play, the sportsmanship that we had.

We got Greenbrier in a foul because he they had the great big board.

He went to Oklahoma State or something.

We have a toss up somewhere.

And I said, Y'all notice how tired he we got to keep him moving.

I pull Blair out to the wing and so that brought him away from the go.

Now we take a jump shot.

I got a chance.

Good.

Rebound.

And then he got tired and when he got tired, we played to get back ahead again.

When we got back here, I said, Let's run that for corner.

And he put that bowl at the end.

You come.

I didn't get it and you had to find them.

You make free throws.

Well, one thing I remember, we were a good free throw shooting team when they fired, right?

I was laughing and rap and laughing to come.

We made a free throw and one they came out of the bleachers and we were talking about a lot of people there.

It was.

It was just great.

And then when we finally got settled down and got headed back, the fire department, sheriff department met us.

It was still county line and they brought us on it.

I never forget it like it was yesterday.

It was cars and people down highway just waiting on us and yelling.

You know, we came through.

Anyone could feel the pride that people from Stephens had white in black having won a state title.

Everybody was excited about.

What About the accomplishment?

What happened in 70 carried over into 71 when the schools came together.

They were on a high as far as sports were concerned.

Now, basketball was really the heart and soul of Stephens during that time.

So without a doubt, going into the school year 71, everybody was anticipating a great year in basketball.

This is not a Stephens story.

It's not just a basketball story.

This is a story that all of Arkansas can relate to when it comes to integration, how it happened, what happened, how it came about, the good, the bad and the ugly.

Let's call it all with Clipper referee Derrick Lewis and his daughter, referee Erica Lewis, the over the back call, which is not actually a call at all.

We have a call is called a push.

And what it is, is you got a misconception that the defender cannot go over his back to get the ball.

He can reach up, pull the ball down long as he doesn't make any contact.

It's not allow them to do that.

If he comes down on his back, then it'll be a pushing foul.

So we would signal here, that's the foul, stop the clock and we'll say you'll push.

Oh, he's over the back.

No, he's not over the back.

I can't help it.

He's seven foot and your guy blocking out is 510.

Hey, do you tell me there's gotta shake.

I use a walker.

She at halftime would challenge anybody from the stands.

She knew she would shoot 15 standing ten kneeling in five sitting.

And I never saw her be that to me.

Hazel Walker was a legend.

There was no league for women's professional basketball, and rather than just relying on what was out there, Hazel was an entrepreneur.

She created something all of her own as an owner, manager and player.

And from 1949 until 1965, she barnstormed all over the country, playing only women's teams and winning 85% of her games.

We actually played hardball against this man.

Not that we could compete with him strength wise, you know, like rebounding and that kind of stuff.

But we could outscore them cause we all everybody on the team could shoot and analyze.

I would average score in 45, 54.

And so not against women.

She chose the some of the finest women basketball players all over the country, many of those that had been in the AEW ranks but had nowhere else to go.

So I went straight from high school to Hazel's takes their schedule was 220 games a year, so that's two and a half times an NBA schedule.

You hear these people say are, you know, your legs are tired and they got to rest so many days and stuff like that.

We played every night for six and a half months and we played her.

We played a lot of played with sparring deacons, everything else You had to because there was only seven of us, the first half of Hazel's games, they would do a lot of showboating, a lot of Globetrotter style type activities.

We've tried to integrate something funny in each quarter, you know, like we had a football play and we would line up, they would line up and then I would back off like the quarterback and shoot a long, mostly most for my arm off center court.

But the second half, they said, was straight up basketball, straight up competitor, a full court basketball.

I don't think I would have enjoyed it if it had all been like the calls.

I was too much of a 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.

You know, I think sports are really big to a lot of people, and because it is an important part of our fabric and our community.

And the one good thing about what I've seen is it's high quality production.

You know, you think of the small communities all over Arkansas, it's a big deal that they can turn on the TV or DVR or whatever and know they're going to get a quality product.

And so I think it just expands the the focus of what PBS is doing.

So PBS is doing a great job, and I think it's part of education and that is how it is done walking in traffic.

Okay.

Ozark Arena And why screw around with a free game when we can get right into the tip?

He's Westmore High Bobby Swafford and this is he for a Centennial State basketball championship model The Chickasaw is in the white Little Rock Chris in the Warriors in the Green.

And it's go time West We saw him in the tip circle.

I guess we're going to start the conversation with Louisville's number 25, Rashad Marshall.

He stands out on the floor and his talent certainly stands out on your screen.

Yep.

Six, eight, six, nine.

Legit size, very athletic.

Headed to Ole Miss or he's committed to Ole Miss.

Now that recruitment may be back open depending on who's going to be the next head coach.

But Marshall goes to work early.

Yep.

Nice feed there to TJ Jackson and that's when he elevates the defense collapses wide open teammate Chickasaw is up loose expecting a high scoring game in this one Little rock Christian with the ball on the court his Bible I think he looked at coach like should we call it time?

He's like, no, go with it.

Yeah, well, traffic in the lane, He traveled with it.

You mentioned the tempo of this contest where so we expect it to be up and down a little out.

Christian averaged 68 points per contest.

Blytheville putting up 70 points a game these to want to get up and down.

I think one of the keys to this contest is going to be how do they control that pace?

Not necessarily slow it down, but how do they handle it physically and not wear themselves out in such a high intensity atmosphere?

A lot of scores on the court Now look out to nine of the ten players standing out there right now.

Average double digits.

Yeah, that's crazy.

I mean, you've got Little Rock Christian for their five starters, average at least 11 points per contest.

And Blytheville, all five starters putting up at least a dozen.

And Marshall, of course leading the way, averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds with the Little Rock Christian in the back court facing full court pressure from Louisville.

They get it across three ball left wing Allen's too strong you notice that a lot new state championship games West they've got another loose ball on the floor so shots a little too strong is the jitters are are strong a lot of adrenaline yeah that adrenaline you jump a little higher that shot goes a little longer and the next thing you know, it's off the back of the room.

And normally you knock that shot down.

Boy, the tensions have been in this building for quite some time.

Rivals fans got here really early because we had a second traveling violation and unbelievable.

So they had to sit through a barnburner before a girls championship game that ran long.

That's why we just jumped right into the tip off.

But Bibles fans have been in outline since 9:00 this morning, so they're ready to maybe celebrate a championship.

Of course, Remember, they lost in the finals last year in Mosul, a race one of Catherine was the freshman, JJ Andrews.

He took it right at Marshall.

And Marshall wins that battle defensively, he's as good as advertised, averages three blocks a game, but he alters countless more and that time evaporates.

A shot at the rim and then down to Marshall on the block Nice drive and take Marshall though can't handle the put back and Little Rock Christian's looking to push see just a little bit of jitters right there Landrum Blocker almost turned it over but he got the ball back in Well it will settle down here in a second.

Nobody just fires Blocker takes it right out.

Marshall can convert battle for the loose ball off of Louisville hands going to stay on this end of the floor course this is the first year of the shot clock for all classifications you it's a 35 second shot clock for not just the big boys not just six anymore.

Every classification in Arkansas now uses that shot clock blocker drives right at Marshall again, another effective shot blob is out with it.

Two on one pump, fake shot, one go.

That's going to send Jeremiah Wells to the foul line.

Nice job on the CHIP missiles to get out and run and use the numbers.

Wells did a great job of using the pump fake got Ben Fox to jump and wait for him to come down draws the foul.

He'll go to the free throw line.

Kind of a frantic pace for the first 2 minutes of this game to get it to nothing, to find a way to settle down.

Knocks down the first three through Blytheville had the advantage of hosting the state tournament.

They knocked off Morrilton with ease in their first contest after getting a first round bye.

And then they were really put to the test for three and a half quarters in the semifinals.

They thought they scored the final 12 points against Farmington to pull that one out, and that's why they're here.

Chickasaw is 34 and one.

Little Rock, Christian 26 and eight on the campaign.

Nice drive by blocker.

A little out of control, though.

His shot won't go Blytheville looking to push the tempo three ball left wing for wells that went away off the mark and now we're back the other way with the Warriors running the Lions Good floater out Christian on the board Jamal Wesley, the six foot junior, knocks down the mid-range jumper blackout.

Wesley didn't take it all the way to the basket.

He kind of pulled up from about four feet and kept Marshall from trying to come over and block his shot.

They're learning right away.

Maybe you don't want to take it right at him every single time.

This is the second meeting between these two teams, though.

The first one came just a couple of weeks ago, February 25th, in the regional championship game.

Blytheville won that one 6259.

So we're expecting a nail biter again today.

Try to force it inside to Marshall.

He draws the foul.

He's going to the charity stripe blocker, came up from behind and was trying to block the shot.

Got a little bit of his hands as Marshall was going in for the dunk.

Here's a good look at the replay.

Double team fights through the double team.

Then a third player comes over that so much attention Little Rock Christian is putting on Marshall.

Yeah, a little Rock.

Christian's got some size six, four, six, five in the starting lineup.

And when you see Marshall elevates, it's just to another level.

And there you see assistant coach Corliss Williamson.

A lot of people in our state will certainly recognize him over there.

Marshall Second free throw rattles around at eight five to kick us all to the belly as we're under the five minute mark here in the first.

A little out of control though for Little Rock Christian need to settle down block it right in the lane draws the foul on Marshall he urges tip for the cereal stripe.

I like how he took it right at the body of Marshall.

That's what you got to do to his shot blocker.

You got to take it to the body.

He does shoulder to chest usually.

Look at the replay here.

You see blocker going right at the shot blocker, create some space and almost converted for three point play.

It's a nice job of using the off hand as well.

Use your body to create some extra space.

You mentioned the shoulder right in the chest.

The six five junior knocks down the first free throw blockers.

Older brother will be a razorback he's already signed with Arkansas.

We'll be playing with him next year.

Landrum Just a junior, but he's getting recruited and hearing from some of the top schools around Landrum is.

Hurd got an offer from Missouri, Ole Miss, TCU, Texas A&M and others.

You got to wonder if an Arkansas offer might be coming soon to Hughes.

Washington gives it to the left side Now try to get it inside to Marshall Nice help side Defense forces, the turnover.

That's what you got to do.

You got to come from the backside when they try to jam it into the block.

For Marshall, the Little Rock Christian forces, the turnover, it was JJ Andrews that came across.

He got the steal from the rock Christian drives to the bucket again, swatted away Marshall His second rejection of the quarter is Wesley going inside again and no cheap they look they're not backing away they're not shying away from going after a shot blocker for a team that coach Kyle Pennington says attempts about 25 three pointers per contest.

Clearly they want to jam it inside.

Now the guy was fired up a three from the outside won't go offensive rebound blocked again by Marshall Deshawn Andrews a65 freshman pull down the board but his second shot was swatted away and on the other way to show Washington the 517 here buries the triple stepped out out of bounds.

Oh we're going to get a foul call and say he's bumped out of bounds now that's going to take us to the first media time out of this for a state championship game Blytheville Little Rock Christian it feeling out to one another.

It's 8 to 4 as you're watching the tailback say basketball championship on Arkansas PBS Sports and what many people would come for miles around come to ninth Street just to see what it was like.

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It's eight before Blytheville.

TJ Watson into the game for Little Rock.

Christensen his first action his blocker working right side He's not afraid to drive the lane gets right to the rim easy lane for blocker Cooper Longworth also into the game for the first time for the Warriors you see the tempo.

Louisville is just kind of picking and choosing when they really want to push obviously made basket going to slow you down but Blackwell's gotten out and run a few times and they work the shot clock on a handful of possessions, Little Rock person playing man to man.

But as soon as Marshall catches it, they are surrounding him with several players.

There's Marshall, a lot of contact, a great pass inside by Washington.

The find his teammate.

Now Marshall going back to the foul line sometimes when you got a big man, there's so much focus on him that any time you sit with him on his posting up, everyone's just going to converge on him.

But if you drive in like that, then everybody is on you, all eyes are on you, then you can dish it off to the big man.

He gets an easy shot and Marshall is fouled as he gives the pocket.

Yeah, they said that foul happened on the floor, so no shots and now we've got another loose ball whistle.

Looks like they're going to get block or maybe with a hold working on Marshall so that's 14 fouls now a little rock Christian just a pair.

All the Chickasaw Rashaad Marshall averages 22 points 11 rebounds.

He shoots 72% from the field.

And you can imagine a lot of close short shots like that that time will help from Blocker.

He comes from behind and blocks it.

Yeah.

If you're giving up inches, it's a help slide.

Defense is always big and Blocker comes away and sends it back to the center.

Marshawn can work it inside the west.

I mean we've seen it now for almost a full quarter.

They're clearly working it into their big man, Mackenzie Pearce, the head coach from Louisville, knows that's the recipe for success.

What do you do to stop it?

Well, you can always go to the zone and so you got more guys around you.

But right now, what they're choosing to do is trying to double team him as soon as he touches the ball.

Well, look, he's drawing some fouls, but it's a two point game.

It's not like you're getting killed.

So I don't think they're going to overreact to anything that they're doing right now.

Free throw attempts.

Number four in the first quarter for Marshall, he's three of four and the lead is three four.

Blytheville beat the pressure.

See what little Christian wants to do you I mentioned the 25 three points attempted per game.

They shoot it 35% from the three point line.

That's the game of the game for Christian for the most part.

The blocker right to the lane and lays it in.

Well he made that easy Alex blows it was he he jumped up I thought was going to lay it in he basically dropped it in pretty quick and easy.

Got a little bounce in the step blocker.

Nice job again to back that one away Andrews for the flex and blocker the other way but Washington back on defense just a quick then how much size this five seven but he gets back defensively in quick hands prevents the fast break opportunity great hands I thought we're about to see blocker go up and dunk another one and all of a sudden Washington just snatches in there knocks the ball away.

There is a good look at Coach Pierce for Blytheville.

Three ball left wing Got it triple Jamal Wesley first three of the game for Little Rock Christian they love shooting a three and their first lead of the game as well 11 to 9 under 2 minutes here in the first.

So a final run for Little Rock Christian to get the lead a little pick and roll at the top turns it over and Christian's out to run with it again.

Washington With the court can to prevent another fast break opportunity it's back to back buckets he saves on the defensive end coach Kyle Pennington getting Landon Blocker out of the game.

I think he's going to steal a couple of minutes here give him a little rest and then you get the in-between time out in between the first and second quarter.

But there you see the hands again from Keyshawn, Washington, Christian already going to the bench.

Cooper Longworth's throw checks into the contest, the mid range jumper as well.

Short, though, and Marshall clears the rebound.

Wesley couldn't get enough on that attempt.

Bravo working in around the perimeter.

They're trying to get the numbers on the block and again they come across the top and knocked away by Andrews a rock Christian last ball fake drives to the rim offensive foul Great job to set up defensively in the lane Salam Marshall takes the hit forces the turnover Fox with a good head fake He goes around his defender he's going to go in and try to get a lay up.

But I think Marshall did a pretty good job of setting up and getting his feet set, being playing it.

When Fox got in their really nice crowd on hand for this for a championship game.

This is the second of four contests today.

The five championships on tap for tonight.

Girls contest going to start at six.

Last word, It's not even change channel for the next three days.

Lock and load.

12 games could beat the first game.

We had four and that was set the bar high final minute of the first quarter over again and content trying to work it inside Washington.

The runner in the lane won't go nice box out there defensively from Christian and Cooper Longworth Longworth was just plastered with Sean Marshall the whole possession.

In fact, he didn't even try to come over and block the shot of the driving Blytheville offensive player.

He just let him go.

It stayed with Marshall.

He wasn't going to let him get away with it.

Rock Christian working it around three ball left side.

Got it.

Collins Williamson Jr buries the three the six three Jews coach has built more like a linebacker pushes the warrior lead to five Nice run here for Little Rock Christian Academy It's an eight zero run over the last 2 minutes shot clock is off and a whistle inside and another foul drawn by Marshall 7 seconds on the clock and west this is going to be a huge part of this contest is now Blytheville is in the bonus in the first quarter many of those fouls drawn by Rashad Marshall out of the seven I'm guessing five.

Yeah, he's drawn maybe six.

I think you're right.

You can live with the fouls, going up and printing a bucket.

We're going to take a dunk, gets the loose ball fouls like that on the entry passes where you can't afford to give up too many too many fouls because as I just mentioned now for the final 8 minutes and 7 seconds in this first half, they're going to be in the bonus and Marshall showing he's got a very good stroke from the foul line, five of seven now from the stripe.

That's a you built a five point lead.

It's easiest way to get a little confidence, a little momentum going back to the other direction Marshall without a basket but he's got four points off the free throw line.

Coaches will always tell you don't give up points when the clock's not moving.

Christian's got a chance to beat the horn 5 seconds here in the first three ball right side by Ben Fox beats the horn and a little on Christian got a six point lead on the number one team in class four after 8 minutes.

Warriors 17, Bravo 11.

You're watching the four state championship one 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're back quarter number two with a four day state championship game, three three pointers, including that one ahead right before the Horn for Little Rock Hudson in this first quarter.

And that's how it's 17 to 11 as we start period.

A number two, slow start, but fast finish for Little Rock Christian in that first quarter, they finished it with a bang and a six point lead over Blytheville.

You know, the first time they played another three from Wesley got it.

He knocks it down.

They are now four of six from the three point line.

So we were kind of asking where is this three point shot that they talked about leading up to this contest?

And now they softened up the defense by driving to the rim early in that first quarter.

Now they open it up with a three ball, four triples.

Marshall working inside between two, maybe three defenders.

He flips on in 2013 to score.

The first time these two teams played, it was just the opposite.

Blytheville jumped out to a big first half lead or first quarter lead, and Little Rock Christian played them really well the next three quarters.

Wesley off the mark there but rebound bad it out controlled by Washington for Bible tries to go baseline cut off now reset the offense so you think about it Luther Christian probably has some pretty good confidence they've gone into a zone now by the way switched over they've now outplayed Blytheville the last four quarters, 14 on the shot clock still trying to work it inside Washington's got it right wing, nine on the shot clock.

Now drive to the lane a lot of contact and an offensive foul.

A little hesitation call from the official.

The entire Little Rock Christian bench was up there all ready to celebrate And they're all looking at the official what's it called?

What's it called?

What's it called?

Here's a look at it.

5050 call there look like.

BLOCK Who was that scuffling?

That's a good call.

Nice job defensively to make them work the shot clock And then he forced a turnover.

It's going to be hard to drive in when your big man's posting up and there's two or three guys guarding him blocker in the corner he's got it.

Six and a half minutes left and a little raw first in the lead double figures and they are on fire from the perimeter of eight five of eight from the three point line.

Not a mathematician west but 62% good right.

I think they've made five out of their last six but they started out over three.

Yeah they have been lighting it up 2313.

Vitaly and Blondel going to take a time out?

Yeah, Little Rock.

For some, it's their first two threes, then they've hit five out of seven since then.

From five out of 606.

I'll spit it out here to say it's been impressive but they're a three point shooting and you're watching the shots.

I mean, they look pure.

I mean it's a good stroke.

They they shoot a lot of threes, They make a lot of threes.

This isn't anything out of the ordinary for them.

Maybe the percentage is a little bit better than normal, but they're they're a team capable of doing this.

And you know what?

I think part of it, you drive in, you drive and you drive it.

That finally opens up the outside.

When you're driving past your defender, something's got to give.

And so maybe, you know, the rival defenders are stepping off a little bit so that they don't drive around them.

And now it's opening up that three point shot.

Special thanks to a couples taco of Hot Springs at 200 Higdon Ferry Road for providing food for the crew today.

And I know the one thing it's really impressive.

The last four players have hit those five three versus carrying it around.

Bravo is going to find a way to stop the bleeding.

We're inching toward the six minute mark here.

This first half 15 on the shot clock.

The chance to go baseline again kicks it out.

Make one extra pass three ball in the corner Big shot there TJ Jackson the six six senior big bucket there.

Florida's going to have some open shots from the outside because of the focus.

It's turnover the focus of Little Rock First is on Rashaad Marshall.

So they'll work it around and be patient.

They can get some open threes.

That was a really good ball movement.

On that last possession for Blind Open thought there might have been over passing work.

The shot clock down Jackson open in the corner and he buries the triple and this team have had to grind it out in the semifinals as I mentioned against Farmington.

Their battle tested Washington thought about it and gives it up.

It's got a kick ball that's going to reset the shot clock to 20.

Jackson was wanting it.

He was feeling it again.

He's at the top of the key, asking for the ball.

He's 36%, three point shooter.

So he's a he's a he's a good three point shooter.

You see one go down and you want it.

You want to fire it away, get more heat, check.

Nice job.

Get the ball to the high post runner won't go gets his own rebound so does Jackson Washington is running well go couple good looks at it for blind and they come up empty on that possession block Christian going to throw up another three that went off the mark from Andrews 5 minutes left in this first half Nice take there can't finish though Jackson at the rim and again Christian going to push the tempo blocker right to the rim missed it and there ball in the layout and kicks it up for a wide open three That one's off the mark a third opportunity finally knocked out of bounds over there Stay on this end of the floor offensive rebounds for Little Rock Christian giving them chance after chance on that possession They were unable to knock it down but they still have the ball after getting three shots.

Second chance opportunities.

It's always big contests that come down to a play here, a play there.

Seven offensive rebounds, I believe that is now for Little Rock Christian.

This block are guarded by Marshall Andrews.

Again, using the ball screen misses up top of the key rival Get a run Jackson drives the lane gives it up Marshall no offensive foul if they were going to get Jackson on the player control fouls he dished at all that was Wesley that drew that charge to Mitchell Wesley Just a heads up play.

I thought they were going to have a chance for a starter big time play from Marshall, but Wesley takes the charge when Jackson gets rid of it, just lay your body out there.

Another turnover that's starting to mount.

Eight turnovers now gets the chick A stars.

Louisville's got to be more aggressive I think what's there in the bonus where they haven't been back to the foul line in almost the first 4 minutes of this half watch a marshall one play defense.

I don't think he wants to pick up a second foul.

He's letting Landon Blocker get by him and not even really trying to attempt to block that shot.

I want to keep attacking him because he seems a little disinterested in playing defense or even trying to pick up a foul right now.

That's all that's left with out of bounds.

Got to go the other way.

See it.

Last Touch by Little Rock.

Question to see if the Chickasaw can get something going.

I think Little Rock Christian has done a really nice job defensively.

He's been clear pass number one, which was our key to the game.

Take away 25 and white and they've done a pretty good job so far with double teaming him on the block three ball Washington in the corner won't go the rebound pulled out by Christian they're off to the races Wesley drives to the lane left hand finish Good Eurostep right there to love the pierce they go to block believe he thought it was a walk but so all the way from the right side to the left side Marshall down low with the top two hands for safety Marshall throws it down That's a big bucket there.

And they really needed it to stem the tide from swinging.

Father in a little Rock Christian's corner blocker to the lane spin move block and the bucket for to see the replay of this and this is where he was he had a great view he's right there on the baseline and watched it goes right by Marshall kind of a bang bang 5050 call there but Hart goes the way of the warriors hardest call to make an efficient right there.

If the basketball finishes he'll have a chance to convert the three point play after the media timeout.

We're halfway home here in the second.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball Championship on Arkansas.

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Lander and blocker at the foul line for a little Rock Christian.

Try to push the league back to double digits three or nine to play here in the four eight title game.

He's Wes Moore.

I'm Bobby Swafford.

Thanks for tuning in to the broadcast.

Knocks down the free throw converts the three point play 2818.

Wobble was in the title game last year.

Fell to Magnolia.

They're trying to erase that bad taste of their mouth wide open.

Looks right wing.

That one won't go.

Nice strong rebound by Wesley.

Well, he's going to bring it up himself.

Stop the basketball.

Nobody did.

And he just hits the 8 to 10 footer.

All right, so March is big.

But if you look elsewhere, Little Rock Christian's big at the guards They're big at the forward.

They've got a size of in just about over everybody that's guarding them, especially at the guard position.

So you see Wesley in some of the other guards, just take it straight to the middle and you notice the got Marshall going outside a little bit.

Marshall get a little frustrated.

Look at all the Little Rock Christian guys around him.

He threw a little small elbow Jackson in the corner that was short.

And the other person out with an Andrew is going to push the temple blocker Tomahawk all blow.

Coach Pierce wants to take a timeout A little Rock Christian is feeling it 32 830 to 18 to score a 14 point lead and west it just seems like that avalanche are starting to pick up a little momentum as a little Rock Christian is rolling downhill.

The Bible has been ranked number one for part of the year.

Overall, the entire state of Arkansas, they've been number one for four, while pretty much all year.

But see what the heart of the champion.

Yeah, we just saw it out of Nashville.

They were down 16, actually 17 at one point.

But it was down.

They were down 16 went on the 1401 to get back in the game.

Florida has got a great team.

Yeah, they just got to go to that point.

Coach Timeout settled him down a little bit.

You see Marshall talking with the official he's he's gotten a little help down low he's getting double team triple teamed and he's frustrated right now He's lucky honestly it would have been a ticky tack foul.

It would have been just a little kind of an incidental foul.

But when JJ Andrews got that loose ball, that rebound, he bumped into Marshall.

They let him play on.

That would have been his second foul.

Little Rock.

Christian's played all 6 minutes in the first quarter without a foul.

Bravo got into the bonus late in that first period and has not been back to the foul line trying to get in the middle of the lane That pass deflected.

He's got plenty of time on the shot clock from Louisville 15 footer off the window won't go and one and done on another possession blockers got it right wing guarded by Marshall he pulls up what about a 15 footer gives it up three ball top of the key Got it Ben Fox and another triple for the Warriors.

Somebody is hot six for 12 from deep and 50% and the lead is already at 17.

A lot of times West will see teams shoot poorly in this arena.

Not so much today for Little Rock first.

And then finally that foul called trying to prevent Marshall from getting the basketball so he'll be in the bonus encourage everybody when move out Kirsten's on defense just watch them surround number 25 Rashad Marshall some significantly taller than everybody else.

It's obvious what Bible's trying to do to get the ball into it, but they are doing the Warriors are doing an excellent job of just surrounding him with players and basically daring the rest of the team to shoot the ball.

Sometimes you have a coaching philosophy as Marshall misses that one.

Okay, let's let the the star have his points and shut everybody else down.

Little Rock Christian's in the other direction.

We're going to try to shut down Marshall and make the other four on the floor beat us three ball right away from Blocker.

That one off the window.

No good Marshall with a rebound four rebounds now for Marshall getting inside strong off the window It's good so big bucket as we hit the final minute this first half was one of the few times that Marshall was just one on one.

It wasn't until later they got some backside help, three off the mark.

Good.

Fox gets his own rebound and he picks up a foul.

Not in the bonus just yet.

So a fresh shot clock for the Warriors, a point six second differential between the game clock and the shot clock.

So if they choose to do so, they can essentially hold for the final possession.

Cut the clock issue, I believe.

Yep.

One of our clocks.

Yeah, he is running just a little bit.

But the clocks, the balls, the baskets aren't moving.

And then our main clock on the scoreboard here at center court, it's not moving, but the clocks at the end of the arena are, are moving.

This was a 35 seconds counting down and goes back 35 seconds.

No harm there for some gets it in shot clock is off Washington.

The flex one out of bounds.

It's going to stay on this end of the floor though.

So the speed the court was out of Washington that time, Fox is trying to throw it up top to Wesley Washington was trailing the play.

It almost came away with the steal first and then bounds it in the back court.

They look like they may be content for holding for the final shot of this first half.

It's been a clinic three point shooting for Little Rock Christian in the first 16 minutes Now the 15 warriors going to work drive the lane Andrews his shot blocked Bartels got time to push it 5 seconds on the game clock now the three down two to the drive to lane go Marshall at the horn it will go and that's going to do it for this first half of play.

3520 Little Rock Christian has got a two touchdown or two point lead leading West surprise.

That right there just summed it up.

Marshall's been frustrated the whole time.

He he's trailing the play gets it and the time's ticking up so he's trying to get it out of his hands.

If it's a normal play, he goes up, dunks it.

If you got a thunder, you know, dunk to for a put back.

But he knew he had to basically tap it and try to get it in couldn't get it to go as he saw his frustration at the end of the half down by 15 the top ranked team in the state +48 down 15.

After the break.

It's halftime here the for a state championship game.

So we'll step aside.

Stick around.

As you're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball championship on Arkansas, PBS Sports.

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Somewhere across Arkansas.

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Hey, everybody.

It's halftime once again at Bank Ozark Arena.

But stay right here because we have plenty to show you, jumping right into it.

Most towns have their sports legends and legendary stories.

Magnolia's Darian Ford was definitely added to their legend list over the last four years.

Let's take a look at a little known fact about his championship performance in the state finals last year.

You may be surprised to learn that in addition to being an all star basketball player, Darian Ford earned a 4.0 as well as All-region quiet stats during his senior year at Magnolia High School, Darian brings new meaning to the term student athlete.

He's Also an open book.

What would you like to know?

Well, you know, my dad said if you don't work, you know, so everything I do, I try to work hard and be the best I can be.

And he's a pro in what he does every single day, the way he lives, the way he acts.

Never late.

He doesn't make mistakes like mental mistakes.

Just to see him commit to quiet the same way that he commits to a guy that was saying when he commits to basketball the same way that he commits to academics and it's a community knows how he has made all region every single year that he's auditioned.

Just a phenomenal kid.

And so I got an opportunity to see him beyond basketball strength that I have.

Academic is math.

You know, I'm very good with numbers right there for the community.

I started off doing multiplication numbers from my grandma house, and it's just something that I fell in love with.

I just love numbers.

Ever since the Undefeated in his senior year at Magnolia High School, Ford came down with the flu and 102 degree fever during the championship game.

You know the fever was given the he than the chills I think he was real sleepy didn't want to do anything but lay in the bed.

Darian Steele led all scorers with 29 points and capped off an undefeated season for the Panthers.

Most things I thought about with my teammates, it just helping them and them helping me and put me in the right position and I'm putting them in the right position to win state championship.

I think it was fourth grade.

I started to excel in basketball that we won a national championship.

It just took off.

From there, you could see the hard work paid off.

He's won the MVP three times.

All offense and defense.

He's got Gatorade Player of the Year twice in his trophy case.

It's a lot of MVP's.

And now in November of 2021, Darian signed his letter of intent to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas.

There can be little doubt that Ford is truly a special athlete of dedication, poise and faith that one day might carry him to his dream, one win national championship, one win national championship.

And I just want to better myself, just be able to now in a situation.

Darian is currently a freshman with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

I'm sure we'll be seeing more from him.

Now let's take a look at some of those students who made the cut for the Arkansas PBS student all star team.

Here's the boys two way foray in six eight classifications.

We're starting off with Justin Branan from the big Yellowjackets just in hopes to play basketball on a collegiate level as well as be an entrepreneur, he enjoys fishing and hunting in his free time.

Next up is Landon Blocker with the Little Rock Christian Warriors Landry wants to one day pursue college basketball.

In the meantime, hanging out with friends or listening to music are a few of his favorite pastimes.

Finally, we have a norvo tank representing the Little Rock Central, High Tigers and our plans to attend college for mechanical engineering or pharmaceutical sciences and one day play in the NBA.

He enjoys playing various instruments, including the saxophone, guitar and piano.

To see all the Arkansas PBS Student All-Stars visit the Arkansas PBS YouTube channel or scan the QR code.

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

Now let's get over to Leon and hear about some more Arkansas stories Ed?

Thanks, Steve.

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All right, Sully, I think that's it for us.

Yes, sir.

But there's a lot more basketball coming up.

Yes, sir.

Let's get you back to Bangkok, the arena for the second half right here on your home of the high school basketball state finals, Arkansas PBS.

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See her greatness is now in session.

We'll go back inside Bank Ozark Arena.

It's the four day state basketball championship and we've got a bit of a upset alerts, if you will, a Little Rock Christian leading top ranked rival, 3520.

At the break, we take a look at some action That first half Louisville came out swinging heavy clutch Little Rock Christian started inside and started working it outside.

Really, the story of this first half is the Warriors, six of 14 from three point range.

That's 43%.

And they took the small lead and watched the balloon attack as high as 16.

The league is down 15.

And take a look, some first half stats as well as the teams are making their way to the bench.

Little Rock Christian actually not even out of the locker room yet.

So they're going to have to get on their giddy up.

Landon Blocker throws one down and here's those first half stats and really the numbers speak for themselves.

43% from the field For a little Rock Christian, the Bible really struggling, just a third of their shots going down.

You see the three numbers but the offensive rebounds, the overall size for Little Rock, Christian is really paying off six offensive rebounds.

That's led to countless put back opportunities.

Marshall's doing his job, 11.6 rebounds for the Ole Miss signee, but they haven't been able to get anything going as far as the rest of the team from Louisville, 11 points again for Marshall and no other player has more than five.

And look at what Little Rock Christian star Landon Blocker 14 points for Wesley.

He's got 12 four different players have knocked down a three pointer and that's how we've got a 3520 advantage for a state championship game.

So both these two teams have had time to adjust at the half you're down 15 west more you're Blytheville the number one team in states what do you say to your squad How do you get back in this contest?

Got to open it up a little bit.

The Bible so focused on me getting the ball inside Marshall that the other guys have forgotten who I can play to.

I mean, T.J. Jackson, 14 points a game.

Jeremy Wells 12 and a half points a game.

Shamar Marshall 13 points against.

Kisha 12 points.

You get every one of their player starters averages double digits, but you look at the half and they're not doing that.

It's they're just so focused on getting the ball into Rashard inside that somebody else has got to score.

Yeah try to open things up and you hate to see try to use Marshall as a decoy but you may have to to be quite honest.

You've got to get somebody going.

You got to try to knock some shots down from the perimeter.

They are two of six.

Plausible is from the three point line and shoot it at a decent clip as a squad.

We talked about the scoring this 170 points a game for Blytheville, just 20 in the first half.

I think you got to do a tip of the cap to the Little Rock Christian defense and what they were able to do.

They try to force an inside of Marshall in quick turnover.

You said it forced it quick run out and I guess we'll call that a dunk.

A little lucky there for Wesley.

He gets the friendly roll, then he's up to 17.

It's two points, right?

That's right.

He dunked it here.

Washington Oh, nice ball movement.

Blytheville Got it A wide open look for three this side that was way short offered the pick back Harris but they're going to see a little arm pop by Andrews and that's going to send the Chickasaw to the foul line some arm, maybe some side of the face as well as this official indicated, got him one side of the head.

That's that is also frowned upon.

You can't hit him in the head can't can't do that.

Shamar Marshall, the six and one senior at the foul line was good 34 and one on the season is Blytheville and Lawson the three and a half months believe it is a white station Tennessee Yeah undefeated against schools from the state of Arkansas maybe the second most impressive record we're going to see this weekend.

But tomorrow night the county line boys are going to roll out a 44 and oh record, almost a turnover in the backcourt.

Little Rock Christian got to push it across.

And they do 44.

No Christian trying to work it Insider's Andrews lowers the shoulder gets the bucket wobbles some and Marshall is hoping to get a chance call there but no call an easy way in once again bigger Little Rock Christian Guards against smaller Blytheville guards taking advantage of Marshall.

Scott is the biggest player on the floor, but maybe he's two for eight.

On the other side.

Good ball movement there for floater in Lane.

Actually Marshall does have to go up and get it kind of discombobulated possession here for Blytheville now got eight on the shot clock and get in the lane Nice drive off the window won't go Marshall tip back good this elevates he can't coach that would athleticism on display You know it may be the easiest way to give him the ball not only a foul no travel called excuse me Little Rock person struggled with the pressure two players hit the floor and it's going to be a turnover.

On the Warriors, a chance for Blytheville to chip away at this 15 point deficit.

What I was going to say before the turnover, the easiest way to get him the ball is maybe to shoot it, but go get an offensive rebound and then try to force inside.

Yeah, there were three guys there to help side defense too good for Preston up to this point he Wesley top of the key he's going to back it out and reset the offense Andrews is one to post up now they're switching out that was a smart move by Blytheville blocker got a top of the key guarded by Marshall with the screen 15 footer that one short holder battling for the rebound does get it good ball movement Williamson for three off the mark another offensive rebound this time Fox pulls it down once again it's a bigger guard just rebounding above and over smaller guard nine offensive rebound for Little Rock Christian three ball top of the key in and out no good and the five seven Washington up to get that rebound level right to the lane up and under is good nice job by Jeremiah Wells there to use the rim as a little protector hold off the defense and finishes in the lane blocker quick to the lane easy basket Marshall went for the steal instead of protecting the basket and allowed the easy hoop 4126 this third quarter rolling right along Washington three ball again that went off the front of the iron offensive rebound Nice finish there by T.J. Jackson they need more from him Jackson he's got seven.

What about Christian slowing it down on this possession Haven't had many stoppages here in the third quarter BLOCK Here he goes right side right to the lane off the window and good quick time out there by Kyle Pennington.

That's a it's a double dip this time out west.

He's got the under under for media time out coming up in just 20 seconds.

That's a way to get your guys an extra rest coming out of the half and obviously a little momentum and that may have a team level of so up 15.

How do you take a shot blocker out?

Well, you take whoever he's guarding, move them out to the wing, make him play a little defense, set a screen go around.

He beat him to the basket.

He can't block his shot.

Right.

They're finding ways to neutralize for Rashaad Marshall and his shot blocking.

And right now, it's not putting him making him uncomfortable, having to play defense from about 19 feet out on somebody.

That's a lot quicker than him.

Yeah.

Marshall had four blocked shots in that first half and hasn't been able to get much going defensively, as you mentioned, as they're spread it out and the pick and roll with the high post is forcing him to come out and defend and once you blow by that help defender, there's no one there at the rim to protect it and I think you hit the nail on the head when I said the overall size for the guards of little Rock Christian is just taking over this game.

If they want to post up, they can If they want to get to the rim, they can.

If your defense zags up, they've shown they can beat you from the three point line as well.

Landon Blocker on the season was averaging 16 points, ten rebounds.

Now in the state tournament coach is talking about how much he stepped up his game.

Well he's averaging 18 and 15 in the state tournament today.

He's already got 18, five, 18 points already.

He's Blytheville Makai hand.

He's been getting more minutes here in this third quarter.

He's number two short jumper from the right left side and won't go Marshall with the rebound He has it taken away from him with Little Rock Christian pushing the tempo blocker Fox for three got it.

The largest lead in the contest is 18 and they are still smoldering from deep six of 16 from the three point line, seven of 17.

It was just updated.

Sorry Marshall, he draws a foul down on the block.

You can tell he's just frustrated.

He's not getting the touches, just the overall size.

It's not one player.

It's four and five coming at him and he's not getting the touches as we hit the media Time out.

Blytheville He's got to make a run.

Still plenty of time to do so as we're going to step aside as you're watching the Centennial Big state basketball championship on Arkansas, PBS Sports, take us in here and start having some fun.

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Right inside, inside out there.

My belive I'll see if they can get it inside the Marshall and Interior defense again double teams and the offensive foul.

I got to say he lowered the shoulder and the freshman Andrews takes the charge That's tough that's tough there for Marshall.

He's frustrated.

He wants the ball.

He wants to be able to carry his team is just too much help side defense, to be quite honest.

Oh, he finally got the ball where he wanted it down there on the low block.

And but then you're surrounded by players and so you got to go strong.

You got to take it up strong.

You got to make a strong move.

Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for the Warriors fans, JJ was there to take charge.

Andrews drives the lane, kicks it out.

Williamson For three.

It's good cause Williamson Junior knocks down the three and a 21 point advantage for the Warriors.

That's eight threes for Little Rock versus Washington trying to answer.

It's off the back of the iron.

No good and little rockets going to try to add to this seven possession advantage.

I'll say that because there's plenty of time for Blytheville to make a run, but they've got to do it in a hurry.

That's Andrews gives it up to Wesley, another three.

That one rolls around and out, deflect it out of bounds.

Got to go to the final.

The way things have gone for a little Rock Christian, he almost shot and didn't go in eight of 18 from the three point line.

What about a corner of the way that spun out two and a half left here in the third?

Blytheville has got work to do.

So the Warriors with some subs in stealing some minutes and going back to the zone as well, keep as many bodies in the lane as they can.

Washington drives baseline That one rejected the two hands bodies in the lane, on the floor, on the ground, more bodies falling down.

Can't get it to go.

Little Rock is going to push and look out below blocker left hand hits good thought they had a chance on the alley oop there and so there they go with the safer route 23 point advance if not see this one coming west running him out of the gym right now they've got it clicking offensively they're hitting the threes they're getting out in transition.

They're doing a great job.

Really.

That's what's being overlooked.

Yeah.

Here's the defense to old Louisville to 28 points here for almost three quarters of play.

Well, three hits off the mark Marshall gets the rebound goes up with finishes strong Rashaad Marshall there 15 points for the big man He just needs some help just his teammates haven't done enough to help him out.

That stops a 12 two run from Little Rock.

Christian Andrews drives, spins, travel nice job defensively.

They're got to give Shemar and Marshall a shout out.

Did a great job moving his feet, staying in front forces, the turnover.

He's done such a great job on defense he's to think about he's been given the task of trying to stay with Rashaad Marshall down low.

Speaking of Marshall, nice job.

I think that's what he's got to do.

They're collapsing when he puts the ball on the ground that time doesn't waste a dribble, just go straight up with it.

He uses a window 72% shooter on the season.

Today he's six of seven.

I don't get the job done He's 17 points Wesley he uses the glass that one won't go battle for the rebound block was out with it they're going to push the tempo Marshall right down the lane tries to finish the left hand won't go And now a little Rock.

Kirsten's coming back the other way.

Here's Andrews, the freshman he drives the lane tries to finish able to hold off It's a foul by the team over late in the official setting established position that's a big big call there in the final minutes of this third quarter It's how see he saw his first nice job selling it to be quite honest defensively there I believe that was Fox he took the charge excuse me that box Jackson T.J. Jackson four Andrews out of the game picked up his third foul Find a way to maybe get cut this to 16 in the final 41 seconds if you're Blytheville get a little momentum going into the first field marshal he's got position and drive to the lane floaters good nice job there by some Marshall almost a turnover Christian's got numbers four on one gives it up easy lay in there for people on word 18 on the shot on the game clock shot clock is off Marshall again drives to the lane The floater will go 17 point contest Little Rock Christian's got a chance Ball deflected goes out of bounds 2.8 seconds left here in the third quarter kind of a frantic last 45 seconds or so.

Blytheville picking the pace up the things and you're seeing them pick up the intensity on defense a little bit, too.

They're getting a Little Rock, Chris.

They're trying to create some turnovers.

Pick up the steal, take it in the blocker.

He lets one go inside the three point line.

It's good.

So it was on the line.

So it's a two pointer, but a big shot there to send the Warriors into the fourth quarter with a 19 point lead, 5536 You're watching the Centennial Big state basketball championship on Arkansas.

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We're back now for a championship game.

If you just joined us, you've missed a lot of three point shots going down for Little Rock Christian eight.

In fact, there I guess you can't really call it an upset West because they're in the championship game.

But Little Rock Christian is handling the top rank global up to this point.

Now, there's plenty of time left and a lot can change.

We've seen crazy things happen here in Hot Springs, but I've been thoroughly impressed with the way they play defense there for the Warriors.

19 points.

Crazier things have happened, but the way Little Rock Christian is playing defense, yeah, that's going to make it a tough task.

Blytheville Work it arounds, of course, forget got the shot clock this year, so we'll have to worry about someone just trying to kill the clock.

Marshall He sends that one back his fifth block of the contest corrals the loose ball and he travel with it.

There was some contact there, but not enough to blow the whistle.

An opportunity there for Blytheville goes awry because, like, he was a little out of control trying to, you know, they got to go.

You know, everyone on that team knows we got to pick up the pace.

We got to go look like we got moving, too fast, trying to get rid of the ball and got off balance and walked out.

Christian does get it in his blocker way out on top.

Andrews tees it up a three ball that one's off the mark Marshall the Shamar version going to bring it up he kicks it out Washington three left side that one short and we're shot off of the rebound and the put back he's starting to establish himself down low five offensive rebounds 11 total he's got 19 points Andrew drives baseline cut off and block is there Luke peers down the rim Nice cut Washington lost it Little Rock person going to try to pull us lost control of it though did Williamson and that's going to be a turnover just can never get control of the ball he said he saw two green jersey streaking to the other end and trip trying to put together a highlight have a one more time and Landon Blocker with two hands with a thought.

Good things happen when you cut to the basket.

Ever wonder what to put a spring in the rim.

That's why it's ball fake.

Nice job the finish Jeremiah.

Well now blob has got to come through with some stops on the other end.

We know they can score but they've got to put together five, six, seven consecutive defensive stops and that ain't a blocker right down the lane and Tomahawks, Florida.

Good things happen when you get to the basket to putting on a show is blocker well inside the Marshall he powers up he tries to finish with two hands up can't get it to go and going to be a goaltending violation.

Yeah that's a prime example use his frustration out there after the dunk he's hanging on the rim and try to grab it with the other hand he knows you can't do that and it just it is it's a frustrating day for him but you got to credit the Warriors for making it a frustrating day for him.

They're doing everything to make life difficult for that big man, Little Rock person going to slow things down.

6 minutes left here in the fourth and Andrews drives wide open pass.

He finishes with two hands.

The interior defense is just not there for Blytheville.

He's three ball left wing good big answer for TJ Jackson their third three of the game They were two for 11 before that they needed more of that earlier.

Christian Yeah, we've got to slow it down.

Andrews drives, blocking foul Trying to draw an offensive foul Couldn't do so just a second team foul the second half by a five although what JJ into has been doing a good job on defense being tasked with defending Rashaad Marshall That's been a lot of his assignment today but that last will now feel like four possessions in a row.

Twice he drove in hit blocker for the tomahawk dunks, then the third time he went and dunked it and then he just went in and drew a foul.

So that's four straight plays for the freshman, getting it done for Little Rock.

Christian, I'm glad you mentioned his classification.

They're 35 games into the season.

He's probably not considered a freshman anymore.

That's a lot to ask for.

A kid who just turned 15 years old.

He doesn't look like a freshman, honestly.

Yeah, he's got good genes, there's no doubt about that blocker Easy lay in.

And I say that of course, his father, for a lot of people, may know who he is.

Shawn Andrews, former Razorback lineman, NFL superstar, and his mom played college basketball so that it hurt either Marshall.

So Moore finishes in the lane 6345 inside 5 minutes to play Blytheville got to extend the defense try to create a little chaos it's they have been able to keep the warriors in front that's how they can take it away.

Washington home with the steal numbers on one kick it out for the three it's going to be off the mark no good and Fox clears the rebound cushion, gets it across the time line and again now we're starting to see them slow it down, maybe work 15, 20 seconds on the shot clock unless they get a clear blow by kind of like that blocker just too much that stop out on the perimeter.

They almost feel like he can get to the rim any time he wants to.

28 points make it 30 points now for Landon Blocker at threes off the mark deflected out of bounds Got to go to Christian last media time out of regulation Little Rock Christian fans are starting to feel it they've got a 20 point lead as you're watching the centennial State basketball championship on Arkansas PBS Sports for every moment, for every memory from that first car to your first home to your first child and all the highs and lows that tomorrow, my break for everything that matters most to you and your family.

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Outstanding work as always inside for minutes to play.

Kyle Pennington and company trying to win a title Fox for three in and out no good Marcille one handed the rebound and what they're going to say pushed off of the elbow.

But we use the word frustrating with Rashad Marshall after he rips down with one hand and they're going to say, Yeah, well clear out there.

Didn't do it on purpose.

Probably the little clear out cuts Andrews in the face he draws the whistle Andrews three ball left wing got it It doesn't rain in threes for the Warriors nine triples comes to smooth is looking short We've seen from JJ yet Marshall he powers up finishes at the rim blocker tried to draw the charge with no call Can you imagine playing the state championship game as a freshman or a 15 year old?

I'm not saying the moment was too big for him, but he looks relaxed.

Now all the sudden we're seeing what we've been hearing and what we've seen out of him all year.

Wesley's threes off the mark.

Marshall pulls down his 14th rebound of the game, Marvel down 21.

So Moore and Marshall, his three short and Little Rock Christian limits him to one shot.

It helps Lamar Christian a lot to have three, four or five ball handlers on the floor at all times.

Blocker again finishes at the rim for five six finishes for the holding blocker over 30 points and I just haven't been able to keep him out of the lane.

Whether it's the pick and roll.

Number three in the corner is good.

Jeremiah Wells knocks down another triple block.

All four of 16 now though from the three point line, just 25% Landon Blocker averaged 16 and ten on the year.

Coach told us he's really stepped up his game in the playoffs here at the state tournament.

He's averaging 18 and 15.

Williamson Junior Nice pull up jumper he knocks it down He's got eight points tonight.

BLOCK He's got 30 to 32 for blocker 14 for Wesley.

We may have to check the rims after this game.

Just make sure everything is still level.

There have been more dunks in this game than I've seen there have been in a state championship game ever, ever.

These two teams were loaded and we mentioned nine of the ten starters in this contest averaged double figures.

They both averaged 68 points, a contest Kirsten's already over their average Andrews two hands gets the help defense is not there for Blytheville.

They've done a really nice job talking about Little Rock Christian to spread out and Chickasaw as defense may drive and they certainly can finish it off the side of the backboard and Andrews clears the rebound.

They're going to push blocker look out below Oh tries to go to the legs That was going to be the highlight of all highlights Gets a little bit of a look from the coach and I think that's going to do it for the starters for Little Rock Christian who have put on a two.

What do you say for coach.

Yeah, the only thing you can say is how you hurt your shot.

Your shooting percentage finishes 14 of 21 from the field.

I'm on repeat that 14 of 2166 for 632 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block for Landon Blocker and all.

He's going to be the tournament MVP but he's certainly my MVP in this game.

He's a junior too, by the way.

Oh, he'll be back.

Ben Fox, the lone senior that starts with this team.

They've got a couple other seniors who get playing time, but the majority of this Little Rock Christian team should be back next year.

Deep three, that one in and out.

No good as the reserves of both squads coming to the contact.

We are in the final minutes.

A little Rock Christian student section is feeling it.

That's three way too strong for me It's in the Castro alive gets the run out in the easy bucket from wells story this game was certainly defense Little Rock Christian especially in the second and third quarter.

This put the clamps down on Rashaad Marshall and did not allow Blytheville to get into their flow getting to rhythm and they were able to build a comfortable lead and that's look how this one is going to end in Little Rock.

Christian and Coach Kyle Pennington.

If you have to shoot at 12 three second differential between the game and shot clock, you can feel it in the 30 seconds ready to roll.

I don't let the shot clock expire and lava is going to have to run this one down and the Chickasaw.

So unfortunately for them, we're going to finish as the bridesmaid for the second consecutive year and the title game, that's a major accomplishment.

Give here back to back seasons.

They fall short for the second straight season last year to Magnolia, and this year the Warriors have Little Rock, Christian waiting to get players on the court.

They had walked off.

Oh no, they didn't have enough players on the court.

So they're getting they only have four right now on the court.

We're still waiting for that first.

Yep, they're going to get there.

They are getting a fifth player back on their Blytheville to the inbound it this one more so we'll be done that three off the mark the celebration came again Little Rock Christian is here for a boys state champion and they make a statement 7454 is the final we're going to step aside trophy presentation and your MVP coming up but what a performance by the guys in Green.

The Little Rock Christian wins it 7454.

One more time out as you're watching the Centennial Big state basketball championship on Arkansas.

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Welcome back.

Inside Bank Arena, Little Rock Christian Cancer is a four day state championship with authority.

7454 is the final.

And the head coach, Cal Pennington, joins us now.

Coach, of course, we love to talk about the offense.

I think the defense was the story today.

Yeah, absolutely.

Our game plan coming in was just to mix them up.

Some start in our 50, which is our man to man player, our three to zone player, one, three, one zone.

You know, you saw us trap a little.

Just keep him off balance and then obviously you got to put two or three guys in the paint around your shot.

And also that's a special basketball player and that's a really good team style, but very proud of our guys too, for executing our game plan defensively.

You told us before earlier this week this plan for blocking his blockers really stepped his game up a the state.

We took it to another level today for you if he surprised you at all with what he does.

You know every once in a while he does.

But you know, we see that every day.

And when the stage gets bigger, so Landon Blocker always rises to the so we knew in the regional tournament and win the state tournament And then obviously today you know I told my coaches I said I feel very I feel very good about where we're at and I really think Landry's going to lead us to it and he did it.

But what you're looking about your team doing that.

The scouting report took about 35 three pointers a game today.

There were lights out, you knocked down nine triples and really in that mix, man.

But it started going to the bucket.

First half of that first period, it looked like you're trying to maybe some body blows inside to loosen up the outside.

Yeah.

Our game plan was first 3 minutes of the game was get to the rim and then it'll open up those shots for us and had been box callers Jameel you know Landon Blocker he had a three in the corner man Just come in look at this with his brother it's just it's it's fun and you know I just I'm happy to be a part of this.

What's amazing now your state champions man, it means a lot post-graduation.

Thank you so much.

You got it.

Good job.

That's Phenix in Little Rock.

Christian wins it.

7454.

Now we've got the NBA coming over.

Claim to have locker room every minute as they win a state championship.

Emotional moment is his brother's here now.

We've got him here, sir.

First off, congratulations.

What's it mean to be a state champion?

And it means a lot, man.

Some people thought we were going to do this.

The game is hard, but we did, and we won.

Okay.

Did you check the rim?

Did you damage any rim?

Oh, no.

Probably.

I mean, you guys obviously were working the ball to get inside, but you spread their defense out a lot of one on one advantage match ups.

And he took it to Barnes and that was that kind of the game plan coming into the attack the big man because they are going to try to guard me on on the floor.

I think as my result defensively, you guys were just surrounding him, two, three guys every time you touch the ball.

And that's what that's the plan.

I do not let him beat you.

Make somebody else.

Let somebody else beat us except for the big man.

Because when you get when they get the ball inside the end, I mean, that's where you get his money.

So you had to stop him first.

Andre Collaboration's jerseys.

Appreciate you.

Excited.

That's an impressive performance.

He finished with 32 points tonight, six rebounds.

And here's your foray state championship game MVP and West.

I mean, coach said it and he said it.

It started with their defense, but they certainly finished in style.

No defense was outstanding to hold Bible to 54 points, but then offensively, they were able to do a little bit of everything.

They attack the basket, but then the threes, I thought the threes.

It's funny how this game worked and coach just said they they started the game wanting to attack the basket.

Then that opened up the three and then that later opened up the basket again and we saw the dunks from Landon Blocker time after time after time.

But look at the field goal percentage for Little Rock Christian 52 for Shaffer and Bible's fifth 42.9 that came up in the fourth quarter.

Marvel is really good when they control the glass.

And if you would have told Coach Pennington, hey, you're only going to be outrebounded two total in this game tonight, they would have taken that 30 to 28.

The advantage there.

Take a look at some highlights in this contest.

And I guess I'm going to bet it's full of threes and finishes at the rim because we saw plenty of action in those two areas.

You know, this was a fun game to watch.

I'm sure everyone back in their homes, this was I was full of highlights.

But Little Rock Christian, there you go.

They're opening up with the threes.

They hit nine threes tonight.

And then once they started hitting those threes, then they could drive to the basket and land to block it.

Just dunk after dunk, dunk one session down, five more to go.

And it's coming up tonight.

The five eight state championship games are going to be on the line.

It starts at 6:00 with the five girls Vilonia and Greenwood going to tee it up.

We're step aside just for just a few hours.

We'll be back 6:00 for that five day title game for Wes Moore.

I'm Bobby Swafford.

Thanks for watching.

The city, your big state basketball championship club, Arkansas, PBS Sports.