This is the game a lot of people they want to see because you got some high D1 players.

Nick Smith going to Arkansas Kelele where going to Oregon don't sleep on Corey Washington.

He's a good player to North Little Rock loaded number one in the state all year long number one in 6A and Bentonville kind of the surprise.

One of the biggest surprises of the tournament for them to be here and not not that they're here, it's how they played the game here.

They played in dominant fashion.

All three wins last week at the six day state tournament, Little Rock Southwest.

By 20 points or more, 89 points against Conway, Fayetteville, who beat them twice in the regular season.

The conference champion from the West Bentonville goes out to beat him by 20, playing as hot as anybody see anybody into the state.

Not named Jonesboro.

Not named Little Rock, it's just one of those occasions where they're playing their best basketball at the right time.

I think it's honestly they're a little disappointing during the regular season.

This is the same team that went undefeated in conference play last year and was expected to make it run to the state finals.

Didn't play as well after Christmas.

This year, as they had hoped, seems like they're putting it all together and this is the Bentonville tiger team that a lot of people expected to see.

See Johnny Rice there for North Little Rock 5 state titles in 10 years.

We can take a look at some of our key players and of course when you talk about North Little Rock, you know you're going to start with Nick Smith.

What can you say that hasn't already been said about the All American or the Naismith Award winner finalist talk about the national Player of the Year?

26 points, 8 rebounds, 7.

And he's just got a gear that not every high school player has.

Most college players don't have the gear when he puts size to put his head down, fall on the floor, he's getting to the rim and there's really nobody in the country that I've seen up to this point that could stop it motivated to.

He's done a lot of things in Coach Rice, pointed it out.

There's one thing he hasn't done with the state championship.

He's got a chance to do it, and obviously North Little Rock a loaded team.

But if he comes out and shoots the ball well North Little Rock near impossible to me.

Alright over for.

Bentonvill some of the key players and one of the biggest player to watch tonight.

Dale and Lee, we're going to keep an eye on Jalen Lee.

13 points, 4 assists, and Elite defender.

The his quickness is gonna allow him to keep up with Nick Smith.

They maybe not to tell this guy he's listed at 6-2.

Maybe a little generous there.

How does he match up with the size of North Little Rock quick?

This is going to be there.

Can he play aggressive?

Can he stay out of foul trouble?

But what he can do on the offensive end?

He likes to attack the basket and able to lob it up for the Big 6 foot 9.

Kaden Miller puts a good look at Corey Washington.

#2 Corey is one of those players is getting interest late in the season.

More and more people are finding out about Corey Washington able Hutchinson, also a starter for Bentonville, and that name is very familiar and it should be very familiar to sports fans around Arkansas.

And while everybody in Arkansas is grandfathers, the Governor, ASA Hutchinson, Corey Washington, one of those players that's really overlooked and I'm not forgotten but certainly not talked about enough.

You put him on any other roster in the state.

Maybe he's the superstar 6 foot 74.

Getting some looks from college with the fact that he's behind where and Smith.

Maybe he doesn't get the number in touch is that he would elsewhere anytime.

That's your number three player.

That means you've got a pretty talented and deep roster.

Then we got a good look at Thai Frederick for North Little Rock.

He gets open looks and he can knock those down.

He's a good three point shooter with teams concentrating so much inside outside on where and Smith he's going to get some open looks and if he knocks him down watch out Tyler Frederick and Charles Morris is our two guys that are that are really dangerous shooters from the outside.

If they get it going and that opens up things inside for where maybe opens the drive lanes for Nick Smith.

That's when you can watch this team go off at score 90.

We are all set.

That's your starting lineups for these two teams.

North Little Rock.

As I said, number one in.

Six a number one.

Overall, though, there's some folks in Jonesboro that one of the what to recount.

Yeah, they say, well, we need a vote in that also North Little Rock.

Got here by beating Springdale 85 to 40.

Will closer game against Little Rock Central.

That final was 5838.

Lake Central already twice this year one of was an epic game that went to overtime in North Little Rock.

One of the best games of the season.

Honestly in Nick Smith, who's walking over towards us, he hit a tying basket right into the game, was set to go to send it to overtime and then he wanted in overtime with a big time basket and this is going to be a good one.

Then maybe the matchup in the ring right now is where and Miller tip it off.

Watch the two bigs inside go to battle.

North Little Rock.

Smith looking to go 15 footer off the back of the rim.

Good strong rebound there.

From Kate Miller averages 12 1/2 rebounds per contest.

Had 20 in one game in the state tournament D3 from Bentonville, and that's what's been the story for them and the state tournament.

Harrison Hicks knocks it down.

If Hicks gets it warm from the outside is Washington Tees up a midrange?

Hicks hit 7 threes in that opening around victory over Conway.

Someone asked me is there any way Bentonville can win this game?

So yeah, North Little Rock, hometown a little tight.

All the pressures on them and they don't shoot the ball well and Bentonville all of a sudden.

It's out to a big lead and things tighten up.

Yeah, it's possible this is basketball.

Anything can happen.

Yeah, Bentonville.

The way they shoot the basketball 89 points and then opening round victory against Conway.

And sure, that's a three get to 6 the game they're supposed to win.

High school teams don't score 89 every night, so that they've got some shooters.

They've got skill with north Live Oak allows him to hang around or get out to a hot start like they are.

They're going to have their hands full Bentonville, six O lead cut in half.

Just like that.

Charles Merritt.

Mayoress knocks it down big shopper marista stop the bleeding early.

Get the crowd involved.

Nick Smith face guarding Jalen Lee.

That's one thing Coach Rice told us earlier.

Nick Smith going to lockdown.

He's going to play defense.

He has really changed and matured as a defender over the year over the season he takes pride in defense.

With strong rebound for where there as well.

You actually can get his own rebound goes back up with it, still fighting for it kicks it back out to mariss for 3/2 strong.

Becomes Bentonville with it Leupp Alley oop too much on it.

I just tried to.

Do too much there.

He had Miller.

If he slows it down and makes a good Chris Pass an easy lay in but they went for the highlight reel out of the youth and turned it over first.

Turnover of the game.

Smith brings it down.

It's a scream from Washington.

Smith going to work Frederick in the corner.

Smith gets a screen.

Will 17 footer good.

Nice job to come off the screen, knock down the midrange jumper, that's when he's so effective West because he can pull up and knock down the jumper, but you gotta respect the drive and so he's going to get space in the mid range just so hard to stop that he's going to pull up from 17 feet and his high as he jumps.

You're not going to block it with John from Bentonville to respond.

Hayden Shanks, with it that Shanks already with a couple of buckets.

You can see the heating attack the basket he settled for the the six to 8 footer and that's the impact.

Hello, where has inside Smith all the way the basket draws the contact and gets it.

That's the strength right there.

That's that's the difference between really good players and great players at the high school level, most players are falling down nowhere, able to get that shot off.

Nick Smith is strong enough to muscle it off the window, control his body, a chance to convert to 3.1.

Calling the hogs here already, Smith free throw is good.

All tide up after that quick bit and we'll start with Little Rock rallies.

Charging Wildcats, playing man to man.

Smith only.

That little contact on the drive basket will not count.

Check there on Tyler Frederick.

Secretary.

Just the third foul call to the game.

Feeling a referee tonight is Ryan Marsh officials Corey Peters and Tommy craft.

One where they call, they call the foul and the foul Mary.

Pearson Hicks thought he traveled.

He was about to jog back the other direction.

Lee gets off the jump shot, no good, another rebound from where Smith running.

Smith won't do attack, where for three?

That's an element you don't see.

Many 7 footers have, but where can step out there and he can knock it down consistently.

Good hustle play that was Hutchinson with it.

Lee looking for the screen.

He gets it.

Not ready to pull the trigger just yet.

We get Smith on the foul that time strong Dr, thereby able Hutchinson 6 foot 4 senior averages 10 points, 5 rebounds strong take the way to get himself to the bucket to the foul line, aggressive move to the basket.

It's good.

Look at it.

You know.

Bentonville has good size.

They're not going to back away from where inside because they're used to going against the same thing in practice in Miller.

It's, you know, hype and length is one thing you can't simulate, but when you've got 6 foot nine in the long arms on your own team, you can prepare yourself a little more for where obviously not to the same talent level but simulated with just a touch.

The foul was on Corey Washington, not Nick Smith.

Benneville takes a one point lead.

We're about halfway through the first quarter.

Well, I've heard that.

Washington and unguarded with offenders thinking way off.

Aris, again from the corner short.

There was another board.

Rebounds are ready for Miller.

There's where with the block.

Averages 6 rejections.

A game is Claire.

Short neither one of the teams are really settled in yet, almost like a feeling out process.

The first got to the basket and also yeah here there's where I can't shoot that.

Leave the first media timeout here helps.

These do two teams settle down.

We'll take this break with on Bentonville leaves at 9:00 to 8:00.

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Joy, life.

Easy on us.

Lee worth it?

He gets a screen.

Where coming over and look at that teardrop over where he's so good at creating space for himself.

Staying just 6 foot two but easy, nice little floater there.

It's on the board he threw that up it's almost as high as the backboard to get that over where.

Mr Washington that's playing together for a long time, right there.

Nick Smith, Corey Washington, Washington catches it and just flips it in in midair.

Who hands from Smith reaches around knocks it away?

Shot clock never never started happened twice in the last game.

We're having issues with the shot clock.

I'll take two issues, a game that opposed to not having a shot clock at all.

Oh no, this is so fantastic.

There were couple times during that girls game that's at the 68 girls game.

I was like that is just this is the way basketball is supposed to be played.

Even in North Little Rock grabs a hugely they could have pulled it.

I don't think anybody wants to see that.

They want to see go run your office.

Yeah, you can work the clock and bleed it a little bit, but.

No.

Brooklyn Rock misses another three.

They're one for six from the three point line.

They're Darren marriage to shoot it.

Those Little Rock fans wanted the walk.

No travel called on Hutchinson.

Lee with it, he'll pull the trigger from deep in and out.

Nick Smith comes away with the board.

North Little Rock went under the screen so leaders pulled the trigger from deep.

Smith will hesitation move the floater misses, but he gets his own rebound and puts it in Miller Mistime the rebound mistime his jump loud Smith to get the easy rebound and put back Smith with seven points now leave with it, he'll pull up, hit a 3 Nope Smith with another rebound.

Those are the looks you want if you're Bentonville.

Not going down yet for Jalen Lee.

Miss Mrs Washington, but where's there for the miscue?

The loose ball and puts it in where hasn't gotten any touches down low for his first bucket.

Feel like anytime North Little Rock needs a quick score they've got that option.

Step side, step three comes up short.

North Little Rock gets the offensive rebound north.

Little Rock's been rebounding the ball well.

Smith reports for three off the back of the rim.

We have heard Smith.

He clapped his hands right in front of us.

He felt like he had that one.

I was just gonna look yeah when he's expecting to knock down.

Hutchinson curl no good Smith with it.

Look ahead.

With Little Rock Symbicort for the walk just took an extra step.

Miller thought he added.

I'm sorry.

Wait, thought he added.

North Little Rock fans looking across.

Look at waving their arms and this guys like you gotta be kidding me.

So it's coach Rice, right?

Three steps we just don't go try 3 steps.

You get away with that in the area in the NBA and not so much that the six day state finals in Arkansas.

Lee being aggressive 15 footer.

Jump shot off the left side good rebound.

Can't put it back in.

Yeah you'd like to see Miller come down with that rebound and go back up strong instead of trying the second chance.

While midair, that's probably because of where don't you think it's got to be.

Anytime you've got 7 feet across from you, it's going to make you second.

Guess we're trying to do things you don't normally do.

Nick Smith.

Heading to the foul line.

**** Smith headed back to the free throw line.

One for one so far tonight 2 for two.

Replay at Smith.

Going strong to the basket and see got hit really on the biceps.

I'm low try to block that shot.

Imagine there's a good free throw shooter, 26 1/2 points per game.

He's gonna come out of the game.

8 rebounds.

Give him a 38 second break.

Use the end of the quarter timeout.

So little extended break here out and this is how you steal some extra minutes from net.

Lee being their playmaker so far, drives kicks it out open look.

Short good ball.

Famous shots from distance is not falling for the Tigers, but North Little Rock turns it over in the back court.

Wizards got the rebound.

Looked like he was turning into dribble and go up court and lost control of it and goes out of bounds so Bentonville takeover down 5.

North Little Rock on an 80 run Bentonville.

Mr Last seven shots more than 3 minutes without a point where the Tigers and that's allowed North Little Rock to open up a 1611 advantage.

We took down the closing seconds of the 1st.

Lee looking for some help.

He needs some help.

He got it finally where there all ball.

That's the way the first quarter will end with where getting another block North Little Rock leads at 16 to 11 after one stick around you're watching this Centennial bank state basketball championships on Arkansas.

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AARP BS sports.

After a fast start for benville, things have really slowed down.

Part of it's the North Little Rock defense, and where has been a part of it, but Bindles miss some open shots have now.

They knocked down the 1st 2 Three Corners, opened up a 6 nothing lead, they've hit just one of their last 11 two of their last 13.

That's why those Little Rock not only be able to get back in the game, but take the lead.

But if you're Bentonville and coach **** rip, you don't have to change anything because you're getting the looks that you want.

They're just not going down.

Then build one of six from the three point line, literally just one of seven.

The one to seven now forbidden though is Lee Mrs. Smith bringing it up to court order to Frederick.

Didn't build this.

Washington Hammers the boards after the miss.

Did you see that?

So Nick Smith pulls it out?

Looks over the kelele where gives him a signal, gets the screen from where it immediately just tosses it up to include big where it is.

Flushes that one down the Washington Miss.

Now you're exactly right.

Smith wanted to get that to a set immediately.

Got what he looked and now he can see offered to put back Lee.

Those it up no good.

And 10 in Blue Quest is affecting every aspect of this game right now.

Washington no good.

Smooth jazz rips it away, gets it to Frederick.

Back to Nick 3 band.

He wants a timeout and that's just how quickly North Little Rock can turn it on.

What was 1611 at the quarter and two possessions later?

It's a double digit lead.

Where just gets this crowd going in his teammates with the emphatic dunk.

And then here's the three.

Smith just catches it steps right into it.

No hesitation and smooth strokes it from the right side.

You can tell he inspired up you mentioned he wants that championship he's playing like at 12 points already in the 1st 9 minutes of game time.

Smith, 47, from the field, one of two from the three point line, hit all three of his free throws, has four rebounds give him an assist.

Also a pretty good start for Nick Smith.

8 minutes, 12 points.

Aware you know, of course you can't overlook him too much, but already 7 rebounds, North Little Rock with a 1510 rebounding advantage.

That's led to some 4 second chance points.

Everything right now that Bentonville needed to do slow down.

Nick Smith.

Make sure where doesn't destroy you on the glass.

They're not handling those two things and they're down double digits early and you gotta give North Little Rock some credit too for putting some defense on Lee.

They know that's the guy who wants to.

Who makes Bentonville go?

He's one of eight and he's missed some open shots.

But then there have been a lot of shots with.

Canes, in his face, or he's got where coming by affecting his shot.

Maybe trying to do a little too much 'cause a couple of those three pointers are well beyond the line.

2 three steps beyond the arc.

He thinks he's got to step back to get a little extra room.

Josh Evans in the game right now he's guarding Lee.

Bill work and get patiently on this drive or this possession.

Drive to the basket.

There's the way or factor right there.

Open look and decided not to take it.

Where again draws the contact.

They're going to call the foul.

We have two times on that possession alone.

Bentonville drove normally.

You take it strong to the rim with Khalil, where it was to alter the shot or alter the thought process with Hutchinson.

Finally, attacks draws the foul and even Hutchinson when he goes up watching when he grows up.

He's looking.

I love how he goes for the contact.

He drew that contact.

That's all.

Interesting place.

13 just shut up.

Mayors back in the game from North Little Rock.

Free throws good.

That cuts the lead to single digits.

We got Hutchinson on where we notice that they're gonna run in a few different bodies and making sure that he doesn't get position that he wants inside.

Alcohol on the floor doesn't call Corey Washington, he is the one who ended up with a rebound in the comment on where West they said he held, and now Bentonville is in the bonus for 6:14 to play.

And that's two fouls on where in the span of 30 seconds.

So pretty clean, first half.

And now you've got foul trouble for the big man.

Sure.

He walked by Hutchinson and gave him an elbow.

I was watching him walk down.

He was just shaking his head and he gave him a little elbow when he walked past Hutchinson at the free throw line.

So now he's going to have to come out of the game that that that's a game altering decision, thereby where as he's got 2 fouls and all of a sudden now three, he's going to have to sit for the rest of this quarter and maybe some of that third, yeah, if he picks up a quick foul in the third quarter then that's four fouls he has to sit.

For free throws good.

If you have a good look at the replay of that, but yes, you say you saw it, just gave him a little flipper.

Yeah, I mean it was obvious I saw it and it was it when I heard the list.

Well, I knew exactly what had happened.

He said the officials saw the same thing.

There's a quick reaction there.

You get the two free throws of the personal foul.

Now the two for the technical and the basketball.

Window not capitalizing on this.

Say they had an opportunity to have possibly a seven point possession.

Make all four of your free throws hit a 3 seven points.

We've already missed two free throws.

So they go 2 for four at two of the points to 7 point game now.

I just want more from more from that from your superstar where it's got to be know that I'm the situation.

Know that all eyes are going to be on him.

Quick three no good Smith with the rebound cool off balance there.

I don't know if that was quite the shot they wanted from Harrison Hicks Smith drives in gets the basket.

Nope, say the foul occur before the shot.

I think it did not the NBA but it had gotten that the NBA in a couple of years but not right now.

But now this is Nick Smith done and more so than it already was with where out of the contest Marius is a good shooter.

We talked about Frederick in the free Game, 14 in Blue is going to take this contest over, or at least try to.

Linda brings in a couple of players.

Smith, 14 footer.

No good.

That's Corey Washington going up and about jumping.

I don't know if I agree with that one.

That's just athleticism.

If you could go up and jump above everybody and grab the rebound, I don't think you should be penalized for it.

I agree officials deemed that he went through the with offender.

Good look at the replay.

It wasn't even blocked out.

Yeah, that's a tough call there.

Kate Miller will go to the free throw line.

Sophomore 69.

We make this free throw.

Miller is not the most aggressive on the offensive him he's got the five rebounds of solid free throw shooter once he gets a little older he gets a little more touch around the basket.

He's going to be a force he's going to get stronger too.

I mean just more mature and become bigger.

You get bigger, you get more confident down in that low post rebounding, offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding is just part of the maturity process.

He's going to be a very nice.

Already got the knack for rebounding?

Looks for contact.

Looks for the call a little too much, but again, outstanding player and he's got the one thing he can't coach and that's hype.

Yep, 69 heck he maybe still be growing Lewis how tall he could be.

He pulls up three corner.

No good.

Good offer the rebound.

Outside and you don't have parallel wherein there in Bentonville is able to attack the glass.

That's a walk, right?

Yep, there's no they said they've always deflected these juggling the possession I thought I heard a whistle guess there's a squeak of the shoe I think it was a shoe squeak all of a sudden this game that was 10 cut to 3/3 point game.

See how North Little Rock handles a little adversity.

Smith with it gets the screen.

Doesn't use it crossover.

That delete level stuff West behind the back freezes the defender easy 68 footer with a 69 defender in your face trying to block his shot.

3 deflected 40 Washington with Washington fouled be the fifth team foul on Bentonville.

Just the frustration foul there by Hutchinson gets the shot blocked.

Missed the defensive foul 75 feet from his own who might not have been a bad foul.

Honestly, North Little Rock break, yeah?

So we're going to give it up to Maris.

He wants it back.

Washington not getting being guarded.

Washington Shooter will 15.

Footer anytime he wants it.

Smith valve well that one only Jalen Lee.

Visitors.

Not working.

This is what you can't do if you're Bentonville.

Is this, repeatedly put Nick Smith at the foul line, 'cause he will.

Close quote death to his existence, but he'll kill you at the strike.

Lee put out his right hand, just almost just to kind of detur, or maybe even to distract Nick Smith.

And when he did it graves, he kind of hit his his elbow when he was shooting.

I mean he hit his elbow when he was shooting it, but it wasn't a hard foul.

That's why they Bentonville fans were so upset.

Right?

Tiger working around on offense.

Trying to cut into this six point deficit.

Lee drops underneath the basket and drops it off to the big man, but he can't finish.

It's not strong enough.

Gonna go tack the basket there.

Gonna feed the way it was.

Miller Smith gives it up to Frederick Corner 3 short Abrams there he gets his shot blocked.

Get good explosive Mr. Miller around the rim.

He can get up in a hurry and alter shots.

He drives to the basket.

Nobody home.

Billy is so explosive off that first dribble, talked about it with Nick Smith.

How quick he is off the bounce.

Leaves got similar quickness if we get to that end.

Nick Smith inside Ingram.

He gives it to Washington, Washington tries to muscle it up.

No good fighting for the rebound.

Fredericks on the ground with it he comes out with it Smith to the basket.

So he traveled.

It's probably a much needed time out for North Little Rock.

Maybe settle down North Little Rock leads by Ford.

Johnny Rice doesn't understand that call will take a break.

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Trying to get inside the Miller good defense from the Wildcats.

Corey Washington gets on the ground, gets it out to Nick Smith Smith spinning off the glass.

No good.

Another good board for Miller 7 rebounds now from Miller Lee.

Tried to throw it up for the big man but nice job on north.

Little from that last possession to prevent it.

Three from the corner bounces out.

Dearmans hit a couple threes last week.

6A State Tournament off the bench so for two conditions to start tonight.

Meyers tried the three, but it came up short.

Nick was telling him hold on hold right when he shot that can't help you shot much when your teammates saying then.

Lee drives to the basketball fadeaway jump shots good.

That's a nice shot from Glee and recognize that he didn't have the size there.

Smith could block the shot.

She uses the distance and how fake Bentonville excuse me within two.

Nick gives history from Ingram, finds bears wide open all alone knocks it down.

Meyers hit his first miss five in a row.

Then I finally knocks that one down.

Two for 633%.

Now it's a big One North Little Rock.

Needed that decimal.

We kind of saw it a little bit in that previous game.

North Little Rock jumped out to a big lead north South would make a run, but then North Little Rock would make the big play to prevent them from coming all the way back I put a pencil start by that one.

How big that three was to stop the run for the Tigers.

Nick Smith drives in all eyes on Nick Lee comes over to stop the penetration, leaves his man and mayors his wide open.

In the Miller, Miller gets it out.

Three point shot hits knocks it down.

Great ball movement, extra pass there.

Then Hicks used the shot.

Fake creates A3.

Poor opportunity for himself and drills.

See this two defenders on Nick pretty much at all times.

Mayor's wide open again, corner three gone.

Get a hand up on number one for North Little Rock.

He's hit three now.

One of the few turnovers from Bentonville that is turnover #4 for the game.

They have done such a great job of taking care of the basketball North Little Rock has two, they believe committed 3 turnovers.

Well played game that was that was a good decision, just poor execution, adding in the frontcourt behind the defense out dumping.

Next minute, get it, take it over here.

Got 14 seconds on the shot clock, gets a screen head up looking.

He'll take a 14 footer gift foul.

Just got there to the free throw line extended step in jumpshots lot of hands.

A lot of contact.

He'll go to the free throw line.

Two now on Hicks with no sort of foul trouble.

Don't speak of and.

I just thought that might have been.

Swipe at the ball, but otherwise think Hicks got the ball cleanly.

But then as he's coming down, he just kept going all the way down his arm down to his elbow, and that's when they called it foul.

And that's being strong to shooter.

You know, a lot of times you put your hand on the ball and that ball is coming out.

You're bringing it down with your hands.

Smith goes perfect at the free throw line.

He's up to 17 points.

Tigers have a chance to hold for the final shot down 7.

Everybody left, it goes to the basket.

Great boy.

5 seconds to go Smith.

He sees the clock.

You know what he needs to do.

Everybody runs to Smith shot at the buzzer off the front of the rim, your Bentonville West.

You certainly take that first half within striking distance.

Big Man's got 3000 North Little Rock you like where you're sitting.

If you're North Little Rock as well.

'cause you've got the lead going into the half 3227 charging Wildcats second half action.

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Welcome back to bank ozk.

Arena Westmore Bobby Swofford, with the atap time of the Boys 6A state championship game, North Little Rock, leads at 3227.

It's a it was a crazy half a half of Ron Benfield comes out strong, then North Little Rock goes on Iran and you think they they may be on their way to blowing this thing out?

Well where picks up his second foul as they're walking down the court he gives a little elbow, a little chicken wing to the the free throw shooter gets a technical foul that's his third foul.

He goes to the bench, then Bentonville goes on a run makes it again.

If you're either team, I feel like you like where you're at, especially if you're a Bentonville.

Nobody thought you had a chance to be even in this game, let alone with only down five at the half shots weren't falling.

We talked about Jalen Lee.

He's getting good looks.

They're just not going down 311 for the leading score for the Tigers in that first half.

Nick Smith doing what Knicks expected to, but Charles Morris has been the difference.

33 pointers.

That's why North Little Rock's got to lead.

We're going to have a very interesting final two stanzas.

Yeah, Mayoress, with three threes.

He has more than Bentonville combined.

Benneville 2 for 12.

Stick around second half action right around the corner you're watching the Centennial Bank St Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.

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Hey everyone, it's halftime again and here we are back in the Arkansas PBS studios for the last game of the day game #4.

I'm Ed Leon and I'm Julie Thomas.

Don't go anywhere because we've got some cool stuff in store for you before we get you back to Hot Springs.

Yes indeed, you know, we've seen a lot of basketball today.

And in between we've been able to share with you just a little bit about what we offer here at Arkansas PBS when we aren't working on sports.

That's right, we've seen everything from small town blacksmithing to hip hop students making a difference in the Arkansas Delta and that is just a little bit of what we do here it is and there is so much more we'd like to share with you.

Like this clip from our educational programming for Arkansas students.

The Summer Learning series Rise and Shine.

The thing that's really cool about science is whether you're looking into the microscopic universe or into the stellar universe.

It's all connected.

Nothing.

Can you make a blender sound?

Here we go.

Out pops my B&L which makes a block.

Can you say that sound?

Black man to learn and build and grow.

Shallow.

Good morning, my dear sweet, beautiful, brilliant students of Arkansas.

Well this is Isla.

Isla is a greenwing macaw.

So these feathers help her blend into the rainforest where she lives and it also helps her fly.

Hey everybody, it's that time again.

It's math time.

One of my favorite things to do is it kindergarten teacher is to read books to my students and I brought one of my favorite books with me today to read to you guys.

This is called a bubble level and when you get the picture hung just.

Perfectly, that bubble will settle in right here in the middle Tristan is gonna help us out.

Tristan do you like looking at the night sky?

I love it.

Superman.

Rise, Rise and Shine is such an impactful summer program and we're always looking for a great way to combat learning loss over the summer months.

And this really helps our kids.

It does, and we're happy to announce that rise and Shine will be back this summer with all new content.

So keep an eye out for that right?

Look for it this summer wherever you like to watch on the PBS video app on our website or on our YouTube channel.

And of course, the way you're watching right now.

Another project we're really excited about is Arkansas memories.

This is a collaboration with the prior Center for Arkansas, Aural and visual history that brings to life important moments and people in Arkansas.

I celebrated my 5th birthday and it was a few weeks after that the soldiers came.

We saw two soldiers marching up our driveway and literally at gunpoint.

We were ordered out of our home and so you end up in a place called Roar.

ROHWER Arkansas locked up.

And the amazing thing is, thousands of young Japanese American men and women went from behind those barbed wire fences, leaving their family in imprisonment to fight for this country.

Those that perished on those bloody battlefields and had their coffins covered with the American flag.

Those flags were brought back to their wives, or their parents still behind American barbed wire fences.

Those incredible crazy young men who fought and died for this country.

They were the greatest generation.

They made my America possible.

Such powerful stuff and such a deep archive there at the Pryor Center.

So many stories.

It really is deep from sports figures to music, art and politics.

Impressive figures throughout Arkansas history are represented there and we can't wait to share those with you.

That's true, but you know, to do that, we need your help.

We are partnership here and we can't share these stories without you.

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She's gonna let you know how to do just that.

Marge thanks.

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And donate just $10 to help us bring you many, many more Arkansas stories.

Ed Julie, thanks, Marge Ed.

Do we have time to head to outer space only if we do it at warp speed?

Last fall, Arkansas PBS helps students at the Nettleton STEAM Intermediate School do a live uplink.

Think about that with NASA, with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, here's a clip from that event.

Should the stars and back Arkansas students on a mission with NASA Hello?

My name is Carter Massey I'm way Perez, Allison Moss, and I'm a fourth grader.

I can tell you are a scientist in the making that is a great question.

You are representing every young person in Arkansas who loves exploration.

I can't wait to see what you'll discover.

That was a first for Arkansas and a once in a lifetime opportunity for those kids.

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I hope y'all watch it.

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Go to our website and take a look.

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Now let's get you back to Hot Springs for more.

Championship action on your home for the Arkansas Basketball State finals.

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Welcome back out to Bank Ozk Arena.

There you see the score North Little Rock by 5 and they're just now coming out onto the court.

They won't get a whole lot of shooting before this second half starts.

Maybe they need a little bit more.

Shooting 11 to 31 from the field.

35% they're making their free throws, and that's been big.

Nick Smith.

Big part of that but 85% from the free throw line.

I mean you look at the box score and the score is pretty indicative of what's what's going on in this contest.

Pretty clean either way.

Kind of what you expect in a state championship game is 1 big run here in this second half could very well determine this, whether it's North Little Rock pulling away or Bentonville hits a run.

Maybe everybody starts rooting for the underdog.

Maybe this big crowd starts going against the heavy favorite and you never know what happens and you gotta feel like the pressures on North Little Rock.

Absolutely.

I mean, there's no one thinks Bentonville is going to win this game, right?

Even even now?

Who knows?

The Fentonville is going to win this game, so it's all icing on the cake for them there.

There's no pressure on them and so the longer this game.

Goes with it being a close game, I think the better the odds for Bentonville go up because it's gonna be tighter and tighter for North Little Rock.

And you mentioned the three point shooting Bentonville just two of 12 to start to half North Little Rock basketball to open up the second half.

But if they start shooting it at a better clip than they did in the first half, maybe more in line with their used to shooting 35% for the season, this could.

Things could get really interesting in the final 16 minutes North Little Rock charging Wildcats throw it in.

Here we go.

Marist, with it out top.

They're just double teaming, where they're they're putting Hutchinson kind of face guard in the big man trying to get him limit the touches.

Mayor's in the corner.

Corey Washington, the 15 footer will not go.

You mentioned that earlier he's got that 15 footer in his bag of tricks.

I think it's a good shot for North Little Rock.

This didn't go down.

Washington is now one for seven.

Good defense, they cut off.

Hutchinson where with him where he gets it over to.

Nick Smith layups good turnover leads to quick points for North Little Rock.

Pretty clean first half in that category for Bentonville.

Turnover early here in the third though where was very cautious when he was dribbling down Bentonville was setting up to take a charge, but where got rid of it and stopped before any contact?

Blame the three fouls is always tough.

Miller inside you saw where then he he decided not to try to go block it but his foot just missed it.

Where is this present inside?

Though this altered that shot, Miller tries to go for the reverse.

He missed the Bunny.

Smith couldn't pull it down, Lee.

So that's it.

That's where again he goes up and under instead of taking it up strong because he knows where's right, there just changes the entire game with where in there.

Hutchinson drives in turns.

He sees where oh, good pivot cannot finish Smith with it.

He's going take it hard to the basket.

He gets bound.

He's going to go to the free throw line again.

Hayden Shanks called him the foul.

The presence of Khalil where inside is just he's altering shots with his five feet away from a ballhandler attacker.

We've seen so much film there's so many games that hip coming from the opposite block and erasing them at the rim.

I mean, it's it's something that's in your in your mind that you can't convince yourself to go strong because you know he's inside the threat of a 7 footer in the paint will scare you off, and there are times we've seen it already this happen.

He wasn't going to block the shot, he was really out of position or he didn't want to risk taking the foul.

But instead of taking it up strong, they're they're altering their shot to try to avoid the seven footer.

I'm glad you use that term there, Wesley.

Averages 6 blocks a game.

How many shots do you think he alters?

A game 1520.

Benville needing some points they haven't scored yet in the second half.

Hutchinson will pull it, knocks it down.

Mabel Hutchinson with the Big three right over the screen and the step into it with confidence.

And that's a big bucket.

Stop that mini run, open the quarter for North Little Rock.

North Little Rock tries the answer with the three where tries to climb, he gets the loose ball, takes it up, gets foul, call Miller on the foul.

Good strong take there by where was right, right into the chest of Miller, initiates the contact, gets himself to the foul line.

Number 10 thank you.

Eight of nine at the free throw line until that miss.

Smith had taken all night.

This is the first free throw North Little Rock has taken besides Nick Smith.

Where Mrs both, he's just shaking his head as he walks down the court.

He's frustrated he's used to dominating games, had to sit for most of the first half and found trouble.

Have not been as impactful as far as the scoreboard is used to.

Lee pulls it no good.

North Little Rock had two to finish.

Smith and Washington going after it.

Smith comes out of there with it.

Where is double team comes?

Gives it up to Washington, Washington, strong to the hole they're going to call foul village said Oh my goodness.

Didn't like the call.

Doesn't get the benefit over there, and now those Little Rock back to the line just a second foul on Miller.

Hey.

Little Rock goes back to the free throw line.

Doctor.

Watch it looks good.

Just Washington Third Point of the game.

You know they they're three headed monster, hasn't minimal monster tonight, at least scoring lives with little showed a little pressure off of the made free throw makes Smith done his part.

But where in Washington have been pretty quiet?

Where?

I tried the alley Oop there and where does the raced it at the rim.

It's good baking framley he thought, you know?

Lethal, you know where's the come by my shot so I'm gonna alley oop it.

Volleyball spike almost almost capped it and brought it down.

Porter to Hutchinson, it's a screen.

He drives in, dumps it off the Miller.

Miller gets it blocked and try to use the rim as to protect her and he still got it.

Corey Larson with the finish.

Todd Frederick goes with up to him, becomes Hutchinson back to 10.

Miller goes up and gets fouled as he tries to tip it in.

I like the idea of their own from Bentonville.

North Little Rock's got the momentum.

They're on the spurt he had scored sometime.

Miss your last four shots, colon medially into the lane.

Create something, get to the foul line.

It is now 3 for three from the free throw line.

He's got a good looking shot.

So he ends the run for North Little Rock.

Second one is no good.

Little Rock outscoring Bentonvill 8 to 4 so far in the third quarter, about halfway through the fourth quarter Smith.

Good defense from Bentonville.

Washington takes it strong to the basket.

He attacked the Big 69.

Miller.

Yeah, he wasn't afraid of the size.

Goes right to the rim able to finish Washington playing much better after half the need in the first.

Which think it helps Washington practicing against where sometimes he's he's gone up against the seven footer.

Could have got where that time he brought his hand down.

I thought they're gonna get him on the foul.

I think they could have gone both ways.

I think it could have been an offensive foul either way.

Miller, there to clean up the mess.

It's his first put back.

Miller, with four quick points.

Back to back possessions.

Washington unguarded they throw it away where felt like felt like he was held he couldn't go get it.

'cause there's a guy who's feet North Little Rock leads at 4233.

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For Bentonville, able Hutchinson leads way in scoring.

He's got 7 I should say.

Jalen Lee also has seven but Lee is 3 of 14 from the field over six from the three point line.

Through North Little Rock it's the Knicks Michaud.

He's got 21 points, feel like fairly and Bentonville.

He needs to see one go through the net whether it's in the foul line in the lane, the deep shot will start to settle in.

Tiger Tiger Lee drives in dishes at the corner.

Hutchinson hasn't been afraid to penetrate and go inside the lane tonight.

That time he gets stripped from behind by Washington Smith on the way.

The basket, probably a smart foul.

Breakout gives it up on the outside of avoids.

Any fast break or highlight reel opportunity.

Just the well that is the 4th team foul on Bentonville.

North would like just one foul in the third quarter.

We can get Bentonville sat on Hutchinson notes, just them kind of leaning on kiloware.

Playing physical when you're smaller like that, you gotta play a little physical, get down low.

Boat.

We're trying to get it into where he's getting a lot of attention.

Washington takes it inside.

Tried to dump it off to a teammate.

They can't connect.

Here comes Bentonville in the fast break and there's that bucket that you said lead needed again.

Sometimes it is a simple way up that gets you going.

Nice job to run the floor 2 on one perfect execution makes mistakes better if giving up the foul allows the easy land.

Smith will take it to the basketball 10 footer on the baseline is good.

He just makes it look easy.

It's not a bad job defensively.

You know Nick Smith off you prevent him from getting to the rim.

He just elevates and finishes in the mid range.

Yeah, I got a little hold there.

Lee made a cut to the basket, then he jumped back outside.

When he did, North Little Rock defender Felix Wade just kind of grabbed him.

That's what a DB does on a double move from that wide receiver.

We're gonna.

We're about to get beat deep.

You just grab it.

We need some more help, there you gets it.

Sandra Collins in the game, three from the corner.

No good.

Washington with it Washington foul.

I don't know if that was kind of an accident, just kind of ran into each other that he Mason did it again to foul him just to stop the break.

Really have numbers there, but it is almost look intentional.

We don't have the basketball there, slow down the fast break chance the Bengals done a great job of preventing these highlight dunks.

For the most part, these fast break opportunities that North Little Rock so good that when they get out there running, they're just they're fun to watch and then just explodes on Washington goes up and gets the rebound, throws it down.

That's the athleticism of Washington right there.

That's what makes him attractive for a lot of teams.

Strong finish inside.

He's been active here in the second half.

Using double stickers now, Lee aggressive move to the basket.

Washington gets that rebound.

That's a strong rebound.

Here comes Nick Smith.

He's looking for where couldn't get himself pull up.

15 footer.

Partially blocked.

Go.

Move on the run, Kick It Out in the corner for the three short.

Dearman's been short on all three of his three point attempts.

**** Smith looks over at Coach Rice.

He says pointed over to Corey Washington, so if they're not gonna work in the corner to Corey, let him go to work.

Body on it.

There's size not to pull it.

Two guys on where one of them reaches across.

He's called for the foul.

It's a 17 foul so where it's going to go to the free throw line?

He missed both of his free throws earlier in the game.

Looks a little frustrated.

He's not getting the ball more.

He's establishing physician.

He may be getting frustrated with the way he's being played defensively as they're running.

As you mentioned multiple times.

2 Two guys on him essentially face guarding the big man on the block is making life difficult for him.

It really feels like Bentonville's game plan was slow down Nick Smith.

If you can prevent him from getting 50.

Yeah, we're taking clue we're out of this contest.

Yeah, if Nick Smith gets his 35 points, fine, so be it.

Where's not getting 20?

Joy.

13 point lead for North Little Rock shot clock is off.

Moment.

Where it's been able to play this entire quarter without getting a foul that's been big.

Just he doesn't have to go after shooters, just his presence alters enough.

I haven't seconds left in the quarter.

Paul's loose is that thought it was a knee, but you had a better advantage for one tonight did.

Is he supposed to calls the kick 5.9 seconds?

Look at it was right off the knee.

Where there good dish?

Time right there, right.

He finishes it strong to end the third quarter 11 point game.

4837 North Little Rock leads at you're watching this in General Bank St championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.

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Back at Bank Ozk Arena.

Glad you're with us.

You want to join us tomorrow where we're just a third of the way done.

Almost a third of the way done.

4 almost four down, eight more to go, a lot of action tomorrow, Mammoth Spring, North Fork Girls tip tomorrow at noon right here, Arkansas PBS.

I know what I'll be doing at noon.

Do you know what you're doing?

At noon all that game?

I'll be here next minute tries to get the steel.

Can't get at Lee as it gets a screen from Miller.

His way here with him.

Good hand off defensively from Little Rock.

Just a little stumble, a little wet spot on the court.

Something caused him to slip and fall goes off off his leg and add turnover for Bentonville.

Kinda believe these first two minutes of this quarter.

Huge for Bentonville.

They can get it to 8 stay within eight stay within striking distance.

We're gonna feel good about their chances.

Smith crossed the court.

Wide open 30 there's where.

Some of those would figure where should bring down and then take it back up.

And maybe that's the presence of Miller and South Beach had the same thing the other direction in the first half quarter three.

No good.

When Bill gets the rebound but can't do anything with it, don't keep the ball hating shakes at it.

Hicks and Shanks spark that run to start the contest.

Been pretty quiet since then though.

Need to get those two going 10 and 15 white respectively.

Somebody else other than Lee and Miller to carry the load.

Leaves knocked to the ground called that foul on North Little Rock's Nick Smith.

Let's Smith first personal foul the game it sure is.

Son of a good player play without fouling.

He defense.

He's not one of those guys.

It's just avoiding playing defense and avoiding foul trouble.

He's out there playing hard.

He's been guarding le for most of the night.

It bill gets it in drive to the basket.

There's where high off the glass.

No good.

Miller gets the rebound.

That's what happens when where goes to block.

It doesn't get it.

Miller should be there for the every offensive rebound, and he's been getting those.

Lee gets the contact, but then the shot is blocked where if another block, let's see, takes it up strong and that was good.

And he saw where it still took it right at Hutchinson, proving he's the one forward for this Bentonville squad that is not afraid to attack where he finishes in the lane.

Marist has hit a couple big threes.

Feel like he may need a hit.

Another one before this night's over.

Yeah we are one on one if they want it.

Yeah Rochat I Frederick he's capable hitting the threes over three but he can shoot it.

We're not even rotating to the ball.

There's the victory.

I'll send the 1st 2 minutes for a huge North Little Rock and wave buries A3 right at that two minute mark pushes the lead back into double digits.

Big time shot.

Lee tries to answer, he does.

Last year big shot by Lee to answer back nine point game five and a half.

I wanna see where work for the ball.

He's gotta want it so you get inside you throw it out wide open 3.

Just the inside out defense has to collapse on where wide open three and where, and way excuse me is not going back to back triples.

Cedric with it, he's gonna pull it, but Mayoress is there for the rebound.

Wade wants another one, Bredero.

It's always those players that you don't.

Who's going to rise to the occasion when it matters most and the senior guard?

File 11 Felix Wade triple triple triple leaves at 15.

Weiden missed his first 2-3 pointers on the night he was over 2 and then in the span of about a minute and a half, he's knocked down three.

He just stepped into a confidence almost the exact same spot on all three of them there, with Felix Wade, and that's enough.

Breathing room for North Little Rock.

They probably feel pretty good.

James, not out of reach this yet that's a much needed breathing room for the charging Wildcats 15 point leave from North Little Rock.

Benneville did a great job in responding to the 1st 3.

Lee buried one of his own.

Then they've been unable to respond.

The turnover.

Costly turnover.

Little Rock took it down the other end.

Don't forget about the offensive rebound because Frederick, Miss, I believe it was mayor so I got the offensive rebound.

They kicked it and worked it around and found Wade.

Let's just had that feeling with that ball left his hand.

Yeah, you knew it was saying Bang Bang.

Second chance opportunities.

Haven't been a huge factor in this this 97 overall, but those three right there came at a huge moment in the crowd for North Little Rock.

They can feel it.

They feel back to back state title tonight as the girls one of the earlier taking down north side.

The guys they're 5 minutes away from claiming their own crown.

508 to go, then Ville has the ball.

Shanks looking to throw it here.

Doctor Hutchinson Frederick on hill.

**** Smith jumps out, tries to get the steal.

Almost got it, we're gonna call Frederick on the foul and North Little Rock and Nick Smith with one that break away for the highlight reel.

How to make your.

Tim Valve North Little Rock.

He threaten putting it in both the line.

Andy.

Shanks Miller Washington with the block.

The leak leak gets the steal.

Smith was holding his breakaway.

Put a foul Miller.

Miller Motte established position there, but Frederick ran right into the hard pick forces to turn over.

It happened right in front of me, but honestly I was watching behind the play.

I was wanting to see what Nick Smith was going to do.

Anytime you see a collision like that though I mean Miller just kind of standing there.

Fast enough for Frederick.

They call it the office to file.

Smith mostly trying to workout what a crossover to the basket Miller blocking bracelet at the rim.

There was 6-9 forward for Bentonville.

Anybody?

4257 bensville needs to get us some stops.

Smith with it drives in, puts it up, rattles it home.

The good ones here.

The short memory he gets his shot blocked going up for the dunk able to come right back, finishing the lane lead up to 17.

Miller with it.

It's it over to Lee.

He thought about it goes to the basket, kicks it out, but it's picked off Wade's playing a heckuva fourth quarter.

Smith wants it, kicks it out corner three bang.

Contributions to stop Josh Evans buries A3 in the corner, and Lee for Bentonville.

He's gimpy came down awkward on that last possession and *** **** Griffey's going to take a timeout first basket for evidence, and that was a big One North Little Rock's lead grows to 20 there, sniping a state championship in Hot Springs.

Stick around here watching the Centennial Bank State championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.

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Here's a here's a here's a here's a here's a here's up.

Let me see you let me see you bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce.

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Westmore, Bobby Swofford.

With you, Bobby, I gotta minute that.

Surprise me when I looked up and there's a 20 point game I I didn't know had gotten out of control or gotten out of hand so quickly.

Report line will change things in a hurry in North Little Rock is certainly heated up from distance 11.

Oh, run over the last two minutes or so.

I hadn't scored in 2 1/2 minutes.

That's it.

That's a bad recipe.

In the fourth quarter, the Bentonville only has 10 turnovers in the game, but three of them have come in the last two and a half minutes.

You know, North Little Rock has that that switch.

They can just turn on, especially on the defensive ends.

They can turn it up a lot.

Not a lot of teams can match that kind of intensity.

Lynnville turns it over again.

So the weather factor.

I don't know how many times we've said it, but you know, he's driving in.

He sees where he knows he's got an open Miller.

He tries to get it to Miller because those long arms.

It wasn't a shot that he he deflected, it was a pass that he he interrupted or.

Just those passing lanes that are there against essentially everybody else aren't there against the frontcourt.

That's got 7 feet 6-7 and six, five and six four in those lanes.

The length is just suffocating at times for North Little Rock defense, disrupting.

Perry we're trying to get it into where he does.

Where double team.

He gets fouled.

So where we go to the free throw line?

Patricia.

Well, that went on Hutchinson.

Let's look at it.

Let's take a look.

Person.

13 Valve that's correct on bit, yeah.

Where for three short.

Lee with it.

Look at the drive, puts it up he's fouled, he'll go the free throw line.

That was just the few times that Bentonville phone able to win the race down the floor and and have numbers trying to get a shot in the lane.

Another opinion bill #3.

The fast break points just three for North Little Rock, and zero for Bentonville.

North Little Rock's had a couple of chances and Bentonville did it.

I thought a very smart heads up play of fouling before they could get out on the run.

They only really fast break opportunity that I can think of was the 211 that Jaylen Lee got the layup.

Nick Smith essentially got out of the way for him.

2:15 to go in this one with Little Rock, steel by 20.

Nick looking in for wear.

10 seconds on the play clock Smith going to work, just going to hit a three try to hit a three.

I should say looking for that exclamation mark.

Then Bill with a little runner.

Hutchinson gets his own rebound.

Good pass inside.

So they drew where outside, so the middle was wide open down North Little Rock.

It slow this down Bentonville.

Not going to give up a foul work the full 35 here.

Get yourself to that final minute and you could start the countdown for the celebration.

What?

Countries.

5000 Hutchinson tell what you gotta give him a little pat on the back for the job he did.

Trying to be a pest.

Honestly more than anything to Kelele where I mean he just pushed pushed on him and battled him and it was a double team for much of the night.

He got some help but I don't wear you out trying to push on a big guy like that right about it.

His average finished with nine points 3 rebounds.

He mentioned he was just an annoyance on the defensive end.

You know he came into this contest knowing that he was going to have to put in a good 32 minutes on the defensive end.

He held his own well.

They've done a nice job of keeping Khalil.

We're from taking over this contest, but it's too little.

Bentonville, making us some mass substitutions or putting in a lot of their reserves.

Spectre coach Rice probably will do the same here, with second looks like he put his starters back out there for one more play.

Now that's the play.

Now you see the mass substitution.

Full time now just so we can get the players in and out and that's looks scary.

Was is number 10 in blue.

Anytime he's not double teams he can do that to you and he almost ripped the rim out of the sockets.

Everyone is getting a heck of a player.

Sells getting a good one too, by the way, is Nick Smith checks out for last time as well.

Final minute to go in this one.

Kickball leads back up to 24 North Little Rock.

The 13 two run over the last four and a half minutes.

Bobby, you pointed this out earlier, but talk about consistency right now.

North Little Rock scored 16 points in the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter and fourth quarter and they didn't play perfect.

Today they played.

They played well.

Don't get me wrong, Bentonville gave him some problems at times, but North Little Rock is so deep and so talented it takes a near flawless effort to take him down, and Bentonville wasn't up to the task tonight and the fourth quarter is obviously huge.

Bentonville was within striking distance in the 4th.

But North Little Rock, when they needed to put together a huge run 16 seven here in the 4th.

45 seconds to go.

Fellowship, which is over 22 North Little Rock will go to the free throw line.

Davis will get a chance to get his name in the scorebook.

Hey does.

Smiles all around senior gonna go out saying you scored in the state title game.

Everything you do better than that of victorious state title game.

Miller still out there for Bentonville.

Good shot.

Williams knocks down the three freshmen there.

No.

10 seconds to go in this one.

One more shot for Bentonville off the back of the rim.

There it is.

North Little Rock wins with six A state championship.

There are six state title in 11 years.

Nick Smith goes down to the ground.

His teammates on top of him.

A complete team, a complete team effort in North Little Rock.

Let Bentonville hanging around, but when they needed to they were able to extend it, and the best team in Arkansas caps their season.

Let other championship Nick Smith finished with 25 points.

Washington had 10, but maybe the biggest contribution of the night was Wade.

He looks wade with back to back to back three so nine point outburst really changed this game.

That's right, when Bentonville seemed to have a chance.

To get in this one to make a run late and wait.

As you mentioned, three straight trips down the floor that right wing essentially this same spot.

Triple, triple, triple in the game was out of reach and Maris, we can't forget what he did in the first half.

Basically, what way did in the second half actually right role players cut rise to the occasion?

They always matter in big games in North Little Rock got more from those guys than Bentonville.

Did we talk to the star of the game in Johnny Rice when we come back you're watching this Centennial Bank State championships on Arkansas.

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Take a look at the celebration for the North Little Rock Charging Wildcats 6547.

Your final score.

Lot of smiles for North Little Rock it's they get 2 tonight.

The North Little Rock Girls win the state championship with the boys.

Follow it up.

We talked with coach football earlier this week and he said you know all year we've been playing in front of big crowds because of the the coming to see the boys and they know they better get there early but they're also getting to see some good girls basketball.

And tonight was the case.

We got to see a good girls basketball game with North Little Rock and then everybody stuck around to see the the feature of the day and Nick Smith in North Little Rock lived up tonight.

Yeah, there's not anything that you and I can say that hasn't already been said about this little Little Rock team.

Little where Nick Smith.

They're great players, but that that supporting cast is really, really good to you.

Mentioned the big shots that Wade hit that Mary said Washington was huge in the second half.

Really opened up things for the offense as they celebrate with the championship.

We gotta believe Nick Smith about to take home the MVP award as well.

One through 15.

How many players on the roster they contributed and their reason why North Little Rock sitting on top of class 6A12 players got in into the game tonight for North Little Rock.

And you think of the pace that North Little Rock likes to play at.

You look at the turnover column.

Then we had six turnovers tonight that's that's clean basketball.

Not only clean basket and a lot of that's Johnny Rice.

He knows that he's not afraid to get in his team if they're playing out of control.

Trying to do a little too much.

Yeah, he'll call timeout.

Doesn't matter if he's up 15 up, up 30, he'll make sure they're doing it the right way and you mentioned it before we started this game.

That Bentonville came in on a roll.

They scored 89 against Conway 59 against Bryant at 74 against Fayetteville tonight.

North Little Rock held him to 47 points and they just didn't shoot the ball well last week in the six A state tournament they shot at lights out in all three of those contests, especially the Conway game tonight.

From the three point line Bentonville goes 5 of 22.

They had good looks, especially in the first half.

Just couldn't get anything to go down.

They missed some open threes.

Yeah, they did miss some open felt like if they would have got one of those to go, you know cut the lead to two.

Maybe tie the contest up.

It felt like they would have ignited their crowd.

Maybe put the North Little Rock fans on Edge just could not get that big Timely 3 to go down.

We're still keeping an eye on North Little Rock as they celebrate Nick Smith.

Now I see has the MVP trophy for the state tournament.

For the executive thought, that was a pretty easy call.

Yeah, North Little Rock.

I mean where was huge in the playoffs in Washington had his moments, but Nick Smith LED them the entire time and we have Nick and Coach Rice coming over right now.

We'll get everything set for these guys.

Come on around, coach Johnny Rice joins us now.

Woo how you feeling right now Coco I feel like £1000 off my chest well you told us you've said it all year you know the pressures on you because you've you've had everybody give you a hard time that anybody could win a state championship with those guys but I tell you what the way y'all play tonight not anybody could coach this team to a state championship team played well I appreciate it very much if they bought into the team part of it.

It is and and we we talked about in the dresser and don't leave.

No regrets of of anything.

And I thought the first half.

We did some very uncharacteristic things in the first half.

I'm so proud.

The second half that we just kept fighting and battling and man Bentonville did unbelievable.

Had an unreal game plan coach they do a great job and yeah give them a lot of credit for it.

You know Nick Smith Khalil where everybody knows about those guys but in the fourth quarter when you guys needed to make a run Felix weighed on three straight trips from essentially this same spot knocks down 33 pointers.

Really put this game out of reach.

No, that was huge.

Last year we had Kareem Cotton hit a couple of big threes that hit that was kind of that.

Hadn't done a lot and feeling stepped up right there.

Pull those guys are football players tells me that you can play 2 sports and that was huge.

He wasn't scared of the situation, he wasn't he.

The stage went too big for him and he knocked down three huge shots, but I'll, I'll never forget and normal like basketball.

Never forget either.

But you had it in the first half.

Also you had other guys step up at times.

That's why I just thought it was so keen with wear out in the game with the foul trouble.

You had other players step up.

Oh exactly and we we play without Colella few times and and Alan Ingram came into senior, has battled and battled and gave us some really good minutes.

And and I thought since you know that we just got their best shot in the first half and we're up five.

And so I was about to say I wasn't worried.

Yeah, I've been worried the whole time somebody like a minute left in the game, but I'm so proud of you guys and I'm so excited for Nick Smith because I personally see how hard he is worked all year.

And for us to be able to help him get a state championship ring, that means everything to me.

Coach, thank you.

Congratulations congratulations Sir.

Well done.

Good nick over here.

Nick's coming in.

He is the MVP of the state tournament and now he's a state champion.

And we've heard it all year.

Really, that you've done a lot and you've been you've had a ton of awards, but you haven't won a state championship.

Well, you can cross that off now.

Oh yeah, for sure for sure.

You know, you know everybody, say like you know you get all this stuff, but he's not a winner.

You know, I just try to try to go in and win and you know, I made my family made the right move to move North Little Rock.

You know I came out a winner I don't need I don't know what to say right now so you know I'm saying I'm just blessed.

You know, Bentonville came out and they gave you their best shot.

You know, down five at the half what was the message at halftime and what did you do in the second half that helped you create some distance?

You know I knew it was gonna be a dogfight coming out.

Don't 45 minutes.

You know I told the team that you know don't get rattled 'cause you know they're gonna make big shots and that's what they did.

They came out and play hard you know they're gonna lay down and this is state championship.

I'm pretty sure they have guys on that team that won the championship and.

You know they're good team and but you know we just came in and played our basketball.

We came up on top.

Fourth quarter it was getting a little close, felt a little tight in here and then Felix weighed three straight threes.

Yeah, what do you think of that?

Feelings they made 3/3 of the whole season so it was kind of it was kind of it was.

It was kind of surprising to me to make threes, but you know these feelings is a big player.

You know a big time player.

You know he played football.

He made big time plays in football, so that's just in his G man.

He came out.

He played hard for us.

You know he was a key on defensively, defensively and he came out and made big time shots for us.

And that's that's basically what.

I was trying to say the deal right there.

Congratulations, enjoy it, thank you.

There you go.

The state tournament MVP and now a state champion is North Little Rock gets it done.

They are your 6A state champion today.

They just made the place and and how many times was you and I have seen state championship games in this state for 1520 years and every time it comes down to that one key moment that one player you don't talk about all season long and they just both mention the Felix Way ahead in three threes all year.

As what Nix Mr says and he hits three in a row, the star studded team relied on a role player to help put the game away.

And before the game we're.

We're talking about Nick Smith Khalil, where Corey Washington not once did anyone mentioned some of the other guys who stepped up and made the plays to win it, and that's what it takes though to win stage and and you look at the other side if you're Bentonville and you say, hey, Felix, Way it's gonna beat you, take it yeah, he's like if somebody else is going to beat us than those three you take that all day here are your final stats North Little Rock shoots 40% from the field.

8 or 24 three pointers.

That's 33% and I think Coach will take that every game.

If you can make 33% as a team free throws, they shot free throws really well.

Tonight 76% and only six turnovers.

They they they played well but 31% for Bentonville, a team that probably shot 45% for the state tournament.

So many shots in the lane that were altered just by the presence of Khalil where I couldn't get anything easy.

The big man Miller was limited inside and that's what 7 footers do for you.

They alter the altar teams, games, plans, well, four games down, but we get four more tomorrow and four more Saturday.

We're we're just getting started.

We'll be back here at noon tomorrow.

We got the 1A games and the 2A games tomorrow.

Some small schools will see some of the great crowds.

The whole town will come out to Hot Springs to watch these games tomorrow.

County line in the state championship game for the first time since 1971.

You know they're the Indian faithful is gonna come out in droves.

That means it's been a 51 years.

That's right.

That's good news.

Born in 71.

Oh so I I turned 51 here in about four hours so I know exactly what they're feeling.

Like what 51 years feels like we're gonna wrap it up.

Thank you for watching us.

Be sure to join us back here tomorrow at noon at Bank Ozk Arena.