Well, there you go.

Beautiful Lake Hamilton hanging out there in the Arkansas central Arkansas region.

You got the Boston Mountains to watch at times.

And then these lakes around here that lead into Hot Springs in Oakland.

And what a special place this is, is and this is going to be a special contest.

Mammoth screen taking on Norfolk.

Let's take a look and see how.

Man Excuse me.

Norfolk got to this point.

They're 35 and one on the season and here's their road.

They came from the bottom half of the bracket.

They handle business against Al Pina.

They handle business against Emerson in a game that kind of got away.

Norfolk Roots Mark three in the semifinals.

So the Lady Panthers are here for the third and 6/4 consecutive season.

And a big reason why they're going to be here, the play of Keely Blanchard, a 510 senior averaging 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists per game.

She's committed to play at North Shore College in Harrison.

Fourth time this senior has played in the championship game.

You might think that she's been playing high school basketball for about eight years as much, many times as she's played on the biggest stage.

O Exactly.

Her poise and ability to play in these big moments is something that her head coach talks a lot about.

And look, you mentioned that she's a college basketball player, so she's got the length.

She's got the physique, and she's going to make it on 18 points, eight ball, six assists.

She does a little bit every day.

On the other side, mammoth screen, the defending one eight state champion.

Let's take a look at how they got to this point as we're underway here in the one state championship game.

Well, look, I mean, obviously both teams finding their way through very tricky dangerous pass on.

Had it right back to you as we get ready for tip tough run for them as well be they go through Jasper they go through Taylor they go through Concord.

A team that had beaten them in the regional tournament earlier in the year, maybe in the postseason, but they get back in the finals for their third consecutive season as they're going to duke it out with Norfolk one more time, just about 60 seconds away from tip off.

But that gives us time to talk about Bryn Waseem.

She's the player to circle in your roster.

First number four for Mama Spring, 18 points per game, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and maybe the most surprising statistic, JB, She's shooting 67% from the field for the season.

That's almost unheard and 45% for three.

Baby, I love that you jump right on that.

This girl shoots high percentage shots and she makes them and she obviously is going to be playing some college basketball to an all around athlete as many of these girls are.

Baby, 2000 points.

She's already scored in her career.

And by the way, she was the MVP in the championship game a season ago.

So she's the player to watch for Mama Spring for Kylie Blanchard, who will keep an eye on number two for North Oregon.

We're almost ready for Chip here inside Franco's victory.

This is so exciting, Bobby.

It's just a pleasure to be with you folks.

And on on a Saturday afternoon.

That is awfully nice around the state.

If you're settling in for a little coverage with us, I think you're enjoying yourselves an awful lot.

Nor for wearing the black and red.

I'm going to go left to right here in the first half.

Mama.

Spring the light blue and they win the tip the lady bears.

But go right to left and it's into Tae Davies's hands to start.

So look for Molly Corbett on the wing.

Now back up top for Laney Young.

A loose ball scramble in the corner.

We're playing feisty early.

It gets knocked out of bounds off for Molly Corbett.

Norfolk forces a turnover already Well saying you've got to always settle the nerves in these championship games derby doesn't matter.

These two teams have been here the last two years playing on this stage.

The bright lights, the TV cameras are out.

Who settles in first is going to have a huge advantage 100% and we get a double dribble up top as the shuffle pass goes awry.

So Lisa shouting a little miscommunication with her teammate and a turnover right back.

One apiece is Bobby.

Set the nerves coming out early, but you'll get rid of him.

These teams know each other well.

They played five times in the last two years, one and one in the last two state championships.

Of course, Mama Spring got it last year.

This is like a grudge match as we talked coming out the gates today, down the panko was Davis up and under siege through contact and she's going to go to the free throw line for a pair nice aggressive start from Tay Davis the five eight senior averages 13 points and six rebounds a game for the Lady Bears and initiates the contact gets herself to the foul line so two free throws for her take comes in shooting a 75% on the year from the free throw line.

Most of these players at this point in the season Bobby they're percentages as long as they're healthy tend to come up in free throw shooting My goodness.

So key in these tournament games and she goes one out of two.

So the second one is short, but our first point is on the board.

One nothing.

Mama Springs Norfolk works into the frontcourt.

In our second straight miscommunication between shadowing her teammate Maggi Tyrone, another turnover got to settle down.

If you're Norfolk and coach Lou Fournette 35 and one overall record for the Lady Panthers, the only loss came to Berkman, who won the three AA state championship two days ago.

Two veteran teams loaded with experience and talent.

And they belong on this stage and it's a very difficult idea early on to pick a favorite.

They're both so evenly matched to the Rack, who's 24, and Adrianna corbin Hard to the hoop.

The five nine senior gets the first field goal.

The game is three nothing.

We're just a minute 15 into a JV, but you can already see the game plan for Mama Spring attack downhill.

Try to get to the rim.

Gilly Blanchard stealing out left to right Gets it across the time line out of the top of the key that's 20.

Lisa Shetty on the move up and under contact but no call looked like a block for Corbin who will handle herself right to left along the far sideline kick and swing down to the baseline.

Now up top, take a look at the hoop is Laney Young.

She swings it to the wing for Corbett very patient.

Everything running outside before it goes inside for this mama spring offense is a ball fake it a three and a bounce pass down low for Bryn Waseem now out to the corner and cash money in the bank Dwayne Young nothing but money And from that little corner spot Great ball movement for Mama Spring and Laney Young likes to play in this arena, had 13 points in the championship game a year ago.

That's a hot start.

They said that she was right behind that line.

So did six.

Nothing is our score.

Early on that was a three rebound off a bad shot by Davis who pushes finds Corbett and she has it take it out of her hands There's number two Keely Blanchard the go to player we talked about before the game for North Norfolk.

She makes a huge defensive play, pushes and gets foul.

Yeah nice job of turning defense into offense a bit a little bit discombobulation from Norfolk to start offensively but you see the great swipe there and then she goes coast to coast get some contact Now she's got a chance to get the lady Panthers on the board That's top notch production work all over that block up close and personal.

First free throw, no good for Blanchard, who also shoots over 70% for the line.

So I think like you said out the gates, my friend, it's it's getting those nerves out, getting used to the crowd.

You've been thinking about this game all week and now you're playing it.

It's a tough part about playing.

On Saturdays, Blanchard gets the second.

You won your semifinal matchup a week ago and you had to sit around and wait for this game to get here.

Yeah, sometimes you can almost wish you could play the game a little bit earlier, 100% free throw drop.

So Norfolk is on the board.

Blanchard As the first .61, we're in the first quarter.

The won a state championship and Laney Young looking down low turns it over forced to pass thought she had Corbett but Northport gets it back 519 left to play just the early stages here at Bank Aussie K Arena in Hot Springs Titletown for the Arkansas activities Association and obviously here for Arkansas PBS.

All week long we get to reach in foul down low.

Think this going to go on number three that'll be Young's first well too much contact underneath and Norfolk starting to settle in trying to get the offense going a little bit.

Celebrities waiting on their first field goal to drop in mounds goes to play and she uses her frame gets it off off the rim but no good a little strong is a loose ball scramble Nice rebound for Norfolk and Casey Moody who resets the offense but then throws it away.

Little tough on the pass K Davis steal bounce pass to her teammate running no good rebound Corbett Watson missed a buddy there Here's watch him up top swing it left ring baseline Davis back to watch him step into a three And there's your girl baby brainwash him last year state title game MVP 45% from the three point line and shoot shows you why you can't leave her unguarded Mama spring the defending champ an eight point lead Bobbi the form is perfect when she lets it go.

That three ball on point 9 to 1.

Norfolk Better answer the bell here Mama Springs coming out, throwing punches.

You get a loose ball scramble and it looks like we get a foul or possession error jump ball.

Norfolk will keep it.

I know it's only halfway through the first quarter, but it feels like it's an early danger zone right now.

It is.

You know, likely the next dead ball going to get us to the media timeout.

Gotta find a way for Lou Fournette to settle in and get that first basket.

Sometimes all you need to do is watch one go through and that'll calm the nurse.

Kelly Blanchard has the rock between the rings handed off for Sadie shot clock getting late and it expires partially blocked as she shot it And we'll take a break is what we'll do almost exactly through that pathway through the first quarter.

It's Mama Spring nine, Norfolk one.

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A courtside ID here at the one eight girls state championship game, Banco K Arena in Hot Springs.

4 minutes left in the first quarter and madness breaking out to a91 lead up north for early as the Lady Bears turn it over in the first quarter, then steal it right back.

How about that loose ball scramble?

Lainey Young has it now.

Settle it down and all of a sudden it feels like Mama Spring is grab complete control of this game.

Scott Small, the head coach, said, Yes, we want to catch them with an early flurry and they've definitely done that here today as they swing around the horn on the blocks turnover.

That's a big steal for Casey Moody.

Nervous system.

He needs to make some plays right now.

They need to get something going down hill.

They haven't been able to get the offense set up.

We'll see if Blanchard can maybe get a little isolation play to get herself into the lane.

Tyrone takes it up top.

She's been aggressive in the screen game for Norfolk this season.

They use her up top.

It's a pick and roll action and they get a reach in foul call against Mama Spring.

So reset it.

3 minutes to go in the first quarter nine one mama spring up by eight early Norfolk left to white in the black and red unis Mama spring right to left in the blue and the blue and white's corner three on the way.

A little bit too strong for Casey Moody.

That's an aggressive rebound at of Davis who will then take it up the floor a lot of his mama's spring bears baby will rebound and then take it on off for themselves An interesting to the baseline up and under ball fake swinging around Fossum thought about it then past good ball movement looking for a better shot up and under with a left but no good from Adrian a Corbett Blake should came over and helped out on date we've seen Casey Moody come off the bench and make two really nice defensive plays.

First forces the turnover that time altered the shot.

Norfolk needs a bucket it's chatty up top to moody offense Look at four three and they get it Kate knocks it down The freshman with a huge shot gets her team within five at nine four.

Sometimes it's the players that you might least expect to step up in a big moment.

This time, the freshman finally gets the first field goal, the drop for the Lady Panthers coming of age with a shot like that right on a huge stage, keeping her team in the game, down five buck 45 left to go in a fast moving first quarter here at Benkovic Arena.

Backdoor pass, a little bit too hard from Laney Young for Davis and that's another turnover both teams with a few early on Yeah you like the idea but again a little too much there both both teams have five turnovers in this contest but Mama's been the one team to take advantage of it.

Six points off of those five miscues, two threes for Mama Spring.

So far they've hit both of their trifecta attempts up top.

We got a shot that was playing to draw the foul and it got called on Charlie Tyson.

So we look at the foul situation for these teams early on.

Number five fouls right each quarter and the rest right now.

Bobby, help us with these names.

Jason Key, Blake Smith, Edgar Daniels, a third.

That's our officiating crew tonight.

Y'all won a state championship, No.

One.

And once this year, as we discussed before the tournament Deep three by Blanchard is no good rattles off was a clean look but it was deep Nice job hustling into the corner by Adrianna Corbet for the rebound Chance to tie Davis Davis whip in the length swing wide open for three and thinking about it but passing on it as Corbett now will try for the up and under.

But it's broken up by a double team and that's more the kind of defense that norm for Coach Lou Cornell was expecting out of his team.

It's a jump ball possession here.

We'll stick with Mama's Spring and the lady Bears are trying that diagonal pass.

But Norfolk's doing a nice job of getting those lanes and getting a handle on the basketball and two deflections there and almost forced another turnover.

Absolutely.

Bobby, you're starting to see Norfolk's length cause some problems for man this spring here.

There's not going to be an easy ballgame either way.

A fast start is one thing, but these teams know each other's tendencies and we expect to battle the whole way through that.

A bounce play work but a wild miss by Corbett contact no call that a playing sure left to right for the panther star So Chuck to the right wing that's lies a shadowy cut and bucket no good at a moody She had a gimme from the left side but too strong and Corbett corrals the rebound.

That's thanks.

She was a little surprised she was that wide open to be quite honest.

Man to man defense both ways early on all the way to the hoop and no good.

Anthony Davis both coaches not afraid Bobby to mix in some zone if need be or some traps but they're going to try out the gates to play each other straight up You see in mama's spring sucking a little air here at the end of the first quarter.

It's been a fast paced first quarter nine for Mama Springs.

15 seconds left in the first quarter.

The shot clock is off Fletcher with the basketball.

She will run it down under 10 seconds, take a bump from Davis.

Now, Bounce pass right side Nice pass for Sadie Leader short no good ball rolls out of bounds with one second left actually half a second left and the bears had a chance there But again, Tate Chatty leaned in and was just a little off Inbounds play coming up quick here before the quarter break Liza Shante lobs it in for Blanchard.

what a bucket.

what a bucket that counts Sadie with the inbounds and Branson got a huge score so Norfolk the last five of the quarter and after 8 minutes of play in the one state girls title game it's mama's spring night at Norfolk six.

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You're going to have prints made.

These are a great championship keepsake and hats off to take out each day.

It's an outstanding shot all weekend long.

Some of those shots from all 12 title games at the Web site.

We'll tell you what Hot Springs, you know the spot.

You've been here a lot more than I have, But what a great city, obviously, you know, do a lot of folks storm the Oklahoma racetrack right where you got the the thoroughbreds and the jockeys and you got a little bit of that.

My beer today, right.

You got the thoroughbred teams, you got the jockey coaches, almost the question of which coach is going to ride the better race so far, pretty tight race nine six.

Bobby, kind of how you might expect these two teams to play it out with so much familiarity.

You mentioned they've played five times over the last two seasons.

You're not going to throw anything at your opponent that they haven't already seen and two or three times Great And bounce move there by Blanchard easy bucket so you're just not going to see a thing it's really about all about who's going to come out and make the playoffs no question about it.

And how about Casey Moody Spark and her team with a couple of great inbounds passes to Keely Blanchard, One to end the last quarter, one now to start this quarter, like you said, Bobby, and now Norfolk has the last seven points.

So it was 9 to 1, that was nine eight.

And that length on defense, we talked about has become a problem for Mama Spring as they start to have some trouble getting to the rack.

That's the jump ball, too.

This is the kind of game we expected a matchup so evenly.

These teams are both tall know you're looking at the front courts.

Five, nine, five, ten, five, 11.

They're long bobby hits.

It's like going against an arch nemesis, my friend.

And it really is another really good match to play there.

Gets the contact and is going to get to the foul line for Mama Spring is Adrian a Corbett.

But when he was sophomore year with your opponents, I mean, you've got to find some way to get the upper hand.

And right now Norfolk's doing it with her defense after falling down nine one you mentioned the seven straight before that free throw drops and it's happened on this end of the floor, the defensive end of the floor getting extra possessions already for six turnovers in this contest and able to cash in on the other end.

It's interesting the way these teams play the game so little, you know, physically they match up for the contrasting styles.

But Mama Spring likes to shoot some more than three balls.

And Norfolk, like you said, just so long, they get to the rack, they play the D. These are two great teams and deservedly here in the one a state championship in Hot Springs this afternoon 11 eight.

Mama Spring stops the bleeding for a little bit.

Blazer goes to the rack.

She's feeling it now and she gets it to go through contact, forced it up, got it to drop.

She's got the last six for her.

Yeah.

Great job by Blanche there to absorb the contact and be strong enough physically to go up and get that one on the rim and gets the friendly roll here.

Inside bank goes K seven total four points here to lead all scorers so far, 11 to 10.

Mama Spring by a point down low.

Corbett, who's been working it active early looked like she got fouled No call ball bounces around we're going to have a tie up.

I got physical this game has got and if you think you know these teams might have something to play for today you're right.

You're right.

This is not just any game.

They hand out a trophy at the end of this one.

That's what I'm told is what I am told.

Here we go.

11 of ten.

Mama Spring, a one point lead, 620 left to play in the first half is Gilly Blanchard walks at left to right now of the right wing drops her dribble throws up top for Tyrone What's up spark her team with a couple of rebounds It passes here in the first half and that's a sloppy play Kate Sadie three turnovers for Sadie you get she had a big three but as a freshman learning about the poise Yeah got to settle in Never been faced much adversity of late nor for all eight of their playoff wins came by 13 points or more.

Obviously this is the stiffest test they faced during that stretch though.

That's a good point.

Very different dynamic, but it's a close game as opposed to a lopsided affair.

Corner three by Washington got clean.

She forced that one a little bit.

Four feet were set, airball and a scrum and it's pulled out of there by number 21.

So left to right, Maggie Tyrone, throw it down low to 32.

That's Casey Moody up top for 21 Tyrone three strong rebound pump And I think Blanchard's going to get called for an over the back She's a little late to the ball she landed on Davis's left shoulder.

Yeah that's something to pay attention to In the last five and a half minutes of the second quarter, Blanchard picks up her second personal foul.

Norfolk certainly cannot have their leader, their superstar to get in foul trouble in this contest.

11 to 10 Mama spring over Norfolk got the Lady bears in the lady Panthers for the state championship Three ball money from the left corner.

That's been their spot so far today.

Davis got it to drop and three for three on the first threes for mama spray A big shot there for Tay Davis.

Her first field goal of the contest.

And you start to see the offense start to open up.

We've got out of that feeling out process.

That was some smart Rolo Dilly play it all the way to the rack.

She swung it, left to right.

That's a spot where a left handed layup could have finished it.

But you see her bouncing this and you tell me with three key leave answer just picked up her third person.

They call that an offense.

They would say that she goes over the back after the miss that's that's a play from your senior leader you can't have you you got to be smart And now she's likely going to have to sit at least until the second half.

It's a crucial 445 left for Norfolk to keep this game close with their leading scorer on the bench all over it.

Bobby, wash them in the corner wide open.

That's the first miss we've seen for three point line.

That was Corbett in the corner Couldn't drop it 4010 Mama Spring You nailed it Bobby No playing right now for Norfolk but they got a back door layup and finally a nice looking offensive set that results in Sadie getting a bucket.

That's her second of the game.

She's got five the freshman keeping her team in it and we'll get ourselves a timeout we'll keep it here 14 to 12 Mama spring over Norfolk for 26 left to play in the first half.

Josh Gordon chatting alongside Bobby Swafford to sports broadcaster Susie known here that each other said Arkansas for a very long time yet haven't had too many opportunities to jump courtside like this.

Bobby I'll tell you right near the top of this game, this arena, you can feel the buzz.

It's a special thing you have going here.

Bobby It's going to be really intriguing coming out of this timeout as Mama Sprig took the 32nd time out.

The adjustments that they make is so much of their defense is going to be geared to slowing down.

BLANCHARD And now with the leading score for Norfolk on the bench to change things up because obviously you don't have to deny that specific player.

Maybe you try to deny Eliza Shattuck, who's averaging 20 points a game, but the game plan likely out the window now for Mama Springs defensively just because of Blanchard's foul trouble.

I agree.

And for Lou Court at Norfolk, as he said, a crucial four minute stretch here she left the game You were down for Bobby.

You're trying to keep this thing in single digits before you get to halftime.

Cannot let Mama's spring run away from you right now on top on the rock waiting game, though, JB, You can't rely on just one player.

Absolutely true.

Absolutely true.

Good paces by Mama Spring as we've seen Norfolk switch to a little bit of a matchup zone here and they'll draw the offensive foul.

So there you go.

They said they mix it up if needed.

Luke Cornet says my star players out.

We're going to get a little creative here to close first half.

Yeah.

Great job by Kate Shante.

The freshman established position takes the contact and the hit forces a turnover now into the game and getting a chance.

Listen Sadie at the point she's going to break the press to Moody.

Moody sends down down the four to Sadie King shouting, Mr. Bunny, that would've been a third buck in the first half of the freshman fights for it gets it back to her teammate.

That's it.

Three rattled off the ten.

Ain't no good for Tyrone Moody.

Got it.

How about Norfolk?

Blake shut out of the game and everybody stepping up.

They crash the glass for two rebounds back to back, offensive rebounds and two foul shots.

A chance to tie the game for Norfolk coming up after the break.

Quick break now.

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We are back courtside with you back cozy k arena you're won a state girls title game.

Jasper See you on one side of the broadcast.

My good friend Bobby Swofford right next to me and we are pleased to be with you here on Arkansas PBS this afternoon.

A couple of Fritos coming back out of the break and they're both down for K.C.

Moody.

And so we got a tie, 1414 with 3 minutes and 40 seconds left in the first half.

I said Norfolk had to be careful with Blanche with three fouls.

I lay down scoring the last four points of the game.

But Mama, the answers right back as a little too easy.

As Tay Davis gets in the lane, she does, and she's been very active in this first half kind of brainwash Sims running mate up in the for a lot of ways and we get ourselves a quick timeout by Norfolk.

I don't think they like the way the the defense just opened up there that you see on the replay.

You played great defense early for the first 12 minutes of the game and then coming out of the timeout, that was just way too easy.

I was amazed.

Defensive play of the game.

I agree.

Coaching like you were going to chat about it and 328 to go in the first half baby of the game and seeing both teams struggle a little bit with his shooting Memphis Spring hop from three but it's been Norfolk with the defense kind of climbing its way back in and turnovers an issue too Bobby eight for Mama spring six for Norfolk so far yeah got to value possession in a game that you expect to be close expect to come down to the fourth quarter every possession is going to be so critical Gotta value the basketball 42% from the field for Mama Spring normally that's a pretty good number that's 20% below their season average.

They shoot a better than 60%.

And that's kind of goes back to how good the defense has been in the first 12 from Norfolk.

This is a tremendous observation.

Also testifies to the fact that playoff basketball, it's tougher to do everything.

We get a turnover down the floor by Norfolk against the press.

And that time I think Scott's most press caught him a little bit by surprise and Norfolk whips it out of bounds and Norfolk turns it over and then commits the foul in the backcourt that 14 fouls here in the quarter.

So the next one going to send Mama Spring to the foul line.

She got to play clean basketball can't give up those freebies it's a tight 116 to 14 mama spring by two 310 left to play in the first half.

Right to left go.

The Lady Bears wide open left wing, but not shooting and passing down those number five.

She gets it back.

That's Molly Corbett.

Next she loses it.

Corbett had a couple of chances to shoot, but didn't want it left to right.

Sadie working.

You got the Sadie sisters in the game again at the same time as Maggie Tyrone.

Whip into the corner now up top for Kate Sadie back for Eliza Gilmore patient in Norfolk against the zone here Paul fake drive the paint looking down low for Moody She hits the deck back to Tyrone and she makes it to a helter skelter against the zone for more patience out of Norfolk.

And they tied again.

Yeah, go on for the screen there and finally get the easy bucket.

An eight footer from Shattuck.

It's 6 to 1616 and we'll get it.

And one that was a 13 for Adrianna Corbett who has been very active around the glass Bobby and finally got one to drop.

You can see that ma'am is still trying to go back to attacking the lane and that time Corbett finds a hole absorbs the contact now chance of the old school three point play for herself a nice first half and an opportunity here to add to a point total six points three rebounds already for Corbett first one up good but that was named one rather so second one only one I should say.

Good.

So she's having a heck of a first ever team is up by three.

They'll run some more press.

Adam Moody kicks to the corner and then that was deflected out of bounds.

Fortunately for Marli Shields, who's into the game for the first time, the five foot junior is head coach Lou Cornett tries to fill the minutes without a start.

Kelly Blanchard is on the bench with three fouls for No.

Four.

It's chatty off the right wing gets that kind of two three defense.

Somerset 212 and they turn it over Ripped out of there by Molly Corbett down the floor to Adrianna back to her sis Molly back up top all fake There's Tay Davis who's had a good first half Davis kicks for Adrianna Whip it back to number 20 for Adrianna Corbett Good ball movement here and patience had a mammoth spring, but 50 left to go.

First half Adrianna get into traffic and again she gets fouled and she is not afraid to put her shoulder in her chest and draw contact.

Bobby Yeah, What's this?

Mama's sprinting double is really good.

Not only get to get good position in the lane, they draw contact, they jump into the defender and force the officials to make the call.

And then they have been going their way and Corbett's been cashing in at the foul line.

But she's knocked down all four of her attempts from the charity stripe.

The free throws matter, as we well know, be swapped.

You're absolutely right, Poppy.

She is on up.

There you go.

We text it distance.

Yeah, I'm going to blame you for that.

But now she's had an eight point first step to lead all scores.

Now, actually, Adrianna Corbett, 20 to 16 Bama spring by four with 90 seconds left and a pretty fast paced first half slides, the shoddy up top swing at left wing to tie runs.

It turned it over and here we go, brainwash them in the open floor underneath their contact in no bucket as a good Foul by Marlon Shields, who came out of nowhere to get up under her and she saved her team.

Maybe a point in two will say that's three consecutive turnovers for Norfolk.

It's leading to fast break opportunities and more free throws for the Lady Bears.

The turnover numbers are 80% right here, starting to mount.

Four turnovers for Sadie, the freshman who has made some shots and scored seven but been kind of all over the place on the offensive end.

First one is down for Adrianna number to protect effort.

Wassup got the free throws there and she knocks him down.

So 22 to 16 with 115 left.

First half, it's a six point game.

Norfolk has the ball, the right front court trying to buy some time without star Keely Blanchard Tyrone inside for Sadie Couple of dribbles with a left through contact gets to go to the charity stripe she gets a quick slap five from a couple of teammates got to stay aggressive Yeah that's what Shante needs to do.

She needs to take over.

The final minute of the contest averages 20 points and seven rebounds per game has not scored yet today.

So Mammoth doing a nice job on Sadie, but she finally gets into the scoring column there with that free throw.

She needs to pick up the slack.

She needs to carry the load and try to keep Norfolk in it with her cohort blazer on the bench in foul trouble.

Isn't that interesting though?

And their coach spoke about that.

We had little conversation yesterday.

Luke Cornell just actually playing.

She does some of everything.

She's their most important all around player.

But like you said, they need points at a Sadie and she finally gets to on the board there 20 points per game Remarkable 22 to 18 Memphis break down for one minute left first half up and under.

Bryn wassup?

That was no good.

But she followed it perfectly.

That's a college basketball player.

Move it right back to the rim and her own putback for two.

Great job by the five nine senior as you mentioned JB stick with it gets to put back and watch it with seven now as her team up six and Norfolk is starting to let go of the rope here last 36 of the half and only to give up another bucket or two look at playing shared on the bench with her hands on her ears.

She's trying to hold on.

She knows her team needs.

Her turnovers have been an issue since she's been on the bench as well.

She she's the point guard.

She runs the offense, even though they haven't been altered so much in the back court by the full court pressure, once they get it across the timeline, they've really struggled to take care of the horn.

Took a couple of minutes minutes.

But Mama up with a run here and a corner three rattles out Go folks got to get that board.

Mali does big play by Mali shields there and so you would think Norfolk going to take this down 12 seconds left the half trailing by six.

That's a bad pass you can't have that there at a moody 211 blossom layup she missed it got her own rebound again that's a shoot sequence and Mama Springs is going to take a 26 to 18 lead in the half time over Norfolk here at the one eight girl state championship game.

Yeah, big run for Mama spring to close the half Norfolk didn't make a field goal for the last 3 minutes and the Lady Bears push it out by eight.

Got to lead it at intermission.

All right.

We'll be back with some stats and an update on what's you're watching.

We got one half left, but Mama Springs an eight point halftime lead.

You're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball Championships on Arkansas.

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We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas Power and people.

Hey, everybody.

Steve Sullivan here along with Christina munoz.

It's halftime at Bank, Jose Arena in Hot Springs.

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

Let's get right to it.

If you're a sports fan in Arkansas, you probably spent time listening to sports radio, whether it's a live broadcast for a big game or catching your favorite show on your commute.

The radio airwaves in Arkansas are still ringing out with play by play action news and some very strong opinions.

Let's take a look.

Some people think it's an easy job.

All you do is talk.

Well, I challenge you to turn on a recorder and for 4 hours try to be compelling.

Get out there, boys.

Let's get it done.

He was a Here's the sports razorback always respect.

You understand the power of the buzzer.

You got cheated when.

When, when you got ruined again.

Because I hit him with.

I hit him with a golf ball.

Well, the buzz is 100,000.

What a station that covers about every direction from will trot for about an hour and a half to 2 hours depending on the day.

And where a sports talk station or more than sports were entertainment.

I would say we are personality driven radio.

We started out actually back in the good old and days.

We were the first album west of the Mississippi that I actually went to a complete top format.

It's just been a growing thing.

I think it's still evolving all these years later.

Good afternoon.

Welcome to Drive Time Sports here on the Buzz Radio Network.

Social media, Twitter, Instagram, playing things to distract you.

So terrestrial radio, even though now we can stream and do all those things now it is a challenge.

And so you better come up with something very compelling.

It's really about there's a lesson here.

Like the people they hear.

It's not always about the content, it's about the people.

So likability is a really important thing for us now, please.

Okay, ready to class in 2 to 3 hours.

So and so we're very, very much personality driven.

That's the thing that we're focused on.

Plus we're hyper, hyper local.

So if it's something that's affecting the local community, specific content about what's happening in central Arkansas, what's happening with the Razorbacks or the Little Rock Trojans or the UK Bears, or what's going on at Arkansas State or maybe the high school scene in Arkansas where the only place you can get that is that time of year for basketball.

You know, David, Justin Moore knows this better than anybody.

This is the fun time when you're good enough, when you know you're going to have a shot to make it to the state championship.

You want movement.

You what you want engagement.

People become engaged.

Whether they love you or they hate you, they become engaged with what's happening.

So, I mean, I have people that don't like us at all, but they listen every day.

The best quarterback right now, baby, is any guy and he's got the best guy, got cheated, whatever, and he's got the quarterback right now.

Let me ask you, I mean, does a box quarterback and he's going to be the best quarterback next year so stick to your pipe and smoke it all up.

Yeah.

Is Andy Reid the best coach in the NFL?

Absolutely.

I get it.

Fired up and stir the pot.

There are people who the minute they wake up to us that for us in the morning at 6:00, I mean their alarm clock comes on and it goes to our opening music.

You get your car, you still listen it, you go to work, you're still listening in.

So that's the biggest compliment you can get is that people want to hear and they've been listening to us for 25 years, but to our audience, to know that we care, that we want to give them as much information, as many stories as possible for credibility standpoint, we need to be there.

Let's talk with Razorback.

Bob, Robert, good afternoon into where you can walk into any city within 2 hours of being the go listen to your show.

But a lot of people who listen to us, they consider friends and family like they know us and they do.

When you when you're on the show 4 hours a day, people hear everything.

You know, this is year 20.

We've been doing this and and people have stuck with us.

Some have not, but most of them don't.

And we've got new listeners because of Justin and others, and we sometimes forget the power lost quite a few of us.

No, no, I never think of this as work.

I'm one that's been around for 50 years and the number of athletes, the past that he's crossed, the lives that he's influenced, and I'm blessed to be able to do it on the on a monday through Friday basis.

And I you can say this is a labor of love.

Everybody, thanks for being with us.

The zones up next.

there you go.

Okay.

Well, that clears it up.

The bus certainly has a colorful collection of characters.

There's nothing quite like it in the state.

Okay.

Let's get over to Christina munoz.

She wants to introduce you to some very talented kids.

Christina, thanks So much.

Steve.

Earlier in the season, we reached out to schools all over the states looking for athletes who not only excel on the court, but in the classroom, too.

Here's the Arkansas PBS student all Stars class of 2024.

We start off with the one eight girls.

That is Savanna Pyle with the Emerson High School Pirates.

Savanna plans to attend college as a general studies major and explore her options for one day boys.

We have KENYON Carter, a junior guard from Mar Tree Canyon, wants to be a coach or make it to the league.

Next up, we have Abby Methven representing to a girls.

She plays for the Yellow Vale Summit Panthers.

Abby has a 3.8 GPA and wants to go to cosmetology school for the boys into a We've got Cade Barber with the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves.

Cade has a GPA of over 4.0 and wants to be an anesthesiologist.

The Lamar High School warriors Corey Sanders is the three a girls Arkansas PBS student.

All star.

Corey wants to be a math teacher and a coach on the boys side.

And three a We have Sam Maddox representing the central Arkansas Christian Mustangs.

Sam wants to pursue college basketball and likes to spend his spare time playing golf halfway through and on to the For a Girls.

That's Addison Hudspeth of the Heber Springs Lady Panthers.

Addison wants to play college basketball and go to physical therapy school.

JJ Andrews with the Little Rock Christian Warrior is represents the for a boys JJ has a 3.72 GPA and wants to play professional basketball.

The five girls are well-represented by Lake in more of the mountain home.

Lady Bombers Lake and wants to attend college and play basketball and describes herself as a gym rat.

The five boys, well, that is Luke Stump with the Russellville Cyclones.

Luke wants to be a veterinarian and live in Australia.

Rounding out the classifications are your six a student, all stars for the girls, that is Delaney Roller with the Harbor Lady Wildcats.

Delaney has signed to play basketball at MSU and will study business.

And finally, for the six eight boys, we have honor Boateng, representing the Little Rock Central High Tigers, on her plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in engineering.

You know, there's a good chance you'll see some of those same athletes again live right here in this studio when we bring you Quiz Bowl 2024 this April that is definitely something that you will not want to miss.

Well, Steve, it is about that time.

Much more coming up in the second half.

That's right.

Right here on the home of the school basketball state finals.

Arkansas PDF The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.

Over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops powering homes farms and industries somewhere across Arkansas.

We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas Power and People.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Let me see it and see it.

Bounce, Bounce, bounce, bounce.

Both spent a heck of a game so far.

We're expecting a barnburner and a half.

Number two you see there, Mama Spring with a big 17 point second quarter and an attempt to run to close the half as we get ready for the third.

It's 26 to 18.

Mama Spring over Norfolk in the one a state girls title game back Ozark Arena courtside with you Jasper and Ginny and Bobby Swafford and Bobby a first at that statistically was pretty even especially until Kelly Blazer had to sit on the bench for the third time in the last three, three and a half minutes or so was all Mama Spring, as you mentioned, that tended to run too close to half and knocked down shots.

They forced turnovers and that may be the biggest stat there.

11 turnovers in that first half for Norfolk.

Mammoth hasn't been exactly clean either, nine on that side, but those turnovers late in that second quarter led to a lot of breakouts and on that, able to knock down some free throws.

And that's when the difference in this game so far.

Let's take a look at some of these highlights in the first half, you're going to see just some fast paced action both ways.

These two teams were not afraid to get after it.

They know each other well.

It was physical early.

Corbett making some big plays and then that huge corner three by Lane, a young Bryn Waseem knocked one down.

Look at the ball coming at you.

There's two in the next bucket down low She scored off the back to back him out plays before committing her third foul and another huge three there as well for mama strike look they move the rock both teams played aggressive defense about what do you expect the second half I think it's going to be the teams that can establish themselves from the outside.

The defense has been so tough inside, but neither team has really had much success shooting the basketball.

We see that a lot and the championship game here, whether it's the backdrop of the arena, they're not used to shooting and having, you know, the surroundings of the bank.

Okay.

ARENA Here in Hot Springs, you're just something about this arena doesn't really it's not conducive to great shooting, but it also means you're playing against a team that's playing for a state championship and the pressure is pretty high.

Yeah, that's part of it too.

We'll switch up, have right to left Norfolk down by eight.

Tillie blades are back out there in the start with a good passing.

They get themselves a layup and it's 26 to 20 just like that Norfolk climbing itself right back into the ballgame.

The great job by Blanchard gets in the lane and finds a wide open moody and she finishes off the window Yep her second bucket 26 to 20 little pressure on some the half court now finds her sister on the wing Mollie and Adrienne who has the ball up top, start together for this mammoth Spring team Corner three Nice release and cash money for Taylor Davis.

Man, what a nice shot.

Yeah, that's what I was kind of talking about.

Coming out of the half.

Who's the first team to knock down a big shot today?

Davis is the one who does good look at form their 2920 biggest lead of the game for Mama Spring.

North Hawks got to attack and they get that right there down low at the number 15 Tate Sadie and look she's been very aggressive offensively today she's nine points down Yeah the freshman not looking like a freshman shows up big bucket there as the lead had ballooned to 929 to 20 2 to 7 point game Adrianna Corbin at the right elbow gives it to Molly Si throw it left side for Tate Davis Davis working off a screen is terrific.

Drops back into a little matchup zone here again they're able to play somebody different defenses bounce pass on the blocks to Adrianna tough shot good D by Blanchard who almost got her fourth but pulled off for committing a foul to the rack goes watch and one way to keep her on your hip and finish with physicality That's a great job by Washington keeps a little distance keeps her between the defender and the ball and able to use her left hand shields after defender finishes through contact off the window and the three point play converted and now the leads up to ten largest in the contest.

Huge play by Blossom is really feeling more and more comfortable.

Go to the rack you can tell in the last few minutes 3222 corner three and they need it rattles off the ten crashed in the rack lefty layup while the no good for Maggie Tyrone but man they needed to get a rebound there Sadie was going for another three didn't drop 30 to 22 blossom with 12 for Mama Springs Davis has nine Corbitt has eight and for Norfolk you're talking nine for Sadie, seven for Blanchard, and then down to the four point range for Moody.

So it's 32 to 22 is the first free throw rattles off, but the second one is good.

And a point there for Tyrone Rhodes, her first of the game, nine point game, Norfolk is the first for some turnovers body.

Yeah, they do need to settle down because they haven't been in this situation since December.

As far as playing from behind, they haven't been tested a whole lot lately, especially in the postseason.

So the first time they've really been knocked down, we'll see how they get back up.

Blossom Ball fakes on a three all the way to the hoop and that's too easy.

Her threat from three fourths both defenders to come out they've got a part to seize for there that's a little too easy for Washington, who's now up to 14 points.

The lead man is scoring.

She's starting to take over last year's state title game, MVP thinking about another one this year, 3423, with five and a half minutes left in the third.

No.

Four.

Got to make a move now.

Get this game back tidy.

Can see that man to man defense starting to overwhelm now out of Mama spring they play better D As the game has gone on here plants are working one on one takes and tough leader and makes it.

That was not a high percentage shot over Davis but the star gets it to go and her team needed the bucket Shadow and Blanchard need to take over this game offensively for Norfolk combining to score eight points per game and right now those two are struggling to get anything going offensively a chance at a steal but a little of a defense and Tae Davis comes out with another easy layup Mama Spring attacking the basket and getting pretty much everything it wants right now 11 point game 450 to play in the third quarter extended defense by young she comes way out almost causes a turnover there out of Tyrone and gets it back inside missed layup by Sadie rebound back sorry that was actually a bucket for number five looked like Molly Corbett and I think we're to call a timeout early All right we're going to call it timeout they're setting it up pick it up the loose ball away from Corbin throwing it in.

So it's a nine point game.

We'll keep it here.

Yes.

Yeah.

Big, big offensive rebound there from shouting at the put back.

I mean they've got to be able to answer They can't let mama put this out to 1415 point lead.

They need to stay within striking distance until it offense gets going.

They've got to protect the basketball to go.

You're really seeing the perimeter defense from Mammoth on a couple the freshman for Norfolk not being able to handle the physicality state championship games are known to be called a little looser lets you be a little more physical.

They're going to let the girls decided on the floor on that Norfolk not handling that intensity and that physicality out front as well as Mama Spring is up to this point.

Blazers still on three fouls.

That's a good sign nine point game 437 to go in the third course losing her for the last 4 minutes.

The first half hurt quite a bit but this is Norfolk going to dig in we see the two three zone as they line it up get a force Mama Spring to hopefully get away from the basket here.

But they've been getting too many easy shots here to start the second half, to do a little trap in the corner and now it's blossom.

We thought about a three crosscourt zip to Tay Davis.

Good ball handling here.

Good passing, certainly for Mama Spring.

The lady bears swinging around shot clock down to ten ball fake kick to the wing wide open three for young is now got in and out in a nice rebound in traffic by Tyrone I was halfway down just said couldn't get to the friendly bounce 36 to 27 transition runner no good offensive rebound tough call but off the foot of Kylie Blanchard and it'll go back to mama spring halfway through the third quarter of the winning state girls title game and I think we're headed for our time outbreak media style so let's do that quick break.

We'll come back halfway through the third.

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You can live your story halfway through the third quarter 36 to 27.

Mama Spring over North Fork.

Thanks to everyone here at Arkansas PBS.

It was Bobby Swafford.

To my left, I'm Josh Byrd City.

Great to be here and great to have you on board.

Watching some high level basketball on a Saturday here in the great state of Arkansas.

There's wassup for three and it's short thank goodness for Norfolk because they're down nine and that would have been a backbreaker instead here they come Tyrone shuffle ahead to Sadie Mann and they need her to hit a shot or two right now 325 to go in the third up and under it stripped away and then out of bounds off blossom.

But don't give it back to Moore, for I was one of those players who couldn't call it a foul.

But you didn't.

You just thought about the ball.

I know for fans for the first time, really voicing their displeasure, they thought that one was rolled off.

The mama screen player looked like it was, but that's the way it goes.

315 to go in the third nine point game.

And again, that zone kind of a23 sag there with Blanche, it is like the rover in the middle kind of unique really and it has caused Mama Spring to at least back away from the basket because they were getting anything they wanted to start the quarter.

But it does leave four open threes that once missed from the corner.

Corbett gets the rebound back inside to Adrianna, right wing Tay Davis She'll take an 18 footer and bury it just smooth.

You see the defense slacking off.

Did you have to respect the drive game of Tay Davis?

Step back socialize You shouldn't 61% from the field for the season yeah big shot lead back to 11 matches the largest march in the game 3827.

Kelly Blanchard trying to find a pace again after sitting for so long as a bad looking shot there from deep on the right wing by Tyrone.

So a 3827 game he can fill it for Norfolk depressing a bit.

They know they need buckets right now but Mama Spring starting stretch this lead out seems like it has a little more wind right now.

And Bobby you know, it's so tough to come from behind in the second half.

It is a up and under no good for today.

But the addition of the shot clock, though, allows the teams to make that come back a little easier and they turn it over again.

They'll had a fast break opportunity to protect the basketball.

Moody lost it but then a nice steal by Sadie and traffic got almost burned a time out but you need that ball They turn it right back over It's going to come away It's Corbitt back to her sister Adrianna layup Good It's a nice job and Mama's going to recognize we got a two on one situation the old give and go Norfolk's to burn a timeout his mammoth lead has ballooned to 13 Well 40 to 27 is now your score with a buck 30 the third and I'm no coach but you're over there on the far sideline she's in a double team Maybe you call that timeout one play earlier I don't know but you're running out of time outs in the second half.

Talk about an impossible job being a head coach.

Yeah so you kind of kind of have to tucked away the question there how valuable is this possession with a minute and half minute 45 left compared to only having one timeout for the rest of the game if you take one, I guess a tough call.

So he's taking a couple of here in the third quarter talking about coach Luke Fournette for Norfolk.

So I'm okay with the call.

Obviously the result leads to an easy bucket.

That time out could be huge in the fourth.

Agreed.

Can't really make that decision, but you see how the game plays out.

How about both teams able to mix up their man and their zone and you don't see teams only at most classifications play so many different defense.

We see each team play three.

It's got to keep them off balance.

Yeah, that's the key to Norfolk.

Hasn't been able to find to a rhythm and maybe some of that has to do with Mama switching up.

Their defense is what they're seeing right now.

I mean you're talking about Norfolk.

Turn the basketball over 14 times.

That's led to 15 points for mama scoring.

That is the one thing you can circle as the difference in this contest right now.

And that's why Mammoth has a 13 point lead to huge stat.

Bobby.

There's no question about it.

It's too many turnovers.

Ten for Mama Spring.

They hadn't been clean themselves, so that's kept this game relatively tight, but it's a 13 point ballgame.

Largest margin we have witnessed so far today.

And with 90 seconds going the third or fourth, it needs a bucket or two to close this quarter within striking distance there.

70 for three.

You needed that.

No good.

Blanche on the board draws contact and she will go to the free throw line now right into Corbett's chest.

Corbett take the play a little bit, but that's kind of all she's been getting on the other end.

And those are the two plays you want to shoot, like you said Bobby, Lizzie, Sadie and then Corbett, Right.

And that's the offense you need and you need one of those shots.

The goal to get chatty.

A little confidence, a little rhythm.

She's out for six blanks at first.

Free throw.

No, she is one for three from the line.

Yeah.

Leaves a shadow for six.

Not being able to find that range did hit a couple of free throws here.

Your second veto for blame?

Sure.

That's no good.

So that's a stutter to come up with.

Nothing on that trip.

And this makes it even taller.

A task to climb back up.

You're down 13.

It ain't over yet.

But Norfolk going through right now a little bit as we approach one minute left to go in the third quarter of the state title game up and under watch some almost made it great rebound by Corbett overwash look at her handle right off the dribble with a left through traffic Swing it to the wing Tyrod thought about it up top Sadie She drives looking for her first field goal and had it knocked up to set it went off her knee is going to go back command It's frustrating watching such a good player struggle like that Yeah just an unforced turnover there just that one just bounces her right off her own foot goes out of bounds shouting to struggling.

You like the aggressiveness to try to get to the basket, get something going.

The defense is too tough and forces another turnover.

30 point game 35 seconds left in the quarter wing three short at a molly Corbett and she saves it to her sister Adriana.

Now to the quarter for Davis Davis into the paint up and under no good rebounded her own shot put it back up in how many times have you seen Mama spring miss a shot in the lane to be right in position to get their offensive rebound and the putback that's just you know being in the right place.

It's having quick ups and quick second ups, too.

Sometimes There's Sadie.

She missed her seventh shot.

She is scuffling right now 40 to 27, where you get a needless bump by Sam's frustration with two and a half seconds left in the third quarter and it's not going to do much, though.

We're not in a shooting penalty yet.

The one on ones here, which hurts a little bit, the end of the game, right, Bobby?

Obviously, I think I think it makes the game a lot cleaner.

It does, yeah.

And the court is not going to get it off.

All right.

Three quarters in the box.

And Norfolk has got a lot of work to do.

Maybe spring trying to repeat a state champ up by 15.

But we're back for the final 8 minutes after this.

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Here we go What a battle it's been won a state girls championship in Hot Springs Such a festive place for these title games Benko Cozy arena OB Josh for Dick Cheney he's Bobby Swafford It's awesome Be a part of this phenomenal team here at Arkansas PBS at 42 to 27 Mammoth sprint with a lead 8 minutes away from repeating the state champions.

And if Norfolk's going to stand in the way of that, Bobby, they've got to make a stand right now.

Yeah, they got to get some stops offensively, but more importantly, they've got to start making some shots.

It's one of eight from three point range, only shooting 37% from the field or even struggling from the foul line.

Nothing's going down for Norfolk, but all that can change.

See one ball go through the net they've got to make a run, has got to start pretty quick here.

Trailing by 15 and you see Norfolk back to the man to man now to switch it up to his zone for a bit.

Looking for something here.

Run some traps now too.

You would expect Moody out on the ball.

Here they come.

But be careful you don't foul but chasing Adrianna Corbett with the ball.

Try to send a message Maybe Bobby to start the fourth.

Here's how we're going to play.

Yeah, Corbett's in Iraq.

She's been great all game all for a great finish to the contact there that little bump right before the shots the least able to maintain the body control and finish big bucket gets to 17 Keely Blanchard answers by crash in the rack and draw the foul and she'll get a couple of free throws coming up here but a frustrating game for her.

She's played fairly well but in foul trouble all afternoon long that I had a chance to watch her in the last three state championship games before today.

And her game is really to get the lane in the mid range.

And what Mama Spring has really done a nice job of is preventing her from getting downhill.

Nice perimeter defense and it's kind of taking her out of her game just a bit.

First free throw is not good, but the second one drops.

She's a 70% shooter, but two for six today.

So Blanchard is on her way to ten.

She's in double figures.

It's a 16 point game.

Nice chance at a steal for Moody, but she couldn't get it.

And it gets knocked to the T Davis's hands again.

Lady Bears go left to right.

The blue light unis got Norfolk in the black and Red's final trap here.

But Blossom has it very calm and she gets smacked on the wrist and we're going to get a foul called.

Look at that Mama Springs resume coming into this contest are 39 and five.

So obviously a really good team that you start to dive in to see who they beat.

They beat five Jonesboro, Salem, who was in the three state championship game and then five Alma.

So they didn't they didn't shy away from from battling it out in the non-conference to get them ready for this point.

That's awesome Great stat Three ball blossom 11 lights out rebound Corbett She's all over the glass gets away with a bump back to Tay Davis is where Mama Spring wants this game right now Complete control take it high percentage shots down low watch some layup good Some of the offensive rebounds.

Give it up.

That's 11 offensive rebounds and now 16 second chance points for Mama Spring.

Scott Small's crew looking golden right now up by 18.

But there's Sadie finally.

You've been waiting for that She gets her first field goal the game with 622 to go in the contest so get it and want to get a chance at three point play Yeah that's big for Sadie to see one go through She's two of two from the foul line chance to convert the three point play here and maybe this is the run the start of it that Norfolk needs it's got to be now and yeah she buries the free throw So tough day for Sadie but she does have five points and she's going to need some more for teams going to pull this off.

That's a nice trap.

They get a little physicality there to call jump ball.

I like to do Blazer Brady Watch him Moody Corbett No cheap shots They're just good physical basketball.

Bobby Yeah, it's forced to turn over their big for Norfolk now so they can capitalize on the forced turnovers.

They had the ball back down 15.

They need buckets every time.

Don't have to shoot threes, but got to get buckets pretty much every time.

And here's Blanche.

It was approaching 6 minutes left in the game to Liz's Sadie baby heating up after last bucket an up and under Yes the members only bounce out the last five points are hers and with 554 to go in the fourth it's a 4633 13 point.

Now sometimes you've got to force it.

You know, you always want to be patient, let the game come to you.

But when you're struggling averaging 20 points a game, your team looks to you to be that leading scorer.

Sometimes you've got to force the issue.

A nice job by Shanny initiates the contact.

Thought she might have got a foul call there.

Yeah able to get it with a friendly roll.

As you mentioned, she's put together five straight points to get herself going.

It looks like maybe a slight change that they would, too.

But, you know, in the heat of the moment, if you're a good player, you get away with that.

Yeah.

Great touch, though, from the offside.

So yeah, she she missed the first seven She's got a last 211 for her younger sister Kate who's really helped by the offensive end.

Ten for Blanchard, seven for Sadie and four for Moody and then for Mammoth Mama Springs, 15 out of today, the 16 out of Washington, 12 that Adrianna Corbett so big players have stepped up in a big game, but it's a 13 point ballgame as we head down the stretch here in the home Open sprints go Oaklawn in this weekend baby that time.

Well basketball games to take say goodbye time for time I'd rather watch hoops in the road.

The horse is running any day there you go.

Me too.

All right, North Park extending some full court press.

Let's see how this goes for a little something different at them.

They beat it.

Corbett, Back up top four.

Davis is off to number 14.

That's JAYLEE.

Tyson into the game for the first time.

Give it over to brainwash him, weaving through traffic.

That's an airball somehow.

Molly Corbett got it back 10 seconds on the shot clock inside of Tae Davis.

8 seconds on the shot clock and there's a bucket right off the bench.

Charlie Tyson It was a three in the corner, and that's a back.

But that is a back breaker.

Huge.

The shot clock running down.

You think you make it another stop for Northport but Tyson buries the three quarter three ball the other way rattles off for Sadie she had a couple early but now going a bit cold.

They get the offensive board.

Kelly Blanchard facing a double team trying to make some magic happen, Shuffles off to the right, shoots a floater back ten no good rattle around Nice rebound She got her own shot back and then missed the putback She's running out of gas I think a little bit now 4933 for 50 left here comes Mama Spring no rest for the weary Bryn Watson Easy bucket on the other end Yeah you mentioned the fatigue maybe setting in for Norfolk and the frustration as coach Now that's going to take a timeout to settle the troops.

But Mammoth now built the largest lead of the game at 18 points and the lady very faithful they're starting to feel it.

They're about to reach for the wallet and go buy them back to back state championship t shirts.

I mean, Tay Davis, she was looking down the floor as soon as she got the rebound and Bryn Wash up and run a mile ahead of the pack, pass was on the money and now it's an eight point game.

And look I mean 440 to go here.

It looks like Mama spring's going to win the state championship, giving it to Norfolk, Georgia.

Luke, Cornell, come on, baby.

You're if you're a coach's son, you're on the high school, day in, day out.

You got to be so proud of your team right now.

You've all lost one game all year.

It's not over yet.

The last four or 40 here, I mean, you got four, four.

You got to turn up the pressure.

You've got to stop.

You got to start playing physical, you know, reach for the basketball, take risk, go jump those fast lanes, because you never know.

You never know how teams are going to handle the pressure.

You know, one thing I mentioned yesterday, too, playing with a lead in the fourth quarter in the state championship game is stressful.

You know, even if it's an 18 point lead because because all you're doing is watching that clock and it's got to be the slowest moving 441 of their entire lives.

Just watches watching that thing fall by.

And so if you're mavericks, you've got to make good decisions, protect the basketball, don't force any bad shots, don't force any passes cross-court and try to work the clock.

But obviously, you still got to take good shots, especially now with the shot clock in high school basketball began to sit there and hold the ball, which is the best thing that's ever happened.

I'll have to have a shot clock 100%.

No one who won this year, as we talked earlier.

So that halts some chances to come back here a little bit.

But, you know, again, keeps the game moving.

Blazers are going to try it three you need one of those to fall in nice offensive rebound down low by Kate Sadie he's got a she does she has five rebounds she's had a good game 5135 a quick bucket that's what you need it now you need some steals as we approach the midway point of the fourth quarter, if you're mama, if you want to take 25 to 30 seconds, there's to blame for getting on the floor.

It's not a jump ball.

It's a mammoth get a timeout posing very generous timeout.

3051 to 35 mama springs up by maybe springs excuse me up by 16 four way to go with the fourth course They have a mama Spring in mama spring and it's the largest natural spring in the state of Arkansas.

To my research.

That's what we're watching on little tidbits.

So you didn't know they were going to wash them?

It's just been outstanding, as you might expect, coming in this contest.

Number four for Mama Spring, 18 points, seven of 15 from the field.

She's had all three free throws by rebounds, got an assist to go along with it.

But it's her scoring again, Nana's rate for the title game, they're scoring it has her over 2000 points in her career and there's also her scoring.

This got the Lady Bears inching towards another state championship She might be on the verge of back to back MVP stay Davis off the rebound inbound loses it Yeah that's a good break for Norfolk who's down by 16 with 4 minutes left to play and it's going to have to come in a hurry for Norfolk if they're going to pull off a tremendous comeback Corner three a shady short.

She just does not have the stroke from three today setup gym to shoot it like you said Bobby very spacious can get in your head Here's the full court press broke it up by Sadie but knocked out of bounds and then the spread will keep rock and we will take our final media break.

350 left to go.

The won a state championship.

Mama Spring 51 Go.

435.

We're back after this.

And you are watching Centennial State Bank's coverage of the basketball championships here at Arkansas.

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To Savannah Pyle from Emerson, the Arkansas PBS student, all star of the game.

Some hard work she put in right there, some hard work this Bama Spring team has put in all year North four two.

These two teams have had such incredible runs.

It's a 16 point game.

Kelly Blanchard makes a nice steal in the full court press.

She tries get to the rack with a left back to the right.

She gets it.

That was her strongest finish of the game.

She's up to 12.

You like the aggressiveness.

She can't worry about fouls.

Now you go for the steal, right?

Go For the big play.

But mama beats them down the floor.

Molly Corbett corrals a long one.

She's going to bring it back out for a moment.

Gives it to Adrianna, her sister, back up top today.

Was that a heck of a game?

15 Points and eight boards for Tay left wing.

She threw it away.

That was a turnover there.

And I think that was Kate Shattuck who got on top of it.

Jump ball possession arrow goes to man is spring so keep it with 312 left and as you said Bobby a few minutes go It's not impossible.

It's only seven possessions.

If you're wanting to count possessions, it's actually less than that.

If you factor in the three ball, they're definitely letting some physicality go right now, which is good in a game like this as you play it out, two teams that know each other well are going to have to find a way to stand up to the pressure.

Here's Corbett back up top for young a little weave offense into the lane Tay Davis She's been great Tay They've set an outstanding game, 17 points, eight rebounds and that was a big bucket, 53 to 37, 16 point game placement Backdoor finds your teammate That's a badly missed layup I think it was Tyrone She might have gotten hit but no call 236 to go and the Mama Spring faithful can feel this So there's Keely playing her guts out playing hard steal behind the back highlight reel stuff one more time, but she goes to the free throw line.

See Craster with the chest on that tay like data in the back.

You know if either that that's just good basketball bop it was just good one on one play you like the thought of trying to take the charge you like the aggressiveness of Blanchard to try to absorb the blow but can't convert for now she's got to earn a mental foul line.

I mean, I know it's a tough spot for her in her team, but how about the behind the back dribble as she went up the floor?

What a baller.

Was there a little clip of it on the replay.

Just unreal unreal.

She didn't get the feet set from Davis now but this is the one thing that Mammoth can't afford to have is Norfolk scoring with the clock stop, correct?

Yup.

Back down to 14.

That could set up the press now too, after the maid free throws it like that.

Smalls going to use his Zulu cornet rather is going to use his last time out.

Yeah going to be out of time.

Out for the last two and a half minutes.

Real realistically Jimmy the lot these next two, maybe three possessions are going to decide the contest.

Norfolk's got to make a run and they have to do it right now.

They've got to get some stops because you're looking at probably the next seconds is going to be critical for both of these sides.

Mama trying to ice this championship game away.

But Norfolk has got a force turnovers.

You can't allow points when you're down 14.

No.

And it's been a well-played game.

I mean, look, the shooting percentage is lower, like you said, than than both teams coming in.

But hard nosed defense, physicality, I'd say the rest of them.

Nice job letting them play.

Bobby.

Let there be a flow in this game.

There hasn't.

There hasn't been a lot of stoppages and noise and the teams have to use their timeouts more than any team we've seen all weekend and the previous eight championship games throughout the course of the game.

That's really been the only stoppages of play because we haven't had a lot of loose balls to go out of bounds or tie possessions.

That's where they've been really been getting up and down, having shot it.

Great for them.

And here we are, Mama Spring almost back to 50% from the field after starting so poorly there that last first quarter.

Absolutely true.

And we've also seen, you know, generally get a hard nosed game.

But no flagrant snow, intentional, no cheap shots, none of that.

It's going to be played well.

Yeah.

And when you get to this, you know, every possession, every point so critical you can't make mistakes in the champions.

Do that.

All right.

53 to 39.

Back to action with 226 left to go.

Here's the inbounds to Davis.

They get it to Corbett.

She's Got her sister Molly streaking down the floor.

Molly's layup is no good.

It's a surprising miss.

She got it back whipped it back up top for young now the wash up 210 to play They better for mama spring just to run more clock to take the points but you certainly like to run that clock exactly ten Davis late has it deflected out of bounds by Blanchard the Odyssey you got to make that layup there but they're going to get you offensive rebound another offensive rebound which is 13 now in the game for Lady Bears and you got a chance to run it pinch potentially another 35 off the game clock Tay Davis behind the back she is a good basketball player too and she got yanked to the ground I think by Tyrone and we are still out shoot free throw shot a lot of free throws tonight Really Yeah they're still three away they've had three fouls to give this Norfolk so they've got to play aggressive defense or you have to make your decision you want to foul give it up early because it high school basketball foul resets the shot clock so if all the way to the fresh 35 for inbounds to blossom working her game layup she missed it rebound young she missed it still a chance for Norfolk it's got to happen now right to left Sadie looking for Blanchard Throw in a three or some goes Tillie kick to the wing three ball now they needed it that's still there ball no It's a tough call They knew they needed it now.

What they wanted now would have been big shot, would have got it back to the 11 point contest, said the Mammoth, their student section though Blanchard with a great steal off the inbounds muti missed it looks to go to the line blank has been a menace defensively here the fourth quarter Bobby the turnover from Mama spring there she got a got to value the orange she got to squeeze it out of an official steal total this at least three or four they're going to clean them out brainwash them out of the game.

But see here for the last time as the lady bear, she's back emotional over fouls out for Mammoth.

Well there you go.

Yes.

So Adrian a Corbett out could catch Bobby Tillman back in what is sees it's been for her as well free throws are good for chance to set up the press down 12 but yes Corbett is a senior so player cuts out her finale I'll tell you what 12 points and five boards 12 point game but 30 left not impossible but getting late.

There's telling holds on to it.

A couple fresh faces in right now we've got to travel that we got an offensive that the contact is going to go against Norfolk it's going to be Blanchard's fourth yeah 12 point game with a buck 21 left to go two point trainer coming out to look at one of the mammoth players to take her out here for a minute.

Tay Davis You don't want to come out.

We do want to play with five players, though, right?

He's got four in right now and a substitution to the table.

The number 12.

We'll get him for the first time tonight.

Let's Macie Lindsey.

No, I'm wrong.

That's Bethany Robbins thank you 511 sophomore up a lot of young talent on both of these rock these teams are going to be good going forward.

These teams are good every year and every year.

So here you go.

12 point game buck 20 left.

We're back to it.

Bam is spring inbound from beneath the Northport basket, trying to get a bucket here and help wrap this thing up.

30 seconds to kill on the clock.

Nice pressure by Norfolk.

That's an offensive foul, isn't it?

That got held very good.

Chatty with the hole and maybe a little frustration there right in front of the ref for the arm extension.

Laney Young got a little follow overzealous there give where the ball movement took this you can see obviously a lot of contact her defense that was a foul before she did that.

You're right you're right there's been watch somewhere literally just on and off the record, you say and then tell my wife that steal by Kelly again from blossom and one is that that's a hard Pels with that as well make them earn it I love watching him play should play in the last play of the game.

You think they've played much throughout the years.

Just a little bit tired of seeing each other, to be quite honest yeah a lot of contact a great job by Blanchard picks the pocket which has got 40 steals in this quarter.

Doesn't look like it's going to be quite enough but she is she's gone down swinging.

She's to be kicking herself for those three fouls for a long time.

The third one touch it, a little touch, but the first two were clearly over the back.

I mean, she makes them both.

When you're that tall, it's hard not to go over the back.

Bobby.

Both of them.

Good for Blanchard.

It's a ten point game.

She leads her team with 14.

And I love how physical Norfolk is playing right now.

Their head coach is not going to let them go without playing their guts.

They are Luke coronet screaming at the refs.

They'll be out in a positive way.

Clean PBS's Friendly but get my team's balls.

So that's going to put Mammoth in the bonus.

Two shots the rest of the way in the final 60 seconds.

One minute left.

It has been awesome.

Knock it back.

5443 with a minute left there.

But spring on the doorstep of repeating as state champion and watch knocks it back again.

She has been perfect from the free throw line five of five.

She has 22 lead all scorers.

It's 5543 with 50 seconds left.

Down the lane goes Tyrone.

She misses wildly rebound in traffic pulled down by number 12 Bethany Robbins off to awesome loose ball There's a turnover Sadie has it flies in the hoop She got it 5545 But time is an enemy Mama takes a timeout Norfolk out of timeouts but mama takes one They're Just two short up Scott Small don't mess around with any more turnovers It's something weird happen that's your best ball handlers in your best free throw shooters on the floor 76% on the season.

His man is scoring so you name it springs to section feeling it on the doorstep of a title.

They've got the lady Bears t shirts by the letter all lined up.

I think they got it right.

Bobby in the right order.

Spelling is correct.

Spelling is right.

They actually did it properly.

I was here when they were smiling on the TV like that guy, so they knew properly.

This is how you if you're going to buy t shirts and have a spell, something you hand out the t shirts, you don't just show up and stand next to your buddy.

You literally hand out the t shirts as they like.

That's how you do it.

So that way you make sure you're in the right order.

You know how to spell ladies.

That's the only way to do it.

Not that you've ever done anything like that before, right?

Nine letters was fortunate for me.

I can't get that many.

But it's been a pleasure, Bobby.

Have enjoyed it all the way through.

And we are in the final 34 seconds 55 to 45.

Mama Spring by ten.

Get Norfolk a ton of credit for making them earn it here in the fourth.

Nothing has come easy for Mama Spring, but they are close right now and inbounds to Davis is back in the game and she turned it almost over.

Got it to brainwash him with a bump by Blaine.

Sure it is Kelly's fourth or fifth.

It's her fifth.

And that'll be a wrap.

And one of the great high school basketball careers this state has ever seen.

Yep.

Played in four state championship games in her career, and obviously not the way she wanted her high school career to end.

Her basketball career is not over, though.

Going to play at North Park there in Harrison.

I know she's disappointed with the result for this one, but nothing to to hang her head about.

Really, really impressive high school basketball player in our state.

I Thought she had a great fourth quarter to kind of took over defensively willed her team back to the fringes.

They're just too far down those too far out.

She still sat out here for.

Yeah, she still thinks they got one wrong on her, but well, free throws are good on the other end.

Them both back 57 to 45.

That was awesome adding to it layup no good final 14 seconds will get a jump ball down low blossom out to those free throws up to 22 points along with five rebounds Tay Davis played really well It's a tough pick here for the state title Here we go now Mama takes another timeout, lock it over makes her an awful doesn't drop 12 point play.

I mean seriously you know sometimes you want to handle the moment.

Tell your team how proud you are that boy.

You just want to secure the inbounds and if you're Norfolk, you're likely not going to give up a foul here.

And once Mama Springs crosses the halfway line, they can start the celebration Blossom 22 points, five rebounds.

Tate Davis 17 points, nine rebounds.

Who's your Red Bulls?

Your state title game, MVP.

I think to go with Wash out.

So the title, the state title game MVP a lot of time is the leader and maybe your best player in the state tournament overall.

But Washington showed up today she did it offensively.

She did it defensively.

She did.

She's made the step the foul shots when it mattered, all of them.

And she's been a leader for this program for the last four.

It's her territory.

Yeah.

I think it's got to be here in Washington.

If I had a vote, which I don't, but you don't really know two out of four by.

I don't have one either.

But she's got my not vote too.

There's the about and missed off the ten by Moody putback by Kate Shady who had a nice game she gets one more 5747 with three with two and with one and that will do it.

Mama's Spring has repeated as state champion.

You're one a state champ for the second consecutive season and what a run it has been for this Mammoth Spring crew who finished the season at 40 wins and just five losses.

They win it by ten.

And we're going to take ourselves a break here and then come back and talk with the MVP and the coach.

That sounds like a plan.

All right.

Thanks for watching.

We're coming right back.

This is the Centennial Back State basketball championship broadcast on Arkansas PBS Sports.

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Are you nervous?

A little accent, right?

Things and darling brightness and joy.

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Everything feels better after a cup of tea.

Now, how can this one be right here in this moment?

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Best episode ever.

And there you go.

The trophy presentation just moments ago.

Mama's Spring Lady Bears, you're one eight girl state champs for the second consecutive year.

And man, what a win.

Scott small head coach joining us now after the victory And coach your team obviously a team of destiny in so many ways, multiple years of playing at this level.

And yet today, I mean, you must feel like beginning to end this was one of your better performances.

Absolutely.

You know, and it's one of those things where there were so many unknowns in this game.

Obviously, Norfolk's very young.

Let's start two freshmen and and the two talented freshmen.

You never know if those kids are going to come out and have a great game or that the lights and scenes might be too big for them.

You just never know.

And the four seniors are kind of the same way.

It's that last game and they all know it's the last game.

And so you never know if they're going to come and kind of lay an egg or, you know, the nerves are going to get to them.

But I thought our kids did.

Our seniors, too, off the bench, did a really, really good job of handling pressure and doing things right and, you know, it got a little closer toward the end, got a little chippy.

And and they were really mature, I thought, in that handled the pressure and did what we needed to do to win it.

You know, obviously, this is a team that you played a handful of times over the last two seasons with Blanchard and Sadie.

You know that they've got to get their points.

But you did a really nice job defensively of really limiting their touches, especially in the paint with your eye to you know, they're really, really gifted athletes and really gifted basketball players.

And so, you know, as much as you hate to do it as a coach and especially me, I like to I don't like unknowns and.

I don't like, you know, question marks, but get to put the ball in the other kids hands in that situation and make them make plays.

And I thought we did a good job of that.

What's next now, Coach?

That's to, you know, you're going to hear it.

Can you go for three weeks?

You're going to try to move up to two next year.

So it'll be a whole new field.

There you go.

I know you'll give it a run no matter what.

And again, so many congratulations on.

An awesome performance all year long.

But that's okay.

Thanks.

Appreciate it.

Yes, some more stats on it.

Here is we get four in Washington into the mix, our player of the game and how about 20 or 45 shooting for man springs 44% the floor.

But the big difference, there they go, five of 12 from three and Norfolk, only one of 11 from downtown.

We've got Bryn Wash him now senior star for our champion, Mama Spring Lady Bears MVP in the state title game for the second year.

Congratulations, Brown.

Let's talk about the game a little bit.

I mean, it seemed like your team was ready from the jump.

Give it everything it had today.

No.

Yes.

Coach Small and Coach Cooper, they've done a great job the last two weeks, kind of watching Bill Martin, Norfolk, you know, plays.

And we went every day in practice.

We simulated and we would call out the play and we would have to explain like, what are they doing?

What how are we going to guard that?

Because you had to guard each player differently Because, I mean, Blanchard's obviously going to score a little bit more than the rest, so you have to kind of key on her and Chad.

So you guys really loaded up the non-conference schedule, played a lot bigger schools against you guys in preparation for this point.

How much of that non-conference schedule help you stack another trophy?

I mean, I think it won us that trophy.

I mean, we've played Farmington, Birdman, Nettleton, all big classic wars, Jonesboro.

And for me we're kind of comparing schedules.

When that's in Norfolk, that's kind of what we felt most confident in as we played in this situation.

I mean, we even played that mountain home.

Coach Small requested early games so we would be used to playing at 1130.

Congratulations on a second straight championship.

Go enjoy it.

Great game.

Thank you.

22 points, five rebounds, made all seven of her free throws and she's the MVP of the one State Girls title game for the second straight year.

Real quick, look at the highlights as we're already got the clock winding down for the boys game.

But really it started with Mama scoring that opening rolling 9 to 1.

They led the wire to wire in this championship game and they did just enough, obviously not their best offensive performance, but they played well enough to get the job done.

And that's why Mama Spring back to back one eight state champion.

Absolutely hitting the threes from the outside.

And then the defense picked up and you're right attack in the rack in the third quarter they were the team this year that was meant to hoist the final crown in Norfolk.

A worthy opponent a great adversary.

But the bears win this thing.

And Bobby we had a blast calling it.

Yeah, we did.

I mean, you're talking about these two teams with the basket.

They expected to be in the championship game again and that they sometimes the best teams don't always make it here.

We feel like we've got the best two teams in class one eight and they put on a show.

We're not done yet This broadcast, they won a boys championship game coming up March three.

I in the championship game at the buzzer last year.

So they've got a little payback on their mind but this year they're taking on a Nevada squad and a first year head coach and JR Mario Bell.

Don't go anywhere.

That game should be a blast.

It was an honor.

Bobby Swafford, thank you so much for having me.

For all the great folks here at our Arkansas PBS phenomenal production work the whole way through.

I'm Josh Bird.

Stick around.

Great basketball continues all afternoon here on Arkansas PBS.