That is how it is done.

It is the final game of championship weekend here, Banco Z Arena, and we saved the best for last as the two boys state championship game between Marshall and East Point Said County here at Hot Springs Convention Center.

I'm RJ Hawke along with Justin.

I agree.

And Justin it has been an outstanding couple of days of basketball, especially today.

We've had the one eight boys, one girls and the two girls, all outstanding match ups.

Yeah, no doubt.

Well, the two girls game, we finally got a competitive girls game down to the wire in that one and again got to repeat Champion again and that happened a few times this weekend courtesy we get it this one but it should be a great matchup as you mentioned you get the Bobcats a basket at 28 and eight down to a two and then the Warriors.

This used to be a program that was a staple here in the state finals.

It's been a minute since they been in this position again, but a big opportunity for both these teams to round it out.

And as you mention, take home that last piece of hardware from championship weekend, these points that county for those that were wondering if you watch the football state championships pretty much this entire team outside of two guys played on the football state championship game so it ought to be a lot of fun.

A lot of athletes on the floor for this one.

Well, we got a lot more to get to about, especially about how they got here.

So we'll get to that coming up next.

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Farm Bureau Insurance, real service, Real People is now in session back here at Bank Cozy K Arena at Hot Springs, getting set for today's two boys state championship game.

Between these points at County and Marshall, RJ Hawkins Just make sure standing by here courtside and let's go out and take a look at the bracket on how the Marshall Bobcats got here.

They come in 28 and eight on the season and really they started with the Riverside win.

It was a two point win, 5856.

They move on to the back, a blowout win for Marshall, 8455 if you move down the bracket, CMS 7363 and that's how they got here.

Justin It really is because of Peyton, the priest on why they're here.

Yeah, the priest 30 points a game, seven rebounds for him.

He had seven assists per game as well last year averaged 30 as well.

Just an absolutely outstanding player and 2000 career points and yeah the Bobcats getting here with that win over Cutter Morningstar RJ by ten that was a revenge game they lost to Cutter Morningstar in the regionals and avenge that loss to get here.

Now let's take a look over at the APC warriors at these points at county that outstanding season as well at 21 and 11.

Jamarcus Thaxton, their head coach and we'll go through their state title run.

Yeah.

Sloan Hendricks 5654.

That was their first win in the first round.

Then Junction City, another blowout lawsuit, kind of a trend between these two teams and then you move on to the big low game.

That's who at these points said county played in the football state championship game they beat them in basketball 7566 to make it to the state title game and they've got three guys but one guy that really shines as Jacob game said a61 sophomore floater 15 points a game for him and over seven rebounds a game.

How do you like 53% from the floor?

Pretty darn high percentage and he will be a key figure.

Certainly they don't play a lot of guys, but he will certainly be one that they'll look to very closely.

And then Dennis Gaines heading to UK for football, a 510 senior, and he is a ten point scorer.

But yeah, Jacob Gaines going to be the guy we're to keep an eye on number four today for the East Points County Warriors.

And you know, we talked about those three guys where he's points the county let's not forget Tyron real he's a guy that's averaging 13.2 points 73% free throw shooter So a lot of athletes we talked about in the three set, a lot of athletes on both sides.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the matchup between Jacob games and paying the price both high scorers they can really make plays on the floor and who steps up for Marshall because Bryce Griffin is also a ten points per game guy.

The other X Factor, Jesse Ragland, RJ 61, 60 a senior, 12 points, ten rebounds a game, and Ragland 21 points in that semifinal win.

You mentioned the priest also, how about Bryce Griffith?

He came up huge in that game, 22 points to help get them here and again avenging that earlier loss to Cutter Morningstar Griffith's a ten point score he's got over 1000 his career pretty good let's compare it to Peyton Priest who sitting over there with over 2000 That's exactly right Marshall The last time they won a state championship was 1946.

As for points, the county, they were here in 2016, they lost to Earl in that game.

See how much pressure they can cause?

Here is the Warriors when the opening tip.

But they averaged seven steals a game and Bobcats got to take care of the basketball.

Let's say they're going to open in a23 zone tie was real with the basketball.

We talked about 13.2 points per game and they're going to set up the offense to back Ryan signed him accustomed and he'll get it knocked out accused excuse me and you're going to see a lot of that where both these teams are really good at not only moving the ball around, but also steals that Ragland, the man in the middle here defensively RJ, man in the bottom of that two three zone works on the left side in the games that's Dennis Gaines.

The putback by Nichols is no good scramble for it.

And we've got a whistle, a foul that's Ragland Being strong inside the foul is going to be on Landon Nichols a six to senior.

But Ragland holding his ground in there and again got a second chance at it for the Warriors.

Now, what do you need to keep an eye on it down there?

But you need to be able to secure that defensive rebound.

Here's the Bobcats working quickly off the glass that Tommy was doing.

Tyler had to be starting that great vision bullet pass it to his teammates to get there before the defender can recover.

Transition offense for the Bobcats working quickly in this one as they go back top of the key.

That's Jacob Gaines back right side to reel and they're just going to use a lot of that shot clock to set up their offense.

Here's a 12 footer off the glass.

It's no good pulling him by the Bobcats and then stolen back away and a foul And it goes that time for these points that Johnny was Dennis Gaines Tyler making two mistakes back to back there threw the ball away and then commits the foul and it wasn't hard enough to stop the shot going up to get an and one here for Dennis Gaines.

And that was a heads up play by Dennis not giving up on the play and a chance to get a three point play And he does.

Dennis Gaines, as Justin said, committed to play football for the University of Central Arkansas.

And here's Bryce Griffin with the Basketball Trap at midcourt.

Good job by the Ragland bounce Pass in the lane over out to Griffin puts it up no good gets a rebound though swings it back to the priest and he'll drive but that to travel with the ball Good job of the bobcats breaking the pressure but obviously mistake there by the but that'll be probably a common theme just getting the ball across it gets these warriors scrambling around defensively going to be a key.

You got to take care of the basketball.

You know, you look on the court, Justin, Jesse Ragland, six three and a center by far the biggest guy on the court.

And he's just he's thick.

He's a he's a force to mess with down low here on the right side is real for three off the side of the line, no good scramble for bobcats.

Come up with it.

That's hardest.

He'll go up with a left handed roll villains Good.

But that's him to get down court to himself and then sprints to get it hardest.

£120.

RJ But that guy can go carry a lot of weight down the field.

Downcourt rather miscues.

One gets it off the game's walls, the handle on it, Bobcats come up with it.

The pre is going to walk the ball into the frontcourt and set the offense.

As Marshall leads this one by one walks into the right wing down low and down to Ragland, back to the breeze.

Fadeaway doesn't go.

The Warriors come out of there with it.

A big time rebound by Jacob Gaines locution right side to real They swing it around a Gaines That's Dennis for three It's good work and quickly go the Bobcats with a left hand no good offensive rebound That's Bryce Griffin he'll swing it back out to the priest now a three of their own splash is good harness big time gets a run out to and that time a beautiful high walking three for the lefty he's point said county with the basketball and Jacob Gaines works the back right side to real as defense for the Bobcats They're moving their feet as Dennis Gaines as it now goes back to Jacob his brother back to Gaines for three in good Boy.

It's a three point shooting contest right now.

Watch out.

You see it?

Basketball may want to have a word, Mr. Gaines, next year when he's got some downtime after football season.

All of Coach Brown go for that one good looking jump shot.

Here's the priest in the lane.

Nice move with the right hand He's fouled MATTHEWS Got some quick some Peyton to lose and everybody I'm really impressed with how quickly Marshall moves up and down the floor.

They don't waste any time.

What I like is and we've seen this a little bit this weekend, I've seen it in some other games.

It's actually been kind of a common theme, not easy to do, but attacking after even a make is trying to get to the other end of the floor.

After you get a make for the opponent.

It's not very common, but I think it's a great strategy and that's exactly what's happening.

Bobcats are just in constant attack mode.

Brees misses his first.

Second one is good and he's points that county leads by one almost halfway through this first quarter type ball game.

Kind of anticipating that full court pressure comes in they get the ball the left side two games goes out of bounds.

It stays with the Warriors.

The Bobcats make it hard on the Warriors to get it across the timeline to going to be a two way street in that regard.

So these points that county with the basketball is Tyra's real stance top the key down to 410 remaining here the first quarter Tony Smith in his seventh year for the Bobcats games from the corner and he's fouled he's going to go the free throw line shoot three.

Yeah you got to be smart about getting out to shooters in that zone.

RJ That time got a little late.

It's going to cost him free throws 28 and eight this year.

11 and three in conference play Warriors 21, 11, nine and six center.

Jamarcus Thaxton First three throws no good You know Dennis James, his junior year as a running back for his points that county rushed for almost 4000 yards It's video game numbers here's the second shot it's up and good yeah he he was actually being talked about on a bunch of national side scorers rushing yards he sat third in the nation in rushing to credible Here's the second shot or third shot.

It's no good and we've got a whistle and it's like there was a foul off the shot.

Well, they're going to call they're going to call that foul on Jacob Gaines.

That's his second personal foul.

It's also full court pressure by East Point, said County or the Bobcats break.

It lost a handle on it, though, when they got the front court.

Here come the Warriors working quickly with the right hand.

That's real.

No good balls on the floor.

Warrior Bobcats come out with it.

Here's Griffin as one to the four minute mark in this one.

Debris out right side of the paint, trying to find somebody.

That warrior defense really stepping up.

Here's Ragland with the right hand.

Try to kiss it off the backboard.

It's no good contact there on the right arm.

No call.

They let it go, let the play real, trying to find the man and he does off the glass at times.

Landon Nichols, how about that?

Ball got tipped right back to him.

Then he finds the man one process there and a layup for Nichols and he's points it county by four now 12 to 8 with 3 minutes to go in this first period Ragland to the crease pull up from ten feet No good warriors come down with the rebound working quickly goes real He lost a handle on it ball's on the floor gets it out.

That's over to Dillon Tyler to Griffin in the lane right hand No good offensive rebound to Prince with the basketball spin move floater It's good no call the little boy a little bit tough Well, how about the little hook there too just just kind of gradual enough to get some position and climb around the defender and get an opening for the basket, but not enough to draw the foul two point game.

These points had Kelly on top of Marshall right now.

Tyree's real work the back right side.

Here's a three point attempts to hard off the side of the glass comes down with it.

That is of those Dillon Tyler who came down with it now here's Ragland spin move nice moves kicks it back out.

Here's a three point from the corner It's no good Another offensive rebound the put backs no good going down with the rebound is Dennis James working quickly got the and one and the foul how about that foul was mama Houston sorry RJ Ragland there just a hair lay and Marshall fans didn't like to call it Bang bang.

That's a tough one.

Good officials today, Glenn McDade, Lance Smith and Rae Rogers.

And this can be a tough one as it tensely played, as it will be to officiate and let it go right now.

And she's letting it go as well.

But some three pointers countering that for Marshall.

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And you know what?

I love good ball games.

And these points at County and Marshall got one going right now where the Bobcats shooting 33% the Warriors 50% for 12 shooting for the Bobcats and five of ten right now for the Warriors.

So at the free throw line brings points at county is Obama McPherson he knocks down the free throw and makes the five point game rights Griffin to get the ball in the front court walks over to harness back over to the priest.

He swings it left side to Tyler Now Maness trying to find a man is it working down to the corner There's ten on the shot clock guys grip and back right side to harness down to four on the shot clock debris kicks it back left side one show second as it goes off the back of the backboard.

No good.

Ball's going to go out of bounds.

They save it in right into the hands of Tyler.

Now, Ragland got it.

He puts it up.

It's good.

It was chaos down there.

But the entire Marshall fan base yelling, shoot it threw me off their board because he kind of stuttered and went up with it.

It's a three point game.

These points that counties Obama Houston has, it brings it left side down to 20 on the shot clock, 35 on the game clock.

Bobcats exclusively this two three zone right side in the hands of Quincy Perry Dennis Gaines lost a handle on it goes out of bounds and it goes with Marshall I tell you the prince got really lucky.

It will right between his legs.

Yeah.

I wasn't sure he touched that.

Last official's going to give it to the Bobcats.

They've got a chance to get within one or tie the game.

And assuming they'll hold four one here with 20.2 shot, clock is off.

Heads up.

my goodness.

Threw it in and cool harness was not looking for it to will get it back.

Goodness almost a unforced error right there.

Down to 10 seconds remaining here the first quarter as Griffin drives.

Right.

His block and is taken by his points they counted out of 4 seconds miscues two with a runner no going.

That's going to do it for the first quarter.

Play.

Hey, buckle up.

This one is going to be a lot of fun.

15 at 12.

He's points it down and leads.

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Right now, Breeze points at county dentist games with all scores with ten points.

As for Marshall, Morris is leading the way with four points.

But there's Griffin and Tyler there with three points as well.

We start the second quarter plays, points it down and leading 15 to 12 as Payton, the priest is going to inbound the basketball it's an into Ragland drive drive baseline nice dish off that time by Griffin he put it up bingo coming down with the rebound his open breakaway Here comes Gase he's going to slam it home first basket RJ for Jacob Gaines and might as well make it memorable right Yeah I mean, he'll be the easiest bag basket he's going to happen and most likely here's Radwan bounce pass passes to Brees Nice turn away and it can't go get Gaines comes down with it working quickly to Perry Perry right side off the glass doesn't go gets his own rebound kicks it back in the middle and it goes high off the glass.

That's a nice job.

By Jacob Gaines Offensive rebounds a problem here.

You've got to get on the defensive glass if you're Marshall no rebound necessary off the dunk there Now checking the ball game for east points that county Tyree's real like Amoco Arkansas PBS sports got the sticker on top of the rim for the for the high shot there that's nice yeah you're going to get that's a good look Bryant's Griffin with the basketball it's good good good placement it's going to be a foul all day on Landon Nichols came right through and you see right there man Rick Houston's walking to him said hey, that's a that's not a necessary foul.

One foul.

Now, we're just about a minute in here to the second period, first foul, the second nice cut that time.

And it was Bryce Griffin who got the points.

Great inbound play left side over to the right side, blocked on the cut, got the Warriors napping there But Marshall still down five.

I was real with the basketball five point game Jacob Gaines travel with the ball turnover so far in this one the Bobcats have three turnovers the Warriors have five 635 and counting up here in the first half.

His points at County 19 Marshall 14 Here's the priest kicks it out right side here's a three by harness and it hits the bottom of that down pure as the driven snow by Fred High asking we've seen a couple of them from him tonight he's got eight of the 74 marks and more importantly gets this team back with the two harness is a 62% three point shooter this year.

It's crazy.

Now here's a three by Gaines.

It's in and out no good rebound pulled in by the priest working quickly goes Tyler in the lane with the right hand He lays it off the glass and good tie ballgame perfect pass in stride Didn't make him stop a bit There's like a quarterback to a wide receiver he's Bobcat fans are on their feet saying let's get a shot now Tyler's real work on the left side.

The game's down to the corner.

Mike Houston for three.

He's got it.

And that is a central run for the Bobcats.

Big answer for he's points it down it Ragland going baseline kicks it out back out to Griffin put it back in the hands of the priest The brace pulls up from the free throw line and that looks sweet Boy, he never even got squared up.

He's so strong, able to deliver the shot bucket within one.

Again, for Marshall, it's five now for the priest, 20 to 21, one point lead for his point, said county down to 5 minutes.

Play in the first half and we've got a whistle a foul as James tried to drive in that time cool harness got tripped up with it.

It's 62%.

That's mind blowing for harness.

It picks up the foul.

They're just a little too aggressive defensively.

But I mean, most of the guys we know couldn't hit 62% on air.

That's remarkable.

Exactly right.

Here's the inbound goes to Dennis Gaines.

Back to real.

We're slowing things down a little bit.

Dickinson's got it.

He's got the ball for three.

It rims out as Gaines is right there to get the offensive rebound kicks it back right side to Real Hill Drive in with the left hand It's good I tell you the amount of athletes on this floor right now, Justin, and there's a lot of big time plays being made.

Well, a lot of quick reactions getting some offensive rebounds.

It's an issue.

We talked about a great feed there by Tim Priest and a great put back is Dillon.

Tyler goes up with it Dillon Tyler's having him a game that's six points for him and 4 minutes remaining here in the first half.

It's a one point game.

Kyra's real goes back right side two games down here, accused him for three.

It's off the side of the iron, and Ragland comes down with it.

Nice.

Saved by Griffin into Ragland.

The crease wants to run again.

Tyler with a left hand.

We've got an opportunity now We've got a blocking foul.

A careful, anticipated.

So with the blocking foul that will take us to the media time out eight point said Johnny leaves it 2423 You're watching the Centennial State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.

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Well, this has been fun.

Experience this action all over again.

Next week you can watch the championship games on the PBS app any time.

And I'll tell you what, if this one continues this way, I maybe go back and rewatch it myself.

This has been as entertaining as games we've had all weekend and like you said, the athleticism for both teams, quick reactions, everybody crashing the glass, getting up and down the floor, but also really playing at a high level, not sloppy.

And sometimes when you get pace, you get a little bit messy.

Not so much the case today and big free throws coming up for Dillon Tyler and a chance to put Marshall into a tie here.

And think about this, Justin, both teams shooting at a high percentage right now, Bobcats shooting 43% or shooting 47% free throws.

Good one point game breaks, tie ballgame.

Scuse me.

it can be a one point game if it makes a second seven points now for Dillon.

Tyler Bobcats have the lead.

It's a guy that average of six rising to the occasion on the biggest stage.

The pressure from the bobcats in the back court.

As ball got deflected away, Gaines comes down with it.

Tyler's real sets up the offense.

So 15 on the shot clock the Houston driving end down to 4 seconds on the shot clock down to two deep, three from real.

His money that was deep.

He's points it down he comes up with a 2725 lead.

my goodness there's Dillon Tyler back to harness for three in and out the place with the putback parts of the offensive rebounds for both teams have been fantastic Everybody crashing and how about the Bobcats Big time there to stick it back in offensive rebound six now for the Bobcats two for the Warriors Houston back to real Here's a three by real splashes at home that was a little bit easier definitely on the shot clock but how about clutch perimeter shooting locked up here at 27 now 30 to 27 of these points at county's three pointer going down the breeze with the basketball factor hornets in the corner Ragland lost the handle on it.

Coming up with it was Jacob James gains back out left side to make Houston for three It's in and out no good the place come down with the rebound working quickly left side to Tyler and we got a whistle to travel I tell you what depress ability to deliver an absolute bullet pass right on the money.

Well running at full speed is remarkable.

He is so sharp as a player lover.

He's doing that with himself.

But to get his teammates involved and in-transit in impressive the way he delivering it.

And I think that both these teams do a great job with transition defense.

They both get back extremely fast.

Minute 30 left till halftime.

The Houston swings into the corner, then gets it back at a ten on the shot clock, stolen away by the priest, three on one opportunity going up for the alley.

It's good he threw it down to Whiteside and we got a whistle and a foul at midcourt.

Yeah, that set this crowd on fire.

Then I got to see that again.

That was brilliant.

Here comes the replay.

Hey, what a great pass to by Hornets.

Right on the money to priest six two going up to finish it and accuses just like what is going on where to you one minute until halftime as tigers real takes the ball in the high post kicks it back over to Dennis Gaines for three dozen go got to scramble for it and we've got a jump ball possession stays at these points it down I was real good inbound it gets it out to get this game under a minute to play now until halftime in the lane goes games and we've got to whistle a foul man one point game 45 seconds left in the half and an attacking Jacob Gaines going to the line second foul on Ragland to keep it on that RJ may see him sit we'll see if Coach Smith goes to the bench here Want to keep Ragland out from getting his third, although probably not a huge risk here with all the Warriors back, unless somehow Jacob Gaines gets his own miss.

If he happens to knock, knock this one down, makes it a two point game with that may to make it a three point game.

Here it is in and out.

No good coming down with those boys.

Griffin got a ten second differential game in shot clock.

Finally, Smith said again the call and partners with the ball takes it top the key bounce pass left side of Tyler in the lane is Ragland with a floater He doesn't go coming down with Quincy Perry working quickly to Dennis Gaines Warriors can hold four one looks like they may pull it out and do just that so it warriors in great shape to take the halftime lead it's going to be a matter of by how much games to the corner that's to Perry for three to harden trying to throw it out of bounds but I believe they're going to say that he's there he'll say they stepped out of bounds to rebound get ball.

They need to put some more time on the clock, too.

And I think they're looking at that right now, RJ, because we stepped out on the end line and he did there.

They should have at least 2 seconds, maybe almost three.

There you go, 2.1.

Good job by these officials.

Give the clock rights the 2.1 seconds remaining here until halftime.

The priest heaves it down the court and gets deflected away.

That's actually not a bad situation.

Now they'll get it on this end of the floor and they'll have a chance with 9/10 of a second left.

Not sure if he can do much with it.

May have to try to get something, go to the rim for a tip up inbounds.

Going to get a harness.

He'll throw up a three.

It's off the siren.

No good.

And that'll take us to halftime.

Boy, we've got a little bit of everything here the first half.

Stick around.

We'll send you back to the Arkansas PBS studios and we're going to have a great second half these points at 2031, Marshall, 29, You're watching the Centennial State basketball Championship on Arkansas PBS Sports Watch, The Electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

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Welcome back.

The Arkansas PBS studios in Conway, Steve Sullivan here, along with Christina munoz.

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

But stay where you are.

We've got some good stuff coming up, including a look at the Arkansas PBS Student All-Star team for 2024.

But first, there's a basketball team up in northeast Arkansas with a coaching situation that's just a bit different.

We spent some time with coach Barbara Wilburn of three.

Let's take a look.

If you're going to be in here, you're going to play basketball.

I my my background just consistency, its definition, conformity in the application of something that typically that in which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy or fairness.

But there is another definition for consistency, the way in which a substance holds together, or maybe who holds it together.

So that Mark Tre high school there is no doubt whom in fact to suggest that there's a big deal being made about female coaches or female officials during a men's games and people talk about how trendsetting that is, but that's been happening in a mortuary since the late nineties when they made her head coach of a boys program.

I am Barbara Webber and coveted.

I am the head basketball coach for junior and senior high boys basketball here mortuary been here 33 years.

Honestly, I never knew where mortuary Arkansas was until someone hired me to come to mortuary.

The kids are great at the community is great.

It just is just a great small town.

So I actually met Coach Wilburn when I was in junior high, and I was actually out here on this court shooting and she walked up and she started giving me some pointers and it was from that moment that, like, I've always looked up to her cause she want the best for us.

Just going out there and playing with her on her.

I saw it just motivates us even more outside of the school walls.

She's a huge figure in our community.

Everybody knows Coach Wilbon.

Everybody's heard the stories, whether they're true or not.

My very first experience with basketball, I can remember and I think I was in a third grade, third or fourth grade, and I just intrigued that they are running and jumping and playing ball one with Marlin Salander.

So I was just sitting there and all of a sudden I could hear like somebody coming up the steps.

The coach says, If you're going to be in here, you're going to play basketball.

So I just been intrigued ever since Coach Wheeler has a level of intensity that she brings to this and to this community and a level of expectation.

The beautiful thing about that is that our kids like, they embrace that intensity.

She taught me how to play in like bigger schools, like saints, and we all players just killed their biggest cause.

It doesn't mean a small town school can come through.

In my philosophy, I think it's just simple is simple is be and you know, you got to play defense to win and just have respect.

And that intensity has has served some of those young men well.

There's tons of things that they've taken away from Barbara Wilburn, her work ethic, her desire to excel, the way she carries herself.

What really tugs at my heart is when we go places and people walk up and say, You got the most respectable kids I've ever seen on on a basketball court.

I mean, that to me, that's that's just the math.

That's just math.

Coach Wilburn, by all accounts, is running a great program there.

And.

Now, Christina munoz is here to introduce us to some very talented kids, both on and off the court.

Christina That's right.

Thanks, Steve.

Earlier in the season, we reached out to coaches all over the state looking for athletes who excel on the court and in the classroom.

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 PBA 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 represents the four boys.

JJ has a 3.72 GPA and wants to play professional basketball.

The five girls are well-represented by Lincoln, more of the Mountain Home.

Lady Bombers Laken 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.

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 a quiz.

Bowl 2024 this April.

That is definitely something that you will not want to miss.

Well, Steve, it is about that time.

Yep.

Much more coming up in the second half.

That's right.

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

Arkansas PBS 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 you.

See you.

Bounce, Bounce, bounce, bounce.

Back here at Bank of Music Arena, as we're coming out of half, it's 31, 29 points down in the two boys state championship game.

R.J. Hawthorne with Justin Carey.

And Justin had a great first half with check out those first half stats.

And really, when you look it, I mean, pretty even 1124 shooting, 45% for the Warriors, 42.9% on 12 of 28 shooting, 3.5 of 14 for the Warriors, two of five for the Bobcats free throw shooting, 75% for the Bobcats.

I mean, really pretty clean game, only 11 total turnovers.

Just absolutely.

No, that's what we talked about earlier.

I mean, it's incredible the pace of play.

We can watch some highlights now getting up and down, the rate that they're getting from one end of the floor to the other.

But playing clean game and really take care of the basketball, being very sharp and fighting inside to two.

Now we've seen a number of guys making long distance jumpers, too, though.

And boy, that's stroke.

I'll tell you what, Coach Harness, who also made the pass of the first half, giving it over to the breeze for the flush.

We've seen some really good moments for both teams.

And like you said, it's been a very evenly played game.

There's the dunk for Jacob Gaines, the first half.

Here's another look at it.

And it was nice, but we saw him get outdone a little bit later on.

There's the prince fighting inside.

He's fighting his way to impact the game and there's the finish big time.

On the dunk by Dave Priest on the feed from harness right over a buck Houston and heck of a game I mean and again it's nice when you get to halftime and you have no idea how this one's going to turn out.

That's all we want.

Yeah.

No, absolutely.

You know, it's going down and we've seen both these teams now for a house.

In your opinion, what are some some keys for both these guys to get out and get a win?

I think the biggest thing is you got to find a way to limit teams to one shot.

That's the biggest thing.

And you saw, you know, when you look at the stats, RJ on second chance points 7 to 5 and seven for Marshall five for his points at County.

If you could keep the other team from getting offensive rebounds and stick backs, I think that'll be a big pick because again, there's so much athleticism.

You got a lot of active hands, guys chasing down misses, so you've got to secure those defensive rebounds.

I would look at that as a very critical key in the second half because like you said, both teams are going to shoot a pretty good percentage because you've got so much quickness.

They're getting some transition buckets, but you've got to keep the other team from second chances.

Well, looking forward to this second half as both teams make their way up 3129 these points that county leads Marshall final game of the championship weekend.

It has been an outstanding week in almost 40,000 people watch with with this game over 40,000 folks have come to banco de carino one give one more shout out to our stat crew boy Troy Mitchell and those guys have done an outstanding job keeping us up with all the information.

Don't forget that if you want to keep up with the stats at home, you can go that link at the bottom of your screen.

Triple dots tab Broadcast.com, and you can follow along with all the stats from this game.

But Randy, Blake, Tyler, Ernie and Troy, they have done a great job over the three days, keeping up with all the stats for this one, and it's been a lot of fun.

They do a great job with both teams back here on the floor and we are set ready to go for second half action as the Bobcats are going to have the ball first.

They will be moving to the left of your screen here at Bank, Jose Arena.

All right, Bobcat, start with it here.

Right to work to priest, then take it about 6 seconds to get the toboggan.

Here comes his points at county.

Now Tyree's real work the ball at the free throw line.

Bank it off the glass.

No good coming down when it was Dillon Tyler, the priest cross court to find harness.

He'll drive the lane now go up with the left hand.

It's good.

He says he's not going to move to three quarters.

Pull harness is listed at 571 20 and he is not afraid to go inside at all.

You're right.

We know he can stroke it from outside, but Let's take it in the trees bounce, pass down low to James takes it off the glass No good offensive rebound put backs good That time it was Landon Nichols.

And what do we just talk about Second chance points and see that's how they open their scoring in the second half For now for Nichols, that crash of that offensive glass could be a key for both teams.

The priest goes baseline trying to find harness does works it back over to Nichols now back to the priest walking down low to Ragland the big guy's going up and under his belt.

He goes, nice move By Ragland going up and under reverse, lay in and was able to get the foul Jesse Rag when the six three senior makes it a three point play.

We've already had eight points scored and we're not even a minute and a half in the second half.

Remarkable.

Both teams getting after it.

Marshall getting the better of it.

They have made up that two point deficit.

Now they have a three point lead with six and a half to play in the third.

The Warriors just checked in.

Doug Real put some size down low Here's Tyree's reel kicks it left side as to make Houston he'll go off the glass Nice move That was not an easy basket at all Going underneath the basket reaching back over and flipping it up for the bucket to get these points and counting back within one.

Yeah Doug real certainly will.

Here's a three by Ragland Airball create some some room in the middle there but a good job get now challenging against Ragland probably more comfortable playing in the post down there but did a good job going out and challenging Ragland in enough to cause the miss.

I don't think that it's going to be a chore for Wright going to push him around with the basketball working back down low, that's Gaines had it stripped away for him.

The Hornets a great job collapsing defensively for the Bobcats.

Hornets for three.

It's good.

He is a dangerous man when he gets beyond the arc, left side goes real, kicks it back out to make Houston for three can't get it to go offensive rebound and he traveled through this game but I think he got a little push from Doug we'll maybe travel here's a replay of it came down with it now Ragland working quickly floater can't get it to go rebounds pulling by ABC That was a good job by real though he stood his ground and it caused Ragland to stop his momentum and it made the shot a little bit tougher.

If he could have finished all the way to the rim, might have been easier.

So give credit to Doug Riehle for creating that Miss Warm Houston takes it to the free throw line.

The game stopped bumps giggles Nice job at Jake James I mean super under control Get the jump stop RJ gathering and rising after the spin move in the lane Beautiful finish Here's another look at it From now to make it a three point play It's a third foul on Ragland too and he does Bagley got that second in the first half and quickly picks up his third here That's a Joel one point game partners in the quarter loss to Hannibal was able to save it right in the hands of Ragland and Ragland just over throws his intended target that time trying to hook up with Bryce Griffin and we talked about how good the passing has been and it's been remarkably good that time.

A little bit sloppy and out of control for the Bobcats.

They still cling to that one point lead almost halfway through this third period.

I was real at the jump circle.

Nick Houston now picked up his dribble, went back left side to real, down to 15 on the shot clock, the Houston mini travel and that's all by the Bobcat defense reaching a hand in there knocking him off his pace there and ended up taking steps because of it and he must have gotten all ball was we got to reach in Carl so great job by the defense of the Bobcats working quickly here's Ragland on the wing debris floater right side no good offensive rebound by Ragland right There's Tyler to pick it back up working quickly is Griffin in He's got a floater from the baseline RJ two more second chance points and again key factor and how about the work by the Bobcats attacking the offensive glass three point game one of four to play here in the third RJ little different look here defensively 131 for the Bobcats they get a poke away Good job by Dupree praise that a run out part is to the pleased he's got pushing home different look confuse the warriors at 131 you get harness out in front warriors didn't know what to do they turn it over and there's a time out Marshall down at the break by two Now they lead it by five.

You're watching the Centennial Back State Basketball Championships on Arkansas.

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A couple of slams for Payton to breeze and a 14 to 7 run to open this third quarter for Marshall has got them not only back in the game but into the lead a three pointers going down for Cole Harness as well He's played fantastic and second chance points becoming a problem for the east points county warriors and there was that flush by Payton to praise what an athlete able to finish at the rim when he gets it on the open floor and a 4338 lead for Marshall's We get back to live action here over the final 3 minutes of the third period Here's James kicks it left side Dennis Gaines for three hit on the side of the rim and we've got a real sort of foul He goes a nice job by Dennis Gaines Justin Falls his shot gets his own Ole Miss that goes back up, gets a three point potential three point play on this.

I feel like a wind up.

I'm just like, pull the string.

I keep saying the same thing.

What were those second chance points right This time he got his own and two more.

Make it three second chance points.

It turns out for him.

Two point game.

Here's debris working the ball right side to Ragland Nice pass to Griffin game here to go offensive rebound puts it back That's Tyler second chance points here comes the APC in the lane Nice move that time by Jacob Gaines First chance points are fun two What a battle ten points now Yeah ten points for Gaines and a two point game Two threes to has it.

They do threes works on the right side of Payne with a one hand it floats in.

He is a gamer Eddie I tell you what he's so Acker when he's hanging in the air.

I also love the fact that he doesn't overshoot.

I mean, he takes it when he's got it.

That's a nice job going up and over.

Bounces off the glass that time.

Jacob Gaines, he's making plays as well.

Yeah, a lot of shot makers right now.

And again, two of the best back to back right there.

Here's Ragland bounce pass in the lane Bryce Griffin high level basketball beautiful to watch this the way Dr. Naismith intended it 4945 under two to play in the quarter we've got a whistle and a foul He's going to go against harness harness start to get himself in a little bit of trouble here for fouls RJ That may be his fourth.

Yep it is look out don't want to lose number five but he'll have to sit down with that foul trouble.

He's frustrated, but that was a risk reward.

He did not need to take that risk.

Here's a play by Gaines and another big play that bounces it off the glass.

Fearless Jacob Gaines, Andy Granado checked him for harness.

He's getting his first action.

The ball game?

Yep.

Get in there.

Fix that jersey.

So pull the jersey down.

Straighten up, get ready.

Here's the priest.

And he's fouled.

Yeah, he better.

You're walking into the line of fire.

It's about to get wild, sir.

Get ready over there.

It's a hard one to walk into.

In.

Yeah.

I mean, I could imagine being cold off the bench, jumping in this thing.

Now.

126 in the third nip and tuck game.

Here's a nice move by Griffin and he goes up on the verge right hand.

How good are these inbound plays?

They got that one earlier and they got it again Beautiful inbound play games kicks it out top the real now Tommy Houston lost the hand on and regains it to poke away there by Ragland down low bad pass picked up by the Bobcats Here's a one out working it down to Griffin and he lost the handle he stepped out of bounds missed opportunity there for the Bobcats.

They lead by four.

That could have broke it wide open with under a minute to go here in the third quarter.

But again, active hands defensively you know sometimes you think zones a little passive not the case for the Bobcats very active in that zone and they are reaching in digging in on the post when they get it down low and trying to poke it away.

They did at that time, but couldn't take advantage.

Jacob Gaines looks at the left side of towers real bad to McHugh's team.

Real thought about the three quarter back out and Jacob Gaines in the lane put up the shot can't get it to go big offensive rebound put back and go another offensive rebound finish games this time Here's a three from real It's no good and the ball's on the floor We got a travel goal I don't think you ever have possession to travel with it but okay interesting going after three cracks at it.

These points that count, he couldn't get it to go.

The Bobcats now could hold four one leading by four.

Donnie Smith for ABC.

Not a happy camper right now with 15 seconds left in the quarter, Ragland got it in slow things down with ten to please just a handle on it goes left side in the lane Here's Tyler and he knocks it in Great move and that's going to go for the third quarter play.

Hey if you're at home right now, watch this.

Don't go to jail because he's about to be on third, fourth quarter.

As you're watching the Centennial State basketball championships in Arkansas.

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Kate Barber is our Arkansas PBS student all star Cedar Ridge High School 4.0 GPA star forward for them.

A senior plans to become an anesthesiologist.

Pretty heady stuff there.

Congrats to Keith Barber.

We've seen an anesthesiologist drill for some people want to be a veterinarian Australia.

So it's a vast career.

Sure.

But you know what?

We've got one quarter of basketball left here by Jose Karina.

We got a good look at what, a third quarter for martial.

They outscored these points at county by 824 to 16, the biggest quarter from a scoring standpoint by either team tonight.

Here's James can't get it to go the putback it goes and one the big bang dunk reel with the bucket and the harm and he's got a chance at a three point play what a start to this fourth quarter and that was a big time rebound with Ragland in his face and now Ragland in some foul trouble That's for on him.

You're not blocking out big man Real check in the ball game now is going to be Justin Deptford He's getting his first playing time in ball game foul trouble forcing the hand of these coaches.

And again how long do you hold it?

That's the question.

Luckily for Donnie Marshall, you got four excuse me for Donnie Smith.

You got to lead free throws.

Good.

So you got a little bit of time to play with here.

But again, two of your key guys out with foul trouble.

Here comes Marshall is Dillon.

Tyler's got it in the breeze down.

Well, slow things down.

Give it off.

And Dekker down.

Back right side to Griffin.

Griffin finds plenty of time on the shot clock down to 15 And he lost the handle but he's fouled by Mike Houston.

Did you see some Have he noticed that when Dekker had the ball out there on the wing and there's the foul Doug Real was talking all kinds of noise to him.

It's hilarious.

I'm dying over here.

Brill just made a bucket and he's now he's like, I'm into this now you're getting it.

I love it.

I like the passage.

By the way, we got a ten.

It's total gets here.

The second inbound pass is going to come up top to Dekker goes right side Now we've got a whistle away from the basketball and soon you'll hear the Bobcats.

They're going to put that on.

Andrew Andy Granado.

that's a tough call.

Gets the Bobcats momentum swinging the Warriors way here.

Total tournament attendance 42,000 zero 76.

A lot of high school basketball fans getting treated this weekend.

And this one as good as any of them.

Here's real over to the Houston and real was the handle on it.

He wasn't looking when the pass came to it went over his shoulder.

So Marshall with the basketball three point game, the priest gives it off to Dillon.

Tyler and work it over to Gernhardt on the wing for three airball.

But right, there's a bobcat to save it.

GRIFFIN Now at the free throw line, pull up it goes.

That's a big time bucket and more again.

Second chance points for the Bobcats.

In the lane goes James can't get the goal is on the floor will get a whistle a foul but these offensive rebound numbers just are insane both teams have ten offensive rebounds Second chance now 13 for each team.

We talked about it as a key go back to the halftime break It was 7 to 5 Marshall in the lead with second chance points so both teams really attacking the offensive glass inbound pass is going to come.

It was off the breeze.

Now here's a run out by Tyler.

He'll lay it off the guys it's good that's the largest lead going seven points now for Marshall.

Remember Hornets and Ragland on the bench right now for the Bobcats.

He's PC.

Here's Jacob Gaines walking it down low to real three off the glass Keagan to go offensive rebound and he's fouled That's Jacob Gaines who's going to they're going to say it's on the floor that foul is going to go against Granada And here's the big thing RJ that's the fourth team foul.

And again, for those who have not been keeping up with it, Gaines can't get it to go to the offensive rebound.

Gaines come back joint lost the handle on it All right I was going to say is again it mirrors the women's basketball college game.

Fifth foul is automatically two free throws.

So the rest of the way the Warriors are shooting two if they draw a foul in the lane.

Here's Rick Houston he's able to get was it was the big man and that was he has come to life I mean he has been a key asset here in the second half for the Warriors and again back to a five point game.

He has five, by the way, Ragland is back in the game for the Bobcats.

Got to roll the dice here.

Tony Smith taking his chances.

Dillon, Tyler working it down to the threes.

Turn around.

Can't get it to go Offensive rebound ball goes out of bounds and it goes with keys points it down He knocked away from Tyler and off his leg and out of bounds So back to Epic again the act of hands paying off Tyler's real checks in the game checking out it's going to be Quincy Perry you knew that was his that was real real making the play again this dude has been a big time factor.

Doug Real tip of the cap didn't play in the first have been big here Dennis Gaines for three no good rebound by the Bobcats they're going to get it out of there Bobcat fans want to reach in they'll get a foul once they get into the frontcourt.

A lot of hands reach it in there after the rebound.

No foul called.

They will get it across midcourt second team foul against Pepsi five point game 503 to play in this one the priest with the basketball 5 minutes to go five point lead there's a whistle even in the fouls out here RJ but Houston's going to be calling for the foul and now checking back in his harness coming out of the ballgame for Marshall is giving Justin Dekker right Going down in the corner Lost the hand on his really knocked it away Ball's on the floor it's Gaines who comes up with it one way out is Jacob Gaines.

Hill wrote in with a fingertip harness.

The defender back, couldn't foul him, couldn't get aggressive defensively because he's playing with 416 points now for Jacob Gaines and a smart play by harness, but probably one that's a little bit tough to take games down to a three point lead here.

The priest with the basketball fadeaway can't get it to go and we get a whistle, a foul.

That's got to be against Ragland.

That's Ragland is done.

That's his fifth and not a smart play there went right through the guy to get try to get to the ball and not only that but he got issue free throws at the other end Checking back in the ballgame for Marshall, it's giving Justin Decker a brief respite.

Ragland again when you got a guy that likes to go, go, go, he don't have an off switch but unfortunate for Ragland that time it's going to cost him his eligibility in this championship game finishes the game with five points.

But it was I mean, I think his presence on the floor was bigger than the 500% good defense.

Big factor in this one.

Free throw good.

And adding to the total Jacob Gaines, phenomenal performance here today.

Jacob Gaines so far is it's 18 for him.

Yeah, eight of 12.

Now from the free throw line one point game, this has been a game of runs.

Here come the Bobcats.

Tyler's got it.

Gives it off to Cole harness to the priest in the lane, pulls up Mexico.

how big a ball coast absorbs the contact and rises up for the basket.

17 Now for the priest these points said County has a basketball 1 to 4 minute mark.

Next stop it takes us to our media timeout.

Walking around into the hands of real back over to games games fine drill down to 11 on the shot clock but Houston in the lane dishes it off and a nice lay in by Jacob Gaines is up to 20 That was a great find there but Houston could have forced one up and Steph feeds it to his teammate for an easy layup.

Brice Griffin gives it to the priest.

They'll kick it out the horns from the corner for three.

It's no good to all go now with the rebounds.

Jacob Gaines.

ABC can take the lead in the lane and the boy gets his own rebound, puts it up, can go, gets another rebound.

He does go three three cracks at it for Jacob Gaines in front for ABC with a one point lead Here's harness under 3 minutes down deep priest going to pull up from deep can't get it to go wheels right there get the rebound Jacob Gaines walking down the Houston up and under it goes great body control There would have been easy to have that would lead you out of bounds in a timeout marshall and the warrior fans are going wild.

What a comeback for these warriors and taking a three point lead that will take us to the media.

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Well we've got 2 minutes and 32 seconds left.

The Bulls won eight points and Downey leads it 62 to 59.

He's points a county leading and second chance points.

Now 13.

And that's the difference of the game.

R.J., a three point lead for the Warriors and a critical possession here for Marshall.

The priest with the basketball has 17 points in this one.

It's in the hands of the Hornets.

GRIFFIN To Dekker, back over to the priest, down to ten on the shot clock.

He'll pull up from deep three.

It's off the floor.

The rim no good Offensive rebound.

And it's going to be on the floor to scramble for.

But he comes up with it.

Working was real in the lane and we've got a whistle blocking foul I think that was a pretty good goal adjusted absolutely got their lane slid under him kind of a no brainer he said he was set but yeah that's a tough one.

The biggest thing is you've got to secure the offensive rebound.

He had a great shot at it.

The other thing is the priest, I think, trying to force the issue a little bit too much for some deep freeze.

He hasn't been settling through the game, but he has his last held possessions trying to make something happen.

And I understand that.

But I don't love the shot selection as the free throw goes in to make it a four point game, you've got to find a way to do what you've been doing inside out, move the ball, maybe get a look for harness, but really not really wide open threes.

And certainly you don't want to be taking one five, five feet behind the three point line.

Not at this juncture.

Tyree's real knocks down his first time was real tonight, nine points makes his second now checking in the game.

Freeze points it down.

He's going to Quincy Perry.

What a fourth quarter answer by the Warriors.

Here's Bryce Griffin in the lane with the right hand.

He's able to get it to go.

It wasn't easy flowed again he got 12 Matt Houston banked in games a minute, 30 left he's led some time take off this one but Houston in the lane puts up a shot doesn't go ball's bouncing around the offensive rebounds take it by Marshall now we get a whistle a foul ball is going to be on note real little too aggressive there.

The guards reaching in, they almost got to tie up, but he ripped it away.

But they're going to call in foul.

The real takes what he wants.

Real thought it was going to be time that now with his thumbs up now chicken back in the ball game for you because he retires real he'll come in for Quincy Perry and what do you do now?

Well try to get something, go to the basket or look for an open three.

Well, if you're going to shoot the three, I think there's only one guy on the court on him black and his name's Harness half.

He's got to be the guy who shoots 62%.

Here's the priest who was adopted Griffin ABC's extend of that pressure R.J. tough to get a good look at the Brees back over to Griffin in the lane but that the shot and it goes but he traveled my goodness basketball my goodness tough call against Marshall right there What a shot by Griffin Tough call how did a replay there and now Griffin go right back into defensive mode say get back here down to 45 seconds.

Tyra's real.

There's still 25 seconds on the shot clock.

Yeah, he's looking to the bench.

Do we give a foul here?

And he say yes.

So free throws for both teams the rest of the way.

And these are huge.

Obviously currently a one possession game.

And there's the look again.

I mean, that is as close as it gets.

And I'll tell you what, that is the swing, because if they don't call the travel there, watch it again, very close.

They don't call the travel.

He's got an and one free throw.

Good.

It's a four point game real is now three of three from the free throw line What a take by Griffin and that was again he's a tough shot maker he got a tough floater that possession before that is a tough break second free throw good that's clutch for Tyrus real makes it a five point game Here's Hornish forced into the breach back to harness for three Can't get it to go period real comes down with it APC going to on to it and now real is going to be fouled by as Mike Houston did go down and score it makes it a three possession game he got the run out you go get the layup at 6861, the game's virtually over.

How are you going to put it on the free throw one And I understand run a clock.

I get that.

But still a long way to go.

And they could take the points there if you get a run out.

But I will say it.

But what do you take the points tonight?

It's not he's not being selfish by going again.

This no doubt Nothing.

Nothing.

You were saying that.

No.

Two, he was trying to get time on.

It's easy for me to say I'm not in the in the middle and the free throw is good.

And the other thing is, if he could get Tyrus real foul, that's like, make it two anyway, So it's fine.

You're exactly right.

A couple of extra seconds off.

What a response by APC.

And I'm looking at the key, key cog right there.

Doug, Really, when he came in, it made a huge difference.

He made a lot of plays for this team.

Shots no good offensive rebound and they found him and that was a hard foul by Brice Griffin Boy APC doing everything right down the stretch Second foul against Griffin and boy a missed opportunity here and martial lament what could have been but give your credit to the warriors they have made plays here in this second half and they're going to call an intentional foul.

Wow, free throws.

No good is Jacob Gaines at the free throw line that basically ends it?

They just took him free throws.

No good has to both six point game and to think that he was back and forth but for the vast majority of this one, Marshall led more in this ballgame and APC just kept grinding.

The problem is it's not only that, but with the intentional you get the ball too, and they're going to throw it in the backcourt and the Bobcats going to let this one go.

That'll do.

What an effort.

What a game.

No, they're going to get the foul after all.

4.8 seconds left.

It really no way to do it down again really exciting ball game and it was all epic down the stretch.

I mean it was back and forth and it was whoever got the momentum at the last that it was all warriors down the stretch.

And you mentioned the two RJ Ragland coming out of there, the key rebounder for them averages ten a game and lost a little bit of an inside presence, kind of changed the dynamic of the ball game well and he was able to battle with real I mean he had the size the battle was real.

And I'm to your point though, this was a much different team down low when Doug really came in the ballgame.

Now we got subs happening, a taste of that championship experience.

Trevor Smith in for Epic Faron tell in for the Bobcats free throws Good Christian Burke in for Marshall as well Keenan Horton senior tackle wins no good running the ball for the Bobcats and that's going to do it these points Kelly they are your two boys state champions your final score in this one these points County 68 Marshall 61 when we come back we will have our tournament MVP as well as a conversation with our head to head basketball coach Jamarcus Paxton.

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Best episode ever back here at Bankers Arena.

They're the champs, the two boys, state champions.

These points, the county, the Warriors are taking the title home for this one.

And now joining us here, courtside head coach Jamarcus Paxton and coach.

And probably the best game, the best way to end this.

And you guys were trailing most of the way, but found a way there in the second half to to overcome their offense and their defense to pull out a win.

This kind of been what we've done all postseason pretty much just come from my guys.

You stay focused.

They stay locked in and stay engaged.

Like we always say, you're not always going to make shots, but your defense got to travel, which everywhere you go, we've stopped stuff done.

Got some key stops, guys, made some big time shots, just never giving up.

Our biggest thing all year is whether to stop and just stay engaged to adversity and stay together as a team.

You know, for the part coach, your MVP games just kept getting bucket after bucket.

He was huge down the stretch as you guys came back and then took the lead there and said something you've seen from him all season.

I watched him grow.

He's consistently gotten better throughout the entire season.

He's on this all more.

The sky's the limit for all I tell him every day.

Just keep working.

Just keep trusting the process, not go.

I always see growth.

But for what?

Wasn't it probably in my lifetime.

Why somebody continue to get better over the season and today is just a testament of his hard work.

Now, I want to ask you about your X Factor to your love and Doug real out there.

He could make an impact.

I mean, he's rebounds active hands knocking balls away, got some buckets.

I mean did a great job for you in there.

I thought he really kind of helped turn the tide for you guys Didn't play him in the first half round all but it's second hand.

Like you said, he did an amazing job.

Doug has been, I expect your force, his size inside his ability to box out, rebound, finish around around, make free throws.

He's a great defender and help Defense is always there when you need him willing to take the time and sacrifice his body.

He knows how to play the game the right way and that's what he did, saying I got to feel good.

It's been a minute since he sees that A championship.

Yes.

Yes.

I think it's on our show.

It's 2012.

The last time ABC won the state championship.

We're going to put you that.

We're going to put 24 on the uniforms to pay tribute to this.

Goodbye, Coach.

Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

Hey, if he sees that they're the champs, let's go to quick some stats for this one.

As look at that.

The Bobcats shot 50%.

He shot 47% from three point range.

The Warriors, five of 19, Bobcats, three of 12 free throw zone.

I mean, turnovers, rebounds, Warriors got it done in this one.

And now joined by the tournament MVP Jacob Gaines.

Boy it feels good to be the champ done it.

Yes sir.

We you guys we were talking to your coach just a minute ago about the back and forth in this one.

And you guys were trailing for the first part, but found a way towards halftime to really pull within, what, three points in this game.

And just talking about what's cool.

What coach talked to you about right before half the defense we need to pick up on defense that was our in our rebound let's do like ten and he liked that he got on to us and we fixed it Yeah then a huge third quarter and then you come back.

What was the key for you?

I mean, he would miss for a while there, but what were the keys for you guys getting back in and after they taking the lead in the fourth quarter, really just I guess put my head down and go score like that was my main things.

Were you surprised with, with the tempo that the Bobcats had.

I mean they were they as you guys run in there much of the game but you guys match it most of the way.

Yeah.

It scared me for a second.

I thought we were always up for it, but I guess we fought back, played better defense targeting rebounds.

We did good.

Yeah.

Attacking.

I mean, that was the key.

I thought, you know, attacking really not only initially, but a lot of second chance points for you guys.

You were relentless on the offensive glass seemed to be a big key for you guys that part of your makeup?

Yes, sir.

No, he told me to box out, grabbed rebounds, just keep grabbing rebounds and push the ball like this.

Push, Jacob.

Hey, Congratulate, Patience.

You are a state champion.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Great job.

That is your tournament MVP Jacob Gaines as epic.

They win it tonight by a final score of 6861.

Justin had a lot of highlights in this one.

Yeah, no doubt about it.

There's a tough bucket inside and there were some open looks from three as well.

And again, that was really setting the tone early on from the perimeter and countering BPC.

But to me it was all about the relentless nature.

There's a shot inside for our unfortunate situation.

He fell down, but there's your MVP getting it done.

Great look of that dunk.

But man, some tough buckets.

RJ And there's that alley oop that was kind of the play of the game for Marshall tonight.

Paid the price, finishing off that feed.

And I thought, boy, a heck of a night for Cole.

Harnessed a little bit of everything for this team tonight.

It was one of his three pointers from outside and unfortunately got himself a foul trouble.

And then you had obviously, you know, Ragland fouling out.

I thought that was critical.

But, you know, both teams attacking the offensive glass, second chance points.

And ultimately he got more of a free PC and that was a difference in the game.

I think it was an outstanding back and forth finish in this one.

And we had a lot of fun through the three days of basketball.

A lot of folks came by to see basketball.

42,076.

Absolutely Fantastic weekend.

Again, kudos to everybody here.

Banco z K Arena in the community coming out and supporting.

Obviously.

Want to thank our friends at the triple-A and Arkansas PBS Sports.

Absolutely.

Top flight production and performance throughout the weekend not all the games were close, but they were all well done, I thought, by our production team.

Great job.

It was a lot of fun working with you and the rest of the guys this week.

We had a blast.

Can't wait for next year.

Well, and before we get to next year, then we've got baseball and softball championships coming up in May, so make sure to stick around for that.

So for Justin Graham, Archie Hawks, your score in this one, it was epic.

68.

Marshall, 61.

You've been watching the Centennial State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.