is now in session.

We are ready to roll here in the three boys State championship game.

See the visitors.

And let's look at how they got here.

And through the state tournament defeat Boonville, Boonville 362 to 38, River Crest 6246.

And Dumas had a two point ballgame 5248.

The player to watch for this team is Sam Maddox are leading score 17 points a game.

We'll get Bergman's keys in just a moment and talk about their road to the championship.

Kevin Deuce Williams missing the jumper to start the opening action here for central Arkansas Christian in the road grays as the visitor trimmed down purple with the white numerals.

Bergman of those home whites going right to work inside scoop shot no good and a rebound for Baxter for central Arkansas Christian Mustangs making their first ever appearance in a state title game.

And Sam Maddox, again, he and Grayson Wilson, the Razorback football recruit, getting together on the difference maker, a two point victory on a last second finish inside.

They survived a last second shot from Dumas.

There goes Wilson inside, shot blocked by Bergman denied Inside by Kaden Ponder.

Boy, you can't go inside with the big fellas.

Wilson trying to take them out.

Good inside defense for the Panthers and ponder six five.

A senior getting the rejects.

They're out to Maddox on the inbound.

He'll try a three.

Got it.

And Maddox opened the scoring 36% from long range.

This year he's made 83 of them make it 84 now that's the guy you want to take that shot early gets the scoring going and then they force a turnover.

Hey, he's a really good defensive team.

They're scoring D shows it, only giving up 46 points.

Average game.

Fultz, the junior, called for the travel They're head coaches today.

Matt Hall for Kasey former Harding University he star and Beau Martin.

These two grew up together and know each other well down into Queen.

They're old friends, but certainly on opposite sides today.

Key player for Bergman today, of course, is their leading scorer Dillon friend just shy of 20 points.

The game has got nearly 1500 in his career.

Excellent free throw shooter as well JB at 80% this season and also can knock down the three 114, not down from behind the semi-circle.

Maddox just short on his second three point attempt and it will be Bergman back on the offensive end trailing 3 to 0 good behind the back dribble baseline cut off, good defense collapsing for kasey Dave straightaway three airball fired up by friend and we saw our star from Birmingham her star from Bergman's opponent in the first game struggling certainly don't want to see friend follow suit but it's a lot of pressure when you're the guy it's tough or the girl.

It's tough at this level.

We've seen big stars, you know, first team, all staters struggle in the state championship environment.

We'll see if Frank can get on track here in the near future.

MADDOX Certainly not shy early on.

Couple of three point attempts made.

One, there's the X Factor and that's Deuce Williams kicking it out for a jumper from the right wing That Is No Good by Joseph Beranek, the senior and Bergman struggling to get it across the time line behind the back dribble there by Fred to help his team They go right inside blocked by Wilson my rising up a Schubert he is denied straight on three pointer by Baxter Short again if somebody could knock down and three really stretch the lead Bergman likes to shoot a lot of three you're going to see that key as well.

But their perimeter defense is tough.

Whenever friend gets open, looks like he has, he's got to knock them down tight, man to man defense.

I mean, Grayson Wilson too tight that time, apparently reaching in against Schubert.

And that'll be the first foul on him and the first foul on CAC 531 to play CSC three zero.

And boy, you see him try to fight through that screen.

Yeah.

Might be a bit of a play on I mean tough call there but they're going to you're going to see a lot of tight defense here man Man I think both ways today, J.B. certainly you want to let him play if you can.

It's the state title game, but but you're going to see a lot of aggressiveness, There's no doubt about that.

And there's a drive by, Fred, that's a block.

my goodness.

Look like Frinton.

He rolls his elbow up into the face of Deuce Williams, who took boy, the bat into that one.

You talk about insult to injury and he's going to shake it off.

But that's a guy that I talked to their head coach this week, Matt Hall.

He calls Deuce the X Factor.

And he's a guy that does a little bit everything.

And that to me was absolutely an offensive foul.

It was let go, but a break for Bergman and they're doing a good job screening out of the perimeter, trying to free up their shooters and friend chief among them.

He'll rise up against tight coverage a three pointer for the quarter and my that was not an easy one for Fred had no room but the 38% long range shooter knocks one down to tie the game at three.

Yeah good response after the airball on a wide open shot tightly covered it was a difficult make great look inside and Wilson denied again friend with a block that time but the mustangs there letting the physical play go gets it back Wilson in muscling it up fouled that time too much defense that time by ponder the great shot blocker and that time a little too aggressive as he gets called for the foul porter at six five and you got some real size in this game Schubert at six seven Wilson just trying to muscle guys up you don't think about quarterbacks necessarily toughness first but this is a guy in Grayson Wilson is trying to bully his way home He's a guy you're right he attacks down low very well.

That's something that you need to do a lot more of scored down low that will open up the three point shooting Wilson Jr got to do that he sure is a big body.

Well it has been a rare start for him because Wilson's been denied a couple of times.

He's a 69% shooter from the floor this year and he gets that one to go and now a 4 to 3 lead as he goes, one for two and he'll get a breather as the Mustangs turn to Lucas Hampton, a64 sophomore, averaging a little over five points a game to fill in for Wilson, the junior.

BERGMAN It's five 5 to 3 after the free throws.

Bryson Bower gives it away, gets it back.

Good defense by Williams.

Really not a lot of spacing here for Bergman friend we saw earlier Doesn't need a lot of space They deny him the paint has to give it away Shot clock running down to five spinning in the lane and there's a bull market around Good defense by Henry poking it away ten with four on the shot clock at 416 left in the quarter CC up two and not much time for Bergman to draw something up here.

Their defense is legit and if you're Bergman you got to get closer to the rim got gotta get that penetration down a little higher percentage shot They've been forced to the outside and they've been unsuccessful.

They get a five second call that's the defense doing work and they've got a great crowd on hand to our left, the entire end zone filled with Casey fans.

Bergman A lot longer trip and their fans obviously from the girls game stuck around here.

They've got a good continuum behind their bench and in the opposite end zone.

Great atmosphere as we get underway in this three eight boys game.

Just the second game of 12 this weekend.

There's a drive by Williams in the paint, pushing away for a little space up gets the rolling good you like that look as well again they're going to attack down to the paint.

You see they've got the guys to do it.

BERGMAN Allowing the penetration not bad defense, Just a better play from Deuce Williams Bower under tight coverage from Williams That guy is not fun to play against friend backing it out he'll go to work left hander behind the back great handles It's like he's got flypaper on those hands Gives it away power left wing corner ponder giving it away straight away.

Three by the lefty Fultz That's no good Ball tapped out but back to Bergman in the lay up and good ponder scores it That was big got that inside position to get the rebound Bergman Still forcing a lot of things you know they're going to do that they need to try to work down inside a little bit more, get that closer look.

Ponder and Schubert we know about the size and they their leading rebounders at just shy of nine a game baseline drive Williams up no too strong but an offensive rebound out three pointer from the right wing on the way got Joseph net Braddock the senior only scores for game he doesn't know it listen he's got one last go round here Got to make the most of it and he was left wide open and it makes him pay second chance opportunities will cost you certainly taking the opportunity when you get it, when you knock it down here and more playing time.

Schubert giving it away into the paint ball, knocked away back outside.

Porter into the corner.

Fultz will drive to the free throw line friend then quiet for a while, throws one up.

He's fouled on a three point attempted.

he can't be happy about that.

A little too much defense.

Clearly Deuce Williams has made it his personal goal in life to hold down the leading scorer for Bergman and a little too tight on the coverage that time 232 to go We'll take a timeout Central Arkansas Christian leads bourbon 10 to 5 free throws coming up for friend on the other side you're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball championships on Arkansas.

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They call it a two or three he's got to love.

So it was a three point attempts.

So he's got two more as he was hit by Williams on the three pointer on the right wing.

Second one good.

That guy's jumping in there, is it?

They're going to rebound.

You don't get a chance on the second of three.

By the way, it's a Bergman team that lost in the finals last year in overtime, 6157 in Manila in that game friend he is clutch 28 points in that finals game a couple of years ago.

But anyway, he is a real talent obviously and we've got some real stars in this one of them get an illegal screen looks like on the other end and that will go against central Arkansas Christian's Grayson Wilson.

So again, the aggressive quarterback bringing the thunder out here and he's going to have to sit down with his second foul.

That is big trouble for Kasey.

Well, you got to learn a little bit of controlled aggression that, you know, the emotions are high.

First time making it here.

BERGMAN Trying to win their first state title.

You can tell the defense for Kasey is absolutely giving no breathing room.

That foul was costly.

Godwin needs it.

Trying to find it open again straight away.

Three pointer No good by Schubert Cleared away by Hampton for central Arkansas Christian this is a rematch earlier in the season.

Yeah and I'm going to say it with an asterisk.

The German won 6546, was at home and it was also a shorthanded KC bounce there.

Football players, including Wilson, not available for that when they were still a little busy on the gridiron, but at full strength, a little better match up and KC getting the better of it so far.

I miss my Baxter on the left wing and bourbon.

Now the chance to tie or take the lead in a ten eight game with 140 left here in the first quarter.

Well, you know, the way these teams shoot the three, if one of them gets going, it's going to be a footrace.

Free throw line.

Good collapse there defensively by the Mustangs power being harassed by Henry.

Now he switches off, kick it out, turn it in my friend He's got it now on the baseline Spinning ball poked away by Henry Good defense by the Mustangs.

Fred is really crafty with that basketball but a little bit better defensively that time for central Arkansas Christian Yeah their defense my goodness gracious didn't give a lot of openings so they are they're legit Justin no doubt about it Well and now it's Fox trying to counter defensively against the star for Casey and doing good work out there on Sam Maddox crossover by Maddox kick outside three on the way to strong and missed by Baxter from the right corner so we're under a minute to go here and Bergman again with a chance to tie or take the lead over half the shots today take it again from beyond the arc.

I'm telling you, they like to light it up from deep Schubert to the right wing Bower looking inside gets it to friend instead.

That's usually the right move.

Runs right into the defender.

No call block.

Baxter got there and here late pays the price.

Not a lot of fouls so far and that is the fifth one.

We got two foul shots for friend and you know, he's loving that.

That's his strong suit.

He's got a lot of them, but that's one of them.

Well, the free throw line is your friend Dillon certainly likes that fits the last name.

He's a guy that knocks it down a lot as well.

If you can crash to the basket like that.

Do you like my joke there, Joseph?

I was going to say it's your friend if you can make the playoffs.

That's exactly right.

That's right.

And he does again, make it four for four.

It seems like an order at Wendy's tonight.

He's got seven.

That's the best deal going, man.

And five for five.

And we are tied at ten under 30 to go some trapping in the back court by Bergman in trouble and there's a turnover Bauer friend three in and out Nice rebound inside though kick out the friend again and he got to reach it on Baxter who can't believe it but look like he rake him across the face with six and a half seconds to go with.

That rake will get in free throws.

That's a tough foul for CC.

You like the defense?

They're trying to get that loose ball, but you got to give friend a little bit of breathing room right there.

Got to contact and then the free throws is not where you want to send Dillon Trent stop if you've heard this before, free throw.

Good.

And he has free.

Throw them all the way into the lead at six free throws of their 11 points.

He has nine total of the 11.

And with 16 and a half seconds left, Bergman takes its first lead.

He's a guy that could shoot from three.

But boy, the way he gets to the free throw line is lethal.

That's why he's so good.

So more pressure.

And this time Kasey breaks it easily.

Williams will take it all the way.

Scoop up.

No.

And they're going to call a charge on Williams and look out.

Is that his second already 9.3 seconds left and that is his third my God.

Trouble for the sophomore And that was a 5050 play.

Schubert got there Williams with the foul And that was a risky endeavor with two fouls and that's the last thing you needed to see at the end of the quarter.

So you've got two key guys now in foul trouble with Wilson sitting on the bench with two Bergman and they never got a shot up, did not recognize the shot clock.

And at the end of one, Birdman finds its way back in.

And big trouble brewing over on Mustang Mountain.

They've got foul trouble galore after one quarter 1210.

BERGMAN Up by two after one.

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Berman With the lead in the ball going right to left here, baseline drop by friend and they are collapsing on him Good defense that time by Henry creates another turnover he has been a key cog and with Williams in foul trouble he's going to continue to be so Maddox to kick out pump fake sidestep Baxter gets it out to Maddox now they change spots and Maddox short again but an offensive rebound inside stick back and no at point blank range for Hanson Tough luck for the mustangs with a chance to tie it in transition There goes full speed inside Schubert layup a beautiful transition bucket for the Bergman Panthers.

They're good in transition so they win a lot of close contest games You like that off the Miss they move quickly you got the easy look underneath wide open three on the right side that's short again following his own shot is Beranek and he's going to draw the foul in the process.

And they're in a bit of a bad trend here and they're going to send Matt home to send in Grayson Wilson with two fouls.

So it's now or never maybe, but you still have a long way to go in this one.

A calculated risk, we'll call it.

JB That's right.

Well, you see the open look there, the three you missed the choke, but don't make it make matters worse.

You have to get back play D 25% shooting.

There's another near steal ball corralled by Bergman 25% shooting by both teams in the first quarter.

So defense ruined the day as we saw early on in the three a girls game.

There's a block inside by Maddox he usually think offense first for the senior but that time showed a little defensive boxy denying Bauer in the paint a little emphasis to it did it without without fouling.

He's a guy that can score at will but it hasn't been able to get it going.

Picks up with the defense power cut off that time.

Good defense again pitches it to the corner.

Faults with it will dribble up the left he going to walk down Main street into the chest the defender gets it up no good and a nice clear by the six for sophomore Lucas Hampton.

That's good defense for CHC without fouling but not a great pass Risky pass No but corralled by Baxter layup.

Good.

Not the way they drew it up.

Let me throw it across the court for a collision.

It worked out beautifully though, for the Mustangs.

We're back within two first basket of the game for Baxter.

Well, high risk, high reward to turn it to two hand off of top the full tilt dribble in the lane, finger roll.

No and handsome with another clear and CSC now with a chance to tie or take the lead.

Or when you get stops without fouling, it turns into something outside Baxter got a two got a three Baxter five straight and CSC takes the lead 5040 with 540 to go.

We better buckle up.

Justin, this is getting rowdy.

I can.

I can only feel we're just midway through the second.

It's already a good one inside.

You were posting against Wilson?

no.

Touch foul.

And that's a tough one against Wilson.

That's his third.

He and Williams now in deep, deep trouble for the Mustangs and they may have to be put back in the barn for the remainder of the half.

You like that?

Look, though, from Baxter on that side?

Back to the fouls, though.

My goodness, they are cold.

Pretty touchy, but somewhat.

If you're CHC, you can adjust to it just a little bit.

And that was one where Wilson comes over the top and gets a tough one.

Credit.

They're attacking the guys.

Yeah, that's right.

That's right.

And it's worked out well so Burton with a chance now get a full 35 on the shot clock deep right wing three friend in and out Good hustle by Baxter with the rebound but immediately hands it to Maddox He'll pick up his dribble fires a bullet to the baseline and he and his teammate Henry not on the same page and it goes into the photographers who are not eligible to play so a turnover there on force a little bit on a miscommunication by the Mustangs.

You saw Henry Pettit.

His chance looked at Maddox.

Yeah, that was me.

I didn't get read on the cut there.

That would have been an easy two if it was there for Reddick.

Two friend spins on the defender.

No call for him forces up a shot.

Everybody was anticipating a whistle.

You don't get one right away.

You never assume you know what they say about that to Baxter.

Baxter to Henry leaves it Hampton spinning shooting and scored by those back now the really nice run seven to make it 1714 That's big Hampton missed early on point blank got the look that time made sure of it to get it in and K.C.

licking their chops defensively now trying to deny Bergman some more power driving in against Maddox nearly walked with it shot up and another block for defensive stopper Sam Maddox.

Now he'll lead the break kick to the corner three on the way banked it in nearly but no on the miss by defense from Sam Maddox He's fun to watch right wing catch and shoot friend he knows what to do and it bears it.

friend is a deadly weapon.

He's no friend of yours if you're out of use that.

And he's got 13 of the 17 We are not at home with under four to go.

JB's having a blast over here.

Not very friendly, right?

No, not at all.

Baxter with a three.

He's got the answer.

my goodness.

Baxter with a seven point run of his own here over the last couple of minutes.

He is red hot.

Stick that one in the holster, and he's only 28%.

Three point shot.

Wow.

Three pointer from the corner, no good.

Four pounder and a foul inside and going the other way.

CSC with a three point lead and the ball with 332 to go.

And this is our time out.

That's the first foul against Schubert and the first team foul here in the second quarter.

It's the Mustangs by a triple.

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First quarter shooting not good for Birdman.

25% wasn't good for central Arkansas Christian either.

Save percentage, but the Mustangs have picked it up here in the second quarter.

JB 50% from the floor so far, four of eight with 332 to go and two of five from three.

Those been deadly.

Baxter warming up and 22% shooting.

So an even worse start than the first quarter for Birdman here you can see they've scored down low from post that's open up the three point looks a near turnover They're going to the floor Birdman comes out of the weather.

Here comes Bauer.

Friends open on the left wing.

Bauer will take it himself all the way, Stays it as a tough finish.

Good defense, though, from Baxter to cut off the little but outlet pass down low underneath and then didn't foul which is really big in this game.

Well it's it's a guy that averages five assists a game and the natural thought would be I would think to feed it out there to friend instead takes it himself That was a good job because friend really didn't have a great look.

Ball knocked away by Bergman that absolutely went out off the Mustangs Maddox wanted to foul so I guess we'll call that middle ground.

Kimberly Vaught, the official over there, Richard Smith, Junior, Austin Winterberg.

The officials today for this three eight boys state title game, the second of four today, and Webb Watson, the six one senior end of the game for the first time today pressed into action foul trouble for Grayson Wilson Baxter free throw jumper no and Schubert easily clears it at six seven.

But you like that?

Look at the free throw line, Jay.

It just won't fall.

But you like to look.

Those are high percentage.

Friend has been red hot 13 of the 19 his team down one behind the back dribble in the lane has to give it away foul reset Well 216 to play right wing faults looking inside Schumer trying to post there instead they go to front of the other side floater no but he's fouled there call an offensive foul and that's what you're brought in to do Good job Webb Watson drawing the charge stepping in and denying Bergman the bucket and for friend that is foul number one so no foul trouble for the key COGS Maddox and friend but all kinds of trouble outside of that for the mustangs I think that have been a block.

The whole KC Faithful might have lost their minds.

Two fouls apiece here in the second quarter.

Not likely to get to the bonus, but we'll see what happens.

Maddox tied up, lost the handle, knocked away, fumbling for it, diving for it, and Maddox got it.

They're going to call a tie up.

I'm not sure that was ever established, but the officials think so.

And so that's the answer.

We're going to go alternate possession back to the Mustangs with 148 to play a little bit of pinball action all squirming around everywhere.

Yeah, it was a quick, quick whistle on that jump ball.

I feel like they were still scrambling for possession there, as you'll see right here.

Many.

Yeah, I had a couple of guys in there and bounded to Mirotic Hill screen.

Maddox just hasn't had a lot of looks Good job by Bergman.

They have definitely identified the key card, but Baxter's taking up the slack for sure.

Offensively, Maddox has it now.

He'll drive baseline off the glass No at the shot clock buzzer ball tapped around but friend will come out of there with it.

Baxter needed that one hand as defender beat drive into the lane that little floater you got to hit that when it's there Bauer picked up his dribble double dribble there was anticipating making a pass didn't see Fred looking forward and so he went back to the dribble and turns it over that defense again for Casey you know wasn't playing too tightly there but the anticipation forcing the miscue 2219 tight ballgame here, second quarter 116 to go, foul trouble galore for the Mustangs.

Try to find a way feet inside.

Really no angle.

They're not sure what Jacob Henry was looking at.

The good news for the Mustangs, they're going to get a hold against Zion Fultz, who deserves a ton of credit for the defensive job he's doing on the Star for the Mustangs.

Sam Maddox.

Ball inbound.

Maddox, Another near collision.

Maddox has it, drive it, pass it to the baseline.

Shot denied back up.

No good for Hampton but a foul called inside You like it again though trying to score from close that's what's going to open up things you keep harping it's like a running game for football.

You get to running it open, it opens up everything else, score from close, the defense will collapse.

You get the foul or a kick out.

Lucas Hampton, five point scorer sophomore splashes at home.

He's been battling inside since 2119.

What more do you want?

One on one.

This Mustang choreography down here is impressive.

I'll tell you what, this fan base has got it going on.

I hate to be Birdman shooting against it.

That's kind of ball your little bit.

There's another turnover.

Good job by Henry knocking it away in transition shot up and down gets the turnover one in the bucket at the other and a run out for Bergman off the back of Hampton corralled by French shot in the lane No tapped out and it will go back to Birdman but what an effort by Henry jumped over the media table into the stanchions that is A-plus effort.

Everybody in the building thinks so.

I might attempt that, but only one time and well.

my goodness.

Well, he's all right.

That's impressive.

He looks like he's jumped over tables just for fun on Tuesdays.

I mean, there goes Fultz in against Hampton.

Good defense denied to the baseline defense from Casey.

Great but a one second differential in the game in shot clock 2419 Casey up by five Fultz letting it run down.

They're going to try to take the last shot of this quarter and get closer before we get to the halftime break.

Fred off a screen rolling right poked away and out off for the Mustangs.

Good defense again.

Henry is everywhere.

Tell you what, he's five nine.

He covers a lot of ground that quick on quick sitting down is Noah Rice couldn't get a chance to mention him while he was on the floor and Sawyer Schubert will come back in baseline inbound bower will trigger good inbound play up and down for ponder one second and the Mustangs will not get a shot off, at least not one that counts after the buzzer.

2421 at the break, a well played defense in first half and a big bucket on the final score of the first half for Bergman to get within three Taft up here in Hot Springs.

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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 PD's 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 Mark Tree.

Let's take a look.

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

Thank God I can't.

You can't get consistency.

It's definition conformity in the application of something 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 may be who holds it together.

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 a more 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 three been here 33 years.

Honestly I never knew where Moultrie Arkansas was until someone hired me to come to Marjorie.

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 like I've always looked up to her because she want the best for us.

Just going out there and playing with their honor.

I saw it is 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 was just intrigued that they are running and jumping and playing ball with ball.

And I love Salem Dirt.

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 there's been intrigue ever since.

Coach Wilbur has a level of intensity that she brings to this gym under 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 S.O.B.

All players, just because they're big schools doesn't mean that small town school can't come through.

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 as serve some of those young men.

Well, there's tons of things that they've taken away from Barbara Wilborn, her work ethic, her desire to excel the way 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 a on a basketball court.

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

That's just the best.

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

They're in Mark three 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 PBA 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 played for the Yellow Ville Summit Panthers.

Abby has a 3.8 GPA and wants to go to cosmetology school for the boys and to a we've got paid Barbara with the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves.

Kade 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, 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 Warriors represents the four boys.

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

The five AA girls are well-represented by like 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 business.

And finally, for the six day 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 Ball 2024 this April.

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

Well, see, 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 industry somewhere across Arkansas.

We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas Power and People.

Hey, I'm Rick Steves.

You know, I don't go anywhere without my passport.

And now, thanks to PBS Passport, you can travel with me and watch all ten seasons of Rick Steves Europe and all my travel specials.

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Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Let me see you then.

See you.

Bounce house.

Down, down, down.

Welcome back here to Banco de Carino, the Centennial Bank State Basketball Championships here on Arkansas.

PBS Sports.

The three boys state title game.

And off to a great start.

And Sam Maddox helping the Mustangs early on.

JB But it was really Dillon, Fred keeping his team in it as he takes that three point halftime lead.

But Maddox just couldn't get it going after the beginning stage of the game.

No, he couldn't.

It was Lane Baxter had some big defensive stops.

He was the guy that was picking up offensively.

He's going to need a lot more him.

It's going to be Friend and Baxter and then the other role guys, who's going to step up?

That's the team that's going to win.

Both teams back on the court, shake it, shake it and out here get loose.

Getting ready for second half Action.

Let's take a look at these highlights here.

Justin, a lot of three balls falling down really from both sides.

Maddox was hitting from deep friend inside.

Boy, that was Schubert who got the bucket.

He hit the buzzer beater last year to sit in overtime against Manila.

Nice feet underneath Hampton who missed from but got that one to go underneath and then Dylan friend hand all in his face.

Nothing but net if you like the attack you're seeing teams attack from close there's another drive in that was Bryson Bower with a tough finish again you're seeing interior play from both teams and then the three ball he has a Bergman team that made 266 threes on the season.

But today it's been tough sledding two of eight from long range.

They made all seven of the free throws though and we all know who has been handling that business.

And of course it's the 80% free throw shooter, their star Dylan Fred, he made all seven of the free throws in the first half for Bergman.

And you mentioned Baxter.

He had a nice individual run there and has eight points to pace central Arkansas Christian in the first half.

That's 15 rebounds apiece and pretty even first half there.

We'll see if that continues on in here to the third quarter of one team could make a big move.

Well, here we go.

Experience the action all over again next week, watch all the championship games on the PBS app.

Any should be a fun one As we continue here in the second half.

Justin Bergman will be going down obviously towards their bench here in the second half and it will be triggered by Kaden Ponder stepped up big defensively early in the game and some foul trouble for the Mustangs.

That was one of the big storylines.

Three on Kevin Williams, but Deuce got loose with his hands a few too many times that first half and got himself in trouble and a couple on Grayson Williams as well.

So we'll see how they play it.

He's got three, and so does Williams.

So Wilson's in there and so is Williams.

So again, calculated risk for Hall drive inside shot up and there's a foul on Sam Maddox He did not get in foul trouble in the first half did not commit one That's his first of the game.

And early on here, we'll have free throws for Bower good attack by Bryson Bower to go in and if you're 16 you want a guy to foul who's not in foul trouble.

That's it.

Maddox with his first.

You don't want him to start piling up though either, because he's a guy that can get hot at any time offensively about a free throw.

Good.

And the lead cut to two with seven and a half minutes to go in the third quarter, early second half action.

JB Brazil.

Justin Green thrilled to be here.

Looking forward to a long weekend full of championship games.

He could see the pressure on Matt Hall's face.

I mean, there is so much stress in these games, but I will tell you this, I talked to him this week and one of the things he told me they lost twice in the postseason, the way things are set up with districts and regionals, you can lose and still make it.

There's a deep three by Maddox and a big bucket for him, but he said he felt like losing that allowed them to reset, take a little bit of pressure off their shoulders.

And now he said they are mad and they don't want to lose again.

Here's a drive beautiful by Fultz.

He did it defensively in the first half.

Big basket there by the left hander, finishing it up and tight, getting the game tight two Well, that's a team that lost to Dumas last year.

They got revenge in the in the semifinals to get here.

They're a team that's playing with a lot of a lot of grit and a sense of urgency.

BAXTER Drive looking for a foul doesn't get it.

Bauer going to work kick outside and good defense again by the Mustangs denying the paint bolts, looking to go against Maddox picks up his dribble out to Bower.

Williams has got to be careful those three fouls again.

There's way he wants to play in the way he probably needs to play right now Fred out to Bower he'll spin in the lane Great defense that time by Williams denying but not fouling kind of giving a little bit of ground there as you saw and Casey able to get the stop and the rebound Maddox in the front court stepping through kicking out Baxter will back it up reset central Arkansas Christian up by two points 2 minutes into the second half Max he'll go to work into the paint stops pops Got it.

He'll have to dig there on that screen.

He baited him, got him against the defender, against the offensive screen, blue behind and then a stop in his tracks.

That was a tough defensive play.

That is the first two pointer of the game for Maddox, who has eight now pull up from the elbow in and out.

Tough luck for Kaden Ponder.

Mustangs come back the other way.

No, Look inside and nobody saw it.

That's the problem.

Sometimes the No, look, JB, if nobody sees it well and the like, the anticipation there to try to feed Wilson got it away.

But hey, how about Birdman?

You could tell they haven't attempted the three here in the second half.

They're trying to work it inside, get closer looks and certainly doing a good job of that with the defense on the inside from Casey.

They're just too tough friend.

Will he go to work?

He will straight away.

Three.

You bet.

16 for Dillon friend Deadly.

The junior.

Just a junior.

Mike.

Good say, bad news worse news for those you're playing in three.

He'll be back next year.

That's a cool movie this is last go round Grayson Wilson.

Well, there's a ball knocked away and a little too aggressive there by Ponder and didn't love the call.

But they will be a reach and a foul and the first on Bergman in the second half.

Well that's just kind of how the way this game has been called.

They kind of called a little touchy early.

They've got to keep up with that or or change the way they do things.

So, yeah, foul fouls are trying to pile up again.

By one they get it in feed inside to Wilson Pump fake shot up blocked again I'm going to guess that Wilson has not had this many shots blocked in a game the entire season.

Yeah I'd be willing to bet you're probably right on that one.

Just good defense.

This is defense on defense.

Really?

He was for two in the first half.

There's a fade away in good by Maddox his third three of the game and the lead pushed to four with under five to go in the third quarter and there is a backward violation and they will blow it dead.

Bergman Running it down.

And Williams had designs on getting a freebie but a good job by Fred going back there, at least stopping the play, not giving CC a free basket.

Well, Maddox got shut down in the first half, so he's starting to get going right here, hand in his face, kind of fading backwards.

No problems for Maddox Again, if Maddox and for him get going, we're in for a good one.

Sometimes you have to make your own luck, right?

I mean, he wasn't really open that time.

He just shot himself open.

Shoot or shoot, help create some space and just enough room for Sam Maddox.

Deadly.

He's got it back again against Bauer, this time spinning to the free throw line.

And he gets it back in the corner feeling it.

That one in and out though online.

But Maddox just a little bit off that time and a 3228 game CSC up four it's been tight throughout Birdman trying to throw it inside Schubert was coming out away from the basket.

They throw it on a lob inside and going to get a 32nd time out a fake for Beau Martin, who wants to talk it over this box.

With 424 remaining, JB is back to back empty trips for Bergman due to turnovers.

He got the back court then the lob download you like the aggression if you're the Panthers but boy you're down four You can't afford an empty trips against a team on the defensive side that's already tough to score against anyway Bergman Seven turnovers in the first half.

Mustangs had five.

And you certainly don't want empty possessions in a close game like this one.

And again, it's not a very high scoring game.

You got to maximize every opportunity.

It's like gold here.

Every possession is so, so valuable.

We've seen both teams, though, trying to force things, you know, at a high magnitude game.

You're trying to thread the needle, you're trying to push things.

You like the aggression.

But but goodness is this one gets closer down the stretch.

Those those possessions are so valuable.

Williams has done a really good job, as has Wilson, not picking up any additional fouls after the halftime break.

Wilson now getting a breather.

And I thought a nice half by the sophomore Lucas Hampton, the first half doing work and also got some good minutes from Webb Watson hit a pinch with the foul trouble Maddox Bower drawing this SIMON Now a crossover and drive all the way shot up no good and a good rebound inside by Schubert.

It was Fultz primarily guarding in the first half and Bower drawing the assignment here in the second half.

Schubert in the lane shot up No tip out and Williams a little quicker than anybody else Do it up two back from the left wing Hampton wants it inside, gets it inside, shoots it and denied Schubert another defensive stop inside and Bergman will try again.

Friend on the left wing had room gets an inside of Schubert instead working against Hampton two strong inside ball knocked out of there now a kick out to Bower He'll pull up mid range Got it 30 to 30 Bergman back within two 326 to go and the deficit is less than what it was at the halftime break Williams weave up top left wing Baxter straight away three short that time Good look though and he was red hot for about a five minute stretch in the first half that time could not get it to go friend into the frontcourt working against Williams in great defense again doing such a good job Deuces without fouling their friend will get it back and he'll go to work again like this is the right idea.

Attack those three foul guys when they're on the floor.

Williams One of them three pointer right wing Nope Bauer with the miss and a clear for Baxter Chip Maddox looks for his own shot again let's get that head fake.

I like to get his defender just enough off balance to have a chance to drive by him two and a half minutes.

Patient possession, this time by the Mustangs.

High screen by the sophomore Hampton Maddox against Bauer.

He'll pull for three.

And he got it.

my.

Sam Maddox a little too good on that one.

Good defense, better offense.

It doesn't matter who you put on Maddox.

He was going to get that one to go, and sliding in for what would have been a charge.

Maddox called for the block.

He said he was moving on the drive by Royce and that will cost him a possession.

215 to go.

There's the media timeout 35/32 foul on Maddox central Arkansas Christian though with the lead after the big three pointer by Maddox used it all got it to go down here watching the Centennial Bank state basketball championships on Arkansas PBS sports what does it mean to be great is the rhythm of the heart, the spirit refusing to surrender.

It is in born from the moment of Glory.

It's woven into the fabric of progress for the journey, as world champions are more to be courageous is to dance with the storm of adversity.

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And without you I am this whole I wouldn't be the player that I am today.

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The Panthers at 38%.

They're three of eight Dylan friend leading the way.

No surprise there 16 points.

So boy the stars come out and the biggest stages and that's what we're seeing from friends so far.

Maddox has also risen up lately, 14 for him now.

So the guys we talked about off the top of the broadcast rising to the occasion.

JB They certainly know that this is it.

This is the last chance to pick it up and pick up the biggest win of their high school careers.

Kick outside, friend will try again.

Got it again.

my goodness.

19 for Dillon.

Friend and he is closing in on 1500 career points.

He needs 30 today to get there.

Drive inside the layup.

Hello welcome Josip Mirotic with a score inside He's got five now and there is a touch foul by Williams did not need that one of the back and that's his fourth now big trouble.

Well actually I think that might be Jacob Henry that picked that one up and that's just Henry Babbitt.

All right yeah they did swap him out.

It's a place for CHC.

They've been mixing off Williams.

I'm sorry.

Williams and Henry have both been working.

That's a smart move.

If you can get him off.

They're not that sure.

I'm not saying that Bauers any easy draw, right?

Certainly not the same as it is trying to chase around friend I like it but now Williams against Bauer trying to deny him Fred has it lost the handle Got it back Henry all over him minutes ago in this third quarter 3733 Bauer looking inside gets it inside, gets a defender in the air, and a good play there inside by Kaiden bonder pump faked and drew the foul And that's the fourth on the Mustangs.

It's 49 seconds left.

Sorry.

Good awareness, though, too, just to be able to draw your offense or get the shot.

Yeah.

Beranek got up there and the senior draws the foul, but the free throw no good for Kaden Ponder.

Ponder a65 senior talking about your last go round.

This is it for him and Mirotic will sit as well.

Maddox saw Hampton come back in and the second one is good.

59 seconds remaining.

3734 Same margin as we had at the half.

Williams has it knocked away but into the hands of Baxter?

I thought he might just pull up a shoot on the way he's feeling it.

Yeah.

Being trapped at midcourt.

Baxter looking for help.

Gets it over to Williams and Matt Hall, taking no chances, Calls timeout just to be safe.

Never.

No.

Didn't want to waste that possession.

We talked about how critical is you want to get a shot up and did not want to turn it over on a midcourt trap and that was not a good place to up the basketball either.

Well, neither side has been able to pull away at all.

It's been a close game throughout.

Never been able to pull away.

How about that, Miss Free?

That's the first one missed today for either side.

You feel like that could be huge in a game of this magnitude as well.

Well you got to say clutch free throw shooting.

Impressive so far for sure.

46.3 seconds left.

Wilson back on the floor.

Grayson Wilson, the junior sideline inbound and the Mustangs go back to work here.

There's that trap again.

This time they get it out to Baxter again.

Denies a shot.

And Bergman now slipping into a zone little different Look in the lane up and good and count it for Hampton Well fun to them also for the big fella That's a pretty big time bucket there against the switch defensively for Bergman into the zone but they saw that immediate Lee and an attempt at a charge goes a long way for Bergman and free throw coming for Hampton in a 3934 game six now for the sophomore Well you like that look here's how things have changed over this year.

He's got a new free throw rule change.

There's no more one on one once you get to five fouls.

This was a shooting foul anyway, so it didn't matter.

But once one team gets to five fouls, a double bonus, they'll shoot two fouls.

That begins after the fifth foul of each quarter at resets, but in the fourth quarter it'll carry over into the overtime period.

Hampton missed everything there on the free throw and got a lane violation I believe anyway so wouldn't have mattered Shot Clock's off.

30 seconds to go.

Bergman down five with the ball Ponder in the corner looking inside loops it inside a Schubert catch and shoot the score.

Hampton did not foul him there.

Let him it and so the Mustangs can hold four one They race up court instead to Hampton and he's denied got it back throws it off of the Bergman player goes the other way though here comes friend three pointer Bauer No and a ball taps into the air Schubert got it out Bauer at the buzzer No, just a hair strong.

And that would have tied the game at 39.

What a frantic finish there.

They should have probably held 410 Arkansas Christian.

Instead, they go for the quick, easy one for Hampton.

Turned out not to be so easy.

And Bergman, unfortunately for them, a little too strong on the final shot.

So we're right.

We were at the halftime break at point margin for the Mustangs, the three eight final here, the Centennial Bank State basketball Championships continue after this.

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You betcha.

Getting some good looks and some good buckets here in the third quarter after really cold shooting through to quarter for both teams.

Although central Arkansas Christian didn't pick up the pace, they've gotten better and better, 25%, 42% and 46% in the third quarter and a three point margin.

This is anybody's game certainly going into this final 8 minutes.

JB It's just exciting.

Seven of 17 from deep.

They're going to try to keep it going.

Baxter Three from the left corner, No.

And a long rebound corralled by Fox.

The race into the frontcourt leaves it for friend pump faked shot up short and a good job by Williams getting just in front of Schubert to steal away that rebound He wants to run to Wilson baseline layup good and Wilson breaks through He's had a couple of shots tonight at the rim that won his first field goal of the state championship game and a big one to push the lead to five transition buckets are big He got down that's what he's done well they get the start they move quick you better get back in your Bergman Schubert working inside trying to draw another foul on Wilson working and has Wilson post it now he'll poke around ball reached in by Williams knocked it away into the hands of Max that was all Deuce Williams their heads up play by Maddox to corral it and the Mustangs can add to their lead Williams driving and kicking three from the corner and Beranek can't get it to go tipped out to Baxter and the Mustangs will reset.

Maddox will back it out to the right wing.

Williams left hand dribble in the paint.

Baxter again?

Baxter Yes.

my goodness.

44 to 36.

Now the largest of the day for either team.

Deuce was 11 at Deuce is loose.

Got the assist, the kick down.

You said it first.

Deuces loose.

I love that.

That was a nice find from Williams and friend forcing the issue He's got 21 He is not afraid of the big stage and he is taking it on his own shoulders.

It was a huge basket they needed that desperately cuts it to six 620 to go in this eight title game.

Baxter's paycheck.

Yes, sir.

4738 Time out for Bergman.

And you know what he's thinking over there?

BOWMAN Saying, guys, you got to get a hand in the face of five.

How bout Baxter?

My goodness gracious.

Hey, you needed somebody.

Step up a roll guy.

Baxter coming to life.

Saw Maddox roll.

Want him like that earlier.

Abuse it all.

Got it to go down.

There's another good look from the corner defender Just a hair late running at him.

It did not distract him, but it's clutch shooting here by central Arkansas Christian as I mentioned, they just got better as the games worn on and they are really making Bergman play right now The Panthers have designs on Take It Home to state title trophies but the Mustang same here.

It had to settle for one two.

I don't know about it.

I don't know.

And here's the deal.

We talked about the team that was going to come out from three point shooting to start paint both teams can hit it from deep.

Casey started to make more than Bergman, and they're trying to play catch up with six and 13 to go wow, this fan base over here, these students are at a fever pitch earlier today.

BERGMAN Panthers, the Lady Panthers rolling over the Salem Lady Greyhounds, 5633 in the three girls game.

And the boys have got some work to do if they're going to make it a double.

Well, Arcare Arcare is a proud sponsor of Arkansas PBS Sports, the Arcare network of medical clinics and pharmacies helps to keep you in the game playing your best arcare so you can live your story.

Hot Springs, Arkansas The center of the sports universe this weekend in the state.

Great crowd on hand.

Had really good energy in here for game one.

And tonight you've got both Farmington teams, boys and girls competing.

Expect incredible energy there.

Two boys trying to keep Little Rock Christian from their back to back state titles.

But we've got plenty to do here.

Paul away from the ball and into the legal screen.

my bad break, folks.

Go for the screen and go the other way.

And now the Mustangs take a double digit lead here.

Yep.

You see the slide over from fall to the left of your screen?

Hey, that's big.

Turnovers are costly.

Possessions are so huge, Paramount to not turn it over Well, that we'll see if the Mustangs want to maximize clock time to try to shorten this game a bit but still do a little balance that with a 35 second clock.

Maddox up and good hanging in the air with the right hand he's got 16 and it is an 11 point lead now for the Mustangs and the people in purple can feel it boy Milsom block to Maddox taking matters into his own hands.

Boy, he's really played well in the second half.

Yeah, They kept giving ground.

He kept taking it.

And they're going to get an offensive foul.

And I'll tell you why.

With three fouls, a risky play pays off for Deuce Williams drawn the offensive foul and momentum has gone completely the way the Mustangs will.

When you're feeling it defensively, you're scoring offensively the defender Bergman offense struggling to get through.

They try to get a little bit ambitious and a little careless turning it over on the lower to the shoulder.

The central Arkansas Christian in great shape right now.

Talk about maximizing possessions.

There goes Williams.

Kick out Baxter again quick release that time too strong and Bergman got a break there He had another good look and he's been a red hot here Fultz into the up top to Bower trying to post Porter inside they get it to him he'll go up and score and a big basket for Bergman right there to get with the nine.

So back to single digits chip away Still got plenty time just under 5 minutes to go Yes he in no hurry, though, but you're right here.

Bergman You got to score quick.

Get it?

High percentage.

They got that night stops because he can't miss right now.

Maddox off a high screen from Wilson.

Well, crossover now behind the back kick out to Baxter Beranek to Williams Wilson trying to post inside now Williams going to work driving and a wild shot up and he got it Wow Never really could get a great opportunity to leap towards the rim but off balance shot falls through and everything going see his way.

Yeah.

What can you do defensively there?

Here's a hook inside by Schubert.

No call gets his Ole Miss.

No battle inside tipped away and into the hands of Baron it couple of missed opportunities inside there for the Panthers bad breaks and the Mustangs now again you want pace of possessions we're halfway through this fourth quarter you got a double digit lead.

You're in great shape.

You want quality, long term possessions, no rush at all.

And Bergman, frankly, doing a good job playing sort of patient defensively feed inside.

WILSON No, he's been denied repeatedly inside.

It's a good look just couldn't get it to go friend three short long rebound Williams trying to race it down and he sees it in Wilson goes to a knee he comes away with it No call it travel Wow my goodness the effort maximum plus did you see Williams falling on the board?

Diving then kept it alive.

I thought they were going to keep the possession.

Wilson made the mistake of trying to come up with it.

He needed to either take that frantic pass from his feet.

You'll see the effort here from Williams, and he saves it.

That is incredible.

That state championship effort, Central Arkansas Christian by 11.

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Looks like we have some new help in the marketing department at the high end of the area.

With everything you can see, I think you do the work on your wine budget.

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Friends.

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Our company is a big DNC.

I help exit the Everybody is now in session.

Sam Maddox.

He is our academic player.

Highlight spotlight players to pursue college basketball after his time here at Central Arkansas Christian He's got more things on his mind right now, though, just as well.

How about a 4.2 GPA?

That's big time.

I would have had to add two semesters together to get there.

Dillon Friend Corner, three Airball thought he was going to draw a foul over there by Henry didn't get it and so throws up a desperation shot and central Arkansas Christian now a chance to add to the lead good ball movement Wilson strong inside no and a tough shooting day for Wilson continues, but they continue to play good defense.

Mustangs in great shape to bring home their first title Inside.

Schubert Got it.

That's a big basket.

Cuts the lead back again to single digits with 247 to go.

Yeah that was much needed certainly needed that one.

I got a time out on the floor just 32nd time out I think for the Mustangs 4351 to 40.

Central Arkansas Christian in the lead with 243 to go.

And a big day for Sam Maddox.

Let's talk about his academics.

He's pretty good basketball, too.

This just in.

Maddox has had a big second half, 16 points now in the game.

You go back to the halftime and Maddox, three points.

They were all over him.

He's at 13 and really did a lot of his damage in the in the third quarter.

But he is really, really brings to the occasion we talked about him in front of open fans fantastic today and yeah the Mustangs have just had a little more help.

Now the question becomes, does Birdman get aggressive to try to steal?

They try to get a steal there.

They end up giving it to the Mustangs for dunk for block Williamson, another that finds his teammate right into the basket to the dunk and the lead back to 11 that brought the house down didn't it.

My goodness And there's a turnover.

Mirotic making all kinds of plays here Joseph the senior making the most of his last time on a high school four ball tipped away from behind Good play there defensively by Fultz desperation mode friend three No and a rebound by Williams 2 minutes to play and no need to rush here and there's a reach it foul by friend that is the third team foul on bourbon they're going to have to trade free throws for threes and that's going to be a tall order against the defense.

It is clamped down on the perimeter.

Now you've got to start fouling.

You've got to get to the line here at the point down 11, 2 minutes to go.

That clock can bleed quickly.

Justin, you got to foul quick if you're Birdman and and hope you can find a way to shoot your way back in this thing.

But Mirotic rising up for the slam flat footed I like it got the hops they might be looking at something here on a on a ten I don't know if you saw the previous play we've got a technical foul called on Casey no one's really sure what happened trying to figure it out friend who the free throw Baxter trying to get the central Arkansas students riled up over there.

They've got a quiet nine point game with 201 to go 22 for friend so not sure what that call was.

R.J. Watson, our radio partners over here want to ask for the call but didn't get a chance to bar will trigger it big break for when they needed it they needed something significant and out of the ordinary.

They got it right there.

Yeah, they got the ball too.

So a chance to cut into this lead a little more, make it a two possession game with a triple.

The defense by Baxter against Fultz getting downhill kicks it out Bower defender falls shot up and good and a big opportunity here for Bergman now 5346 Don't count chickens just yet Touch pass Mirotic saves it in but it's stolen by Fultz Excuse me a friend friend or friend and then he's fouled immediately.

my goodness.

See?

I see what is happening.

Mustangs caused some trouble for themselves right now.

Well, all you got to do here, if you're central Arkansas, Kearse, you get a stop, but you got to bleed that clock.

It really just don't make it.

We're hitting a tough shot, though, by Bower.

Good defense, Wilson there helping him.

But you're right.

You just got to hang on him.

The Wilson Touch pass was a nice idea in a different setting.

You got to know time and score and there's a layup by friend in and out follow up No but a foul on the Mustangs with two free throws coming up.

Wow.

I'm surprised I wasn't going to attack.

I'm surprised at one goaltending.

I thought it was but now it's gonna be fans want it I need to see it again He touched it looked like before toward the rim Yeah but it was close and what an effort by Fred to get back in there for his own miss Everybody's everywhere Well he knows how big this is only minute 23 to go.

You got to get the basketball to rebound.

CAC look to be in control.

Just a minute to go and friend for the free throw It's 5347.

It's a two possession game with 123 to go.

And we all know in basketball it's an eternity.

it certainly is.

BERGMAN Here, you got to make a free throw, but you got to play defense.

And if you're Casey, you just can't turn the ball over.

Don't try to force too much, hold onto it, take good shots and make some clock timeout discussion time.

That is another time out for the Mustangs.

They have to let Bergman win.

Three 123 to go, friend.

Coming up to the free throw line his second and he has been a free throw machine today if he can make it that will get them within five with 123 to go.

And then it's strategy time for Bergman.

You obviously play it out in a two possession game.

You've got to try to be force and then try to foul.

You still have two to give to get to the bonus two.

So that's something else in mind.

Yeah.

Well, firstly, search for Bergman.

They're going to hit shots, so they've got to get stopped.

Going to hit shots.

Casey It's their game to lose at this point.

Up by six.

You just got to play smart.

Melksham clock Best case scenario air.

You waste some time and score.

Really put this thing out of reach.

You just can't force a turnover quickly.

Goldman needs to stop.

Yeah, you can't be careless again.

I go back to the Wilson play.

That's a good play in the middle of the game, try to get a quick, easy basket.

But when you've got a lead and again, you don't want to just sit and bleed the clock down to one on the shot clock.

But he didn't need that play there.

And it was costly.

So Mr. Automatic, back to the free throw line, there must have been a misprint because it said that he's an 80% free throw shooter.

Think he's like 97.

He got a baker and he missed one.

my goodness.

I don't believe in the jinx to stop.

How do you.

That's a big break for Casey, though.

It's still a two possession.

They turned it over again.

Bower, the jumper.

No.

And a rebound by Maddox.

And they're going to call a foul on Henry, I believe they got Henry on a box out.

my goodness.

Birdman continuing to make its own way and get the breaks they need in central Arkansas.

Christian continuing to make huge mistakes.

That turnover inexcusable and that box out He's a hook got a hook under there that's what it was It's a good call that was a good find by the officials there Henry with a hook inside of the rebound attempt 114 to go six point game timeout Bergman they've got two left now after that but again you just cannot have the turnover on the pass from the backcourt.

JB Just a huge unforced error.

Well, careless is the word you mentioned earlier.

That's what it was and he shooting themselves in the foot here.

Bergman is hanging around.

If they hit some shots, it's a lot closer of a game.

They missed a couple when they've had opportunities tax cuts and breaks.

But my goodness, right here, if you're the Mustang, just stop giving it away.

You're really giving Bergman a chance.

He's right.

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Like I said, it feels like it could be an eternity in the ring.

We're going it will be again 14 fouls on the Mustangs, three on Birdman, and it will be a Birdman inbound here on the baseline under their basket triggered by Bryson.

Bower has been really good today.

A lot of tired fellows after this one.

This has been max effort game for both teams.

And what would you expect in a state title game?

Nothing less.

Yeah, that's right.

And here we go.

Regardless of what happens here on defense four central Arkansas Christian, they've got to get a little more careful on the offensive end and there's a throw away by Birdman ball goes over the intended receivers in Shubert and into our media table and they get a mistake back now the Mustangs do from the Panthers Maddox to Baxter across the time line Beranek back to Baxter trapped there Beranek with it and a very deliberate offensive possession Lost the handle to the floor.

A tie up possession.

Bergman one again, We're only 104.

There's no time running off the clock in this process.

You got to be kidding me.

Wow.

What are we calling here?

we've had some things going on in this game, J.B., that we are not familiar with.

I'll tell you what.

Bowman is hot.

Not happy.

And I'll have to take a minute.

Time out here.

I don't know what the call was, but they are furious.

And I thought we had a tie up for sure.

Yeah, that's What it looked like to me to see the replay and see what the call was.

Officials are huddling down under the CFC basket, but it's been a wild minute or so.

Well, you saw the FA ref was raising the alarm.

I don't know if it's going to be for a foul.

The ref closest to us called the jump.

The ball was tipped away.

Braddock's on the floor getting it.

You see the tie up, my friend and I didn't see a great indication that we got a time out.

That's what it was.

It was called the timeout before the jump ball heads up play there.

But now you're down to one time out of the Mustangs, 104 left.

JB So calculated risk by Matt Hall, the probably smart you want to say the possession but boy one time outs all the remains ball inbounds to Maddox He lost it out of his leg turnover mustangs they won the foul they didn't get it.

my goodness.

And only 2 seconds go off the clock.

Still a six point game now.

Bergman Ball again.

Coach Hall looks stretched on the sideline.

My goodness.

I've never seen it.

I mean, who wants it?

Who wants it?

This last minute, 55 seconds.

Ponder leaves it for Fred.

He'll pull for three airball and out of bounds.

Didn't need that shot.

I didn't think it's a two possession game.

Admittedly, but I still thought with that much time left he could go in and try to get a two.

You had friends gone cold here of late.

Kind of forced that one baseball pass to Wilson Wilson with the dunk.

Yes.

So he's a high risk player there.

I thought that the Panthers might be able to get back into it.

But now an eight point game, 37 seconds left now.

Friend does need the desperation shot Hill pull up that's off rebound Maddox and Sam will draw the foul.

That's just the fourth though on Bergman for 29 seconds and the folks in purple can now sense it this emphasis.

Yes but they took a risky maneuver.

I thought going forward, if you have a mishap there, you get maybe another turnover, but it does result in an easy dunk.

And that had to be cathartic for Grayson Wilson.

He's had a tough afternoon.

My goodness.

Yeah, it pays off.

Finally, you take a chance at the chance.

Eventually they get it to go.

And Wilson a big dunk is yeah you're right Gets back into the scoring and rip the rim down Mustang trying to figure out who's going to inbound or be Byronic running back there to trigger it and you know to be max pressure from Birdman hands it off and the touch foul against Baxter here on Baxter I got ponder there and now we will shoot free throws on the other end That's the fifth team foul 5540 78. margin KC leading it and the Mustangs looking for their first ever state championship and sensing a really good possibility.

Two free throws here you get to a four possession game.

I think it had 27 seconds left here.

Put It much, pretty much out of reach.

So you make a move on Baxter.

Yeah.

And how about the play tonight for Baxter?

I mean, he's been unreal.

When you need a guy to step up outside of Maddox, Baxter answered the call.

Hey, everyone six points a game.

He's got 15 now.

After that free throw, and he can Ty Maddox for the team high with this one here.

Another senior coming up Huge.

And they're both and that's going to do it 27 seconds friend lost the handle Baxter with the clear and I believe that the Panthers are going to back off here maybe let them dribble it out Maddox Kick out Baxter will hold it That's going to do it Nine, eight.

Count it down.

The emotions over on that sideline.

Win number 27 state title number one.

The Mustangs are a38.

Boise State champions.

Play with it 57 to 37.

Your final.

They're going crazy on the Mustang, man, and they're going crazy here at Bank Ozark Arena.

We'll take a timeout.

Coming up, We'll have a visit with our MVP and our winning head coach, Matt Hall.

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Your state champions of three boys basketball.

The Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs, for the first time ever, taking a state title back home to Mustang Mountain head coach Matt Hall joining us here.

And Coach, I know you guys had your prayer circle on off.

You're still thinking your the good man upstairs.

I don't know what I'm doing.

Well, congratulations.

I mean, thank you.

Again.

Some nervous moments late.

Yeah.

And we talked about taking the pressure off.

Your team had a couple of losses, the state tournament.

And you said that took a little pressure off Your team.

Looks very comfortable.

Like they play in a state title every year.

That look, they serve 30 minutes.

We played very loose and very free and then got very tight at the end.

But look, you got 15, 16, 17, 18 year old boys out there trying to win a state championship.

If you don't think they're going to get tight, you're crazy.

They're going to get tight.

And hats off to Bergman.

I need to do a great job, turn on the pressure up late.

And, you know, I'm just glad we hung on the grown man Coach looked a little tight over there, too, for a minute.

Ricky Yeah, I mean, that's one of those moments.

As a coach, there's very little you can do.

I mean, you put the kids in positions to make plays, but at the end of the day, got to go make the place, you know?

And we turned it over a few times and we got lucky with a bomb to Grayson for a dunk like that really kind of sealed the deal for us.

Yeah, I'm I don't know what I.

Well, coach, the second half Maddox got going, the first half was in like that.

Was there anything you talk to them about in the second half to adjust to give him more looks?

No, I just told Sam, look, if you're going to be guarded like that, when you get to your spots, you're going to have to make some shots.

You know, if you wait on rhythm threes in a game like that you're not going to get them.

And Sam's a good enough player and works on his game enough.

When he gets to his spot, he's got to make shots.

And he came out in the third quarter and did that, which is a little bit dangerous game for us because then we have the tendency to just watch Sam because he's a big time scorer.

But man, we had some huge plays from Lane Baxter and Joseph Beranek and guys like, you know, just rope that stepped up huge today.

And I want to praise Webb Watson, a dude that started every game all year and he knew this was a tough match up at six foot for him and played very limited minutes but took a huge charge in the second half and was cheering teammates on from the bench when he wasn't in.

And it's it's that kind of culture that these seniors have built and have have poured into that carries all the way down that makes the difference in a game like that.

Did you have any sense that Baxter was going to have this kind of day?

You know, Baxter is a wild card of all wild cards.

He had a game late in the year against Lamar at home, where he went seven for nine from three and scored five.

And I think he went about the next six games without hitting a three.

But in the state tournament, we kind of saw that coming around again where he made some big shots and hit some big shots.

And I will tell you this about Lane Baxter.

The dude is fearless.

The moment is not too big for him.

That shot is not too big for him.

He's got to shoot it.

And that's that's his role for us.

And he hit some ones tonight.

Coach Scott, let you go.

Congratulations.

Appreciate you all so much.

That's awesome.

We're going to be over here now, so get the highlights in between there.

Justin, go ahead.

Let's Take a look.

Well, there are plenty of them.

And there's our guy, our MVP, Sam Maddox, Drilling one, as you mentioned.

Got it going in the second half.

Slow start, big third quarter.

And this is carried on over and I thought, boy, there's a unsung hero right there.

I thought Hampton was really good on both ends of the floor as well and man Dillon friend and that Bergman Panther offense they would not go away and then they made some critical plays late to keep the game interesting.

But they were unable to keep up with that shooting in the second half of central Arkansas.

Christian They sort of found the range and talked Baxter and Maddox and there's Sam with another nice scoop shot up off the glass there.

But back and forth we went for a while and then just a big run there by the Mustangs, able to put it away.

But the man of the hour, Sam Maddox, comes up with a big win for the team.

Congratulations on me.

Payton was a good one to watch.

yes, sir.

Man, I tell you, we talk about the stars.

Rise to the occasion, and we had you on one side and friend on the other.

But you both played really well tonight.

He had a for some shots late to try to get him back into it.

But tell me about being patient today.

I mean, it was not easy early in year to kind of wait your turn.

Yeah.

So, I mean, started the game being face guarded, getting followed around, which is not unfamiliar to me.

I'm kind of used to that.

So Coach just told me to stay patient, look for my shot, but don't force anything.

And in the second half it came to me.

So credit to friend too.

He had a great game, but our goal was to tire him out a little bit.

But with Jacob Henry and Deuce, so.

But credit to the Bergman team.

They're great team.

You got Grayson and Deuce both in foul trouble early.

We were thinking, you guys having to make some adjustments?

How do you think you guys it?

I think we're we're battle tested.

We've had a couple of losses in the playoffs.

I really got us ready for these moments and we've learned to trust each other.

And as a community, especially the seniors, I stepped in Dover on it.

You had some big plays down the stretch.

So we were just we were battle tested.

We were ready for the moment, and we just relied on each other senior year and first title ever for Central One Way to go out.

Yeah, man, we've been talking about this forever.

We are coaches saying we've had this year circled for however long.

Now.

I know, man Baxter is one of my best friends.

We just talk about this forever and it's just so surreal to see it happen.

They both rose to the occasion.

Congratulations.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

That's our MVP, Sam Maddox.

Well played.

And That's going to do it.

We've got a couple of great games coming up a little bit later on as well.

And we certainly want you to come on back for Farmington, Morrilton.

That's our next game for a girls out to be a great battle tonight at six.

And then the nightcap, Farmington, Little Rock Christian of the Quarry Boys can't wait for that one to be a ton of fun as well as the Warriors try to go four back to back with Farmington with all kinds of weapons.

But I'm excited, man.

Great, great.

Finish for the first day on tap for us a little bit later on.

All right.

You've been watching Centennial State basketball championships here on Arkansas PBS Sports.