Everyone thinks mascot is fun, like being a celebrity.

But I'm here to tell you it's mask not.

I'm still working on that one.

This line of works only for the bold, the audacious.

I got that in spades.

There's only one problem.

Nobody in Arkansas wants a giraffe for a mascot.

37 interviews and nothing, Nada but kiss.

Everyone's always like, a giraffe is too weird for Arkansas.

And I'm like, Have you seen some of the mascots out there?

Arkansas is chock full of bears and eagles and bulldogs.

In fact, there are 354 schools with mascots and more than a few double ups.

But for all the basic BS, there are a few out of the box mascots that only exist in the natural state.

I'm from Batesville South Side, aptly named Southerners to pint sized pests like the Fordyce Red Bugs.

Here are a few of the wonderfully weird mascots in Arkansas.

Arkansas has three different pitchforks brandishing imps, all unique to the state.

The Morrilton Devil Dogs, the wonder view daredevils and the guertin go devils all sport the typically horned castoffs.

Although the lumber town of Gurdon got the go devils from a piece of logging equipment for quickly pulling up trees, Harrison's figurehead is the one and only Goblin, the original Goblin was created in 1927 to give the school newspaper a name sporting blue hair and a golden face.

The goblin started out as a smiling friend, but remained Ryan Moore fiendish in the sixties with its current, meaner incarnation.

Along that same main street.

In 1925, the University of Arkansas at Monticello set out to strike fear in their adversaries.

What better name for a frightening foe near the agricultural heart of the state than the bald weevils?

Every Arkansan knows these tiny beetles have been decimating cotton crops and terrorizing farmers since the state was founded.

Jimmy Giraffe.

Nope, not me, But boll weevils and red bugs aren't the only tiny Arkansas mascots.

Danville took on the moniker of the little johns after the French explorer Petit Jean Legend.

Tales of a heroic young French girl who visited the state in search of her long lost love.

The state has since used the moniker for a river mountain and Arkansas's first state park.

Speaking of firsts, the Arkansas School for the Deaf have been known as the Leopards since 1941, three decades before the rock band Def Leppard was ever founded.

However, the famous felines became fast friends when the band toward the state in 2016.

And I can't forget about these marvelous mascot greatest hits.

Wow, that means a lot to them, and it just keeps going.

Gate Now we're dead.

No, we are not done.

It's a long list.

From daredevils to bull weevils, goblins and more, Arkansas is brimming with spunky and funky mascots.

Each of them bringing heart, passion and creativity to their teams and fans.

Guess who's going to the big time?

look at this.

What is this place?

This is the Charlotte Coliseum in North Carolina, especially looking for items and stories like that.

Well, these guys in the white and red jerseys, the Arkansas Razorbacks, University of Arkansas and something big is about to happen.

It's April 1st, 1994.

This is the NCAA championship game, the biggest game in college basketball.

And we've invited numerous invited.

You see that man in the suit?

That's Coach Norman Richardson.

He's in the Basketball Hall of Fame here.

And that guy, number 34.

That's Chris Williamson.

He's going to play in the NBA next year.

I know.

And that guy, number 30.

That's Scottie Thurman.

Now watch this one on the shot clock.

Thurman, beat it three pointer.

That was the herd from Arkansas who just won the national championship.

We thought we would win 12.

We were just a little school from Arkansas, but we did it.

Arkansas, as and when they won the first ever national championship mystery week and determine whether people would come from miles around, come to ninth Street just to see what it was like.

I'm saying this was the mecca of entertainment in the south, along the side.

We thought we was on top of the world.

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To be courageous is to dance with the storm of adversity.

The fact that I have you.

I am so by my side.

This is a blessing.

And without you I am less whole.

I wouldn't be the player that I am today.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Hands up.

Let me see you.

Bend to see you.

Bounce, Bounce, bounce, bounce.

That is how it is done.

It is a packed house for the final game on day two of championship weekend and the final one of the day is going to be a good one.

As the six day boys game between Bryant and Little Rock Central.

I'm R.J. Hawke, along with Westmore and West.

I say what we just saw a good one in the girls action, saw a good win in the five game earlier today, but boy, I don't think there's gonna be a seat in the house up in this arena.

Well, I know the Central Tiger fans are excited.

The girls just won their first ever state championship.

Now the boys try to do it.

They tried to pick up two state titles in one night here in Hot Springs.

So, you know, these Tiger fans are going to be loud.

Bryant's got a huge contingent here, too.

So this game, this atmosphere is going to be outstanding tonight.

Two 2019 was the last time Bryant made it.

But, you know what?

We've had a lot of basketball today.

West.

We got a lot more coming up tomorrow.

Yeah, we'll start at 1130 in the morning.

The one eight girls Mammoth Free North, four, then the one eight boys Nevada taking on March 3 to 8 girls will start tonight's session at 6:00.

Mt.

Vernon, Enola versus Mansfield, both teams undefeated.

Somebody gets their first loss tomorrow and then the boys at 745 closes out.

These boys that county versus Marshall, the 12th game in three days.

Well, it ought to be a lot of fun.

But you know what?

We got one more tonight and we're going to take it right here.

We're going to take a quick break.

When we come back, we will talk more about Bryant and Little Rock Central as you're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball championship on Arkansas.

PBS Sports Antiques Roadshow is coming to Bentonville, Arkansas.

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I can't wait to tell my daughter you made my day.

That's what I like to hear.

Holy moly.

It's a really big deal.

Scan code or visit PBS that August road show 2024 to enter for tickets and see complete rules.

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Real service, Real People is now session back here at Bank Ozark Arena in Hot Springs is the six eight boys game between Bryant and Little Rock Central, RJ Hawkins, Westmore here standing by courtside and West.

Both these teams.

It's the pinnacle of games to see how they got here first.

And we'll start with the Bryant Hornets, who they started.

There's their tournament run as it with a bye in the first round.

Then they took on Bentonville West won that game 51 to 43.

Then in the semis it was north.

Little Rock won that game 6241 to make their final match.

Up here with Little Rock Central.

Bryant is led by Kellan Robinson averages 24 points a game, four rebounds, three assists.

Auburn has already offered him several other colleges have already offered him.

Kellan, of course, is the younger brother of Kay Robinson.

The last time Bryant was in the state championship game, Kay Robinson was on that team.

So was Cameron Hunter, Cameron Hunter's little brother, Cameron Beard or Cameron Beard.

Bede, I should say, was it's also one of the big leaders of this team.

So you got two younger brothers that were here watching their older brothers the last time Bryant was in the state championship and K.K.

playing for Little Rock.

Now he's in a conference tournament, so we already he's to watch online.

He has little brothers doing, Hey, let's go to the other side for the Little Rock Central Tigers and see how they got to this title game.

And first for Central, it all started with that bye In the first round.

Then they played Springdale in the second round, won by 1177 to 66.

Then it was on to Harvard.

That was a closer game than a lot of people thought.

It was a four point game.

Harbor won that and then they made it here to the championship point and Central Central was tested tough.

One game against Springdale.

They jumped out to a huge lead, saw that lead evaporate.

They go to overtime because of a buzzer beater by Springdale and then they win it in overtime.

Player to watch, no doubt.

Connor Boateng, he has signed with Missouri and averages 18 points a game, almost eight rebounds a game.

He is dynamic.

He is fun to watch.

He can finish at the rim, He can shoot the three, he can shoot the mid-range.

He's a three level scorer.

School is all over the court.

You're going to enjoy watching Honor Boateng tonight.

Well, we're just about said ready to go.

Think about this West.

This is a Brian Hall team that started owing to on the season.

They won 26 straight and then that win streak was snapped on February 16th by North Little Rock.

And then since at that point, they've been winners.

As for Little Rock Central, they play 12 consecutive out of state games and really they've been tested every step of the way.

Non-Conference Conference.

This is a very battle tested team.

Yeah.

Brian Central this third time they play now Bryant won the first two Brian won back in February.

Back in January, January 9th to be exact, 47, 40 43. game.

Bryant won the rematch on February 6th, a two point game, two point wins by five points.

We've already seen three.

This is the third game tonight where a team is playing for the third time.

Pine Bluff went on to won a state championship.

Little Rock Central Girls went on to against Conway.

They won the state championship.

Central can take a little something from that.

It doesn't matter what happened the first two games.

All that matters is what happens tonight.

Well, we're just about somewhere to go.

Let's go over the starting line real fast.

You've got Chris Washington, Daniel Culberson on or booting out and Luke Moore for central RJ Young, RJ Newton, Kellan Robinson Trent Ford and Kamari Embiid for Bryant Jumping center.

It's going to be controlled by Bryant as Kamari Embiid comes up with it The Hornets in the lane off the glass it's RJ Young.

What RJ is in this game RJ Yeah, there are Brian opens up the scoring and now Central has it is Luke Moore's going to bring it up Moore thought about a three then steps inside the arc can't come down with it We've got a loose ball Bryant comes down with it and they're going to control things into the frontcourt.

Tough rebound by big Crosscourt pass Here's a three for Bryant Airball rebounds pulled in by Central's honor Boateng working quickly Boateng for three It's off the back of the iron No good rebounds pulled in by Bryant speed with two rebounds working quickly they go baseline bounce it out stolen away taken quickly Luke Moore with the right hand it's good ties the ball game to two Luke Moore under so much control just took his time sized up his opponent got their jump start puts it in easy basket Bryant working the ball left side pulls up from seven feet No good rebound going to be controlled by the Hornets and he stepped out of bounds Boy that time it was Kellan Robinson who went over to get the ball and as he was grabbing the ball, he stepped out of bounds.

I tell you was I don't know if there's an empty seat in the house.

This place is packed.

When you look up in there, in the corners, then you know everything in the middle for Boateng brought it up for Central loop.

More controls it going to bring the ball in the lane That's chase Allen's spin move no good rebound pulled in by Bryant Carnoy C.J Washington went up high to get it but he just mistimed his jump wasn't able to pull down the offensive rebound and go right side with it that's into the hands of Robinson in the lane and we've got a whistle and they're going to call a jump ball it's good call went up with it came down with it because of the contact in the hands and had to make a call.

I don't think there was a foul there.

I think that was a good call.

Jump ball 545 to play here in the first quarter as bring it up could be Daniel Culberson, high ball game two to Culberson in the lane high off the back of the rim No good rebound pulled in by the Hornets working quickly that is Drake Fowler who just checked in the ball game for Bryant now here's the big three by big and he thinks it 5 to 2 Hornets Boateng in the lane kicks it back out to Washington Here's a 3 to 2 answer on the other side for the Tigers Culbertson says I got you three got a whistle and a foul as well.

The ball up for Bryant that time it was Kellen Robinson.

Good look at that three left his hands look good the whole way Robinson spin move in the lane got caught up in traffic lost the ball and got it taken away by a little Rock central Culberson in the lane dishes it right bottom three to go with the easy lay in central takes a two point lead it's good defense from Luke Moore as soon as he saw the offensive player turn his back he came from the back side, came in and ripped it away.

So here comes Culberson, right side, and Drake Fowler's hands flings a back left side to Robinson for three.

But net that was back there on the triple play logo high arching shot I think he's had a couple of shootarounds with his brother taking 8 to 7 hornets lead in the lane that's Culberson he misses it coming up with the rebound was RJ Young now they go right side to beat and we've got a kick ball off the near Boateng and that takes us to a media timeout Well that was a quick first for them the first quarter that takes a 4.8 to 7 lead to our media timeout.

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Our score.

It was a quick moving first quarter and I just got word well from Troy Mitchell and the folks to his dad so we've got a sellout for the six eight championship, 6500 people here at Benkovic Arena.

Then you look around above some of the gates where people can walk in.

You got people standing.

There's a seat here, a seat there available.

But all along the railing, there are people standing.

They would rather stand and try to find a seat.

Maybe you're you're standing with three or four of your friends.

There's only one seat here, one seat there.

There aren't multiple seats available next to each other.

Here's an inbound pass to tell Anne Robinson for three no good offensive rebound taken by the Hornets.

Back to Robinson with the kick it out left side up to top the key to beat orange work it around the perimeter back to Drake Fowler Fowler goes left side RJ Newton now back to base and he traveled with it Just slip got his feet moving a little too fast No no if it was a slick spot on the floor.

But he just lost his footing, went down to the ground 311 to play as they go with the inbound pass that time to Luke Moore.

Now, both things going to bring it in for central.

Tang has hit the high post left side Culberson trying to find an open man the defense of the Hornets stifling right now Here's a three by Luke Moore off the back of the iron no good rebounds pulled in biology Newton really good defense that time from Bryant as soon as honor Boateng caught it they were all around him call Delon Robinson went up for a three got fouled and so he's going to head to the three point line or the free throw line to shoot three.

Culberson made some contact.

One of those four didn't give him a chance to land.

And look at coach Mike Abrahams and the head coach of the Bryant Hornets.

2019 was the last time the Hornets made it to the title game.

They lost both free throws up and Good gives Bryant a two point lead.

Bryant was one of those teams not a lot of people were talking about in the preseason, but then they went on that run of 26 straight wins that got the attention of the state and some of the voters and the people that cover basketball.

But it was those wins over Central Perk that got them a lot of respect when they went to Central, took care of North Little Rock.

They did lose to North Little Rock later on, but they were without Calvin Robinson.

He rolled his ankle and that's when the that one loss happened.

Robinson came back for the playoff run and he's been a key cog of this Bryan offense and what they've been able to do this season as the third one's up 10 to 7 now here comes center on the frontcourt Luke more spin move in the lane goes up and he's found all the time This is going to go against RJ Newton for Bryant and for Newton that's his first personal foul more just a junior came into the game averaging 14 points They're second best score he had 29 against Springdale and that just crazy game I think central was up 21 to nothing They shut out Springdale in the first quarter Springdale coach was ejected and then Springdale comes all the way back.

It makes it the ballgame central.

It's a three with about 3 seconds left.

You think they're going to win?

And Springdale hits a three at the buzzer to send it to overtime.

So with the basketball, it's killing Robinson 210 remaining left here in the first quarter speed those baseline two for one and they travel with the basketball He did everything right pump fake got the man in the air then when he went to pass he took the extra step and the Hornets lead by one two minute one second left here in the first quarter.

Full court pressures on by Bryant as they get into the bottom more with the basketball at the jump circus.

Andrew a minute 48, the first Culberson for three off the back of the iron no good balls to floating around Boateng goes back up with it and he's fouled You know we haven't talked a whole lot about honor Boateng defending Gatorade player of the Year, as well as a McDonald's all-American nominee, probably one of the top high school basketball players in the country.

All right.

Here in Little Rock Central, Boateng has been so consistent and you've just seen his game grow year after year after year.

No coach Brian Ross, Little Rock Central's proud of his development.

He knows what honor means not only to his team, but to Little Rock, Central Community.

Thanks to second time all Game 1010 Drake Fowler in the ball game.

They get the ball in the Kellyn Robinson Robinson right side goes up with off the glass though good gets his own rebound Robinson puts it back up his block working quickly as Culberson is blocked again.

We've got a block party going on C.J Washington BLOCK chatted about his shoulder Here's a big three by Robinson here from the break go see with the logo that's two deep threes from Robinson we're going to step the coverage out on him 34 Bryant under a minute to play 1310 Hornets play Blair in the ballgame Love side to Culberson for three He rattles Allen home He has answered every single time Robinson hits one Culberson hits one, Robinson hits one.

Culberson hits one.

Shot clock is turned off down to 23 seconds in the corner.

Delon Robinson with the basketball down to 12, he might shoot off one of those.

But to say he might do to for there Robinson in the lane goes up with it Dunn get it to go central comes down with it throws one up before the buzzer and that's going to do it We end one quarter of play where we've got a tie ballgame.

Bryant 13 Little Rock Central 13.

You're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball Championships on Arkansas Video Sports, southern markets and proud sponsor of Arkansas PBS.

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Looks like we have some new help in the marketing department, adding high end to the area.

With everything you can see, I think you do.

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You get your live action photos from the game at my air BBC dot org slash photo strap three downloads that Prince made.

These are great championship keepsakes.

Well, those things right there for the Hornets they are I've been entertained so far and look Brian's no stranger to a state championship does none basketball last the last championship was in the late eighties when the Blind Hornets won the state championship.

They've seen it in football, but not so much on the hardwood.

Well, they're building a total team program.

Not just football, but basketball course baseball.

They've had success in softball.

Girls basketball now meant the boys basketball team catching up.

Delon Robinson Well, actually not some new player that just checked in for the Hornets That's Kamara you know that's Kamara and big feed as he's got on the right wing for three And then rattles home What a soft touch they just kind of fell into the basket high arching shot Brian hot from three right now honor Boateng puts up the shot no good rebound taken in by the Hornets down court pass work and quickly go off the glass then it rolls out It hit every part of the rim.

R.J. Young just couldn't get that one to fall.

Working quickly.

Go the Tigers that was blocked from behind by Drake Fowler.

But he got a little body, got a little head to look at the replay here.

No finger at the head.

My mistake.

Well, though, make more.

Earn it from the free throw line.

Free throws.

Good.

16, 14 seconds off the back of the iron.

No good rebounds pulled in by the Hornets Kamari Embiid.

He's already got four rebounds from his guard position Here's Bede with a runner in the lane Can't ball in Central comes down with it three The hustle from Luke Moore getting down on the floor left side to Boateng and he puts it in Great pass from C.J Washington He could have shot that but he found his teammate wide open on the other side of the rim.

They tied again.

Did we expect anything else?

Two points is what separates these two teams in the first two meetings here the Hornets Drake Fowler top of the key out to Robinson for three hits off the side of the rim No good Boateng comes down with it That was a big rebound He went up high for that snatch to the way play Blair Excuse me that's Luke Moore in the lane Roll it in with a soft touch.

Central takes a two point lead.

He's going to bring it up for the Hornets under six to play in the first half.

BATES Going to drive left baseline bounced off the glass boy made that look easy He did no need to set up a play here I got this one I'm just going to take him one on one too little five footer off the glass harden fuming.

That's Culberson in the lane He lost the handle Andre Power comes up with it Kelan Robinson works right side of forward Robinson trying to work around his screen in the lane pulls up nice drops it.

Guards taking over for Bryant in now for Kellen Robinson Boateng spin move crosscourt pass Here's Culberson for three from the corner he knocks it in Culberson with his third three of the game.

He's up to nine points, 2120 central on top of Bryant.

Here's Robinson high off the back of the rim no good offensive rebound taken by the Hornets Kamara Embiid left baseline gets blocked out of bounds Robinson and B right now the offense going through those two guys beat up two We're going to have a timeout real quick but Bede's got eight points Robinson ten points 18 of their 20 points coming from their two guards and you look over Little Rock Central Culver Suns got nine, Luke Moore has got seven.

So Central's two guards got 16 of their 21.

Both teams chipped in with five.

It has been a back and forth affair and really I mean you know, we watched the big game against Pine Bluff earlier and I mean, it was kind of frantic.

I mean, you didn't really have much flow.

Well, game of runs, you know, while this game, though, it has been fast paced, but it just seems like there's been more control by both these two teams.

Yeah, the largest lead so far, Bryan, had a three point lead, Little Rock Central, a two point lead.

So they've been right there one possession game the entire time.

Great.

433 left here in the first half where central leads by one inbound.

Nice.

Cut the lane that time by R.J. Young.

Can't get it to go to good looks.

R.J. hasn't been able to finish.

Luke Moore gives it off to Boateng and works.

The right side of the pain get fouled.

RJ That's just the second foul called in this game and fill it.

And really it's not like they missed any calls.

It's just been clean basketball.

One foul apiece is inbound to Culberson now they swing it right side.

Two more for three.

No good They get their offensive rebound.

Culberson back, right side two little more foul, called on the baseline.

Take it in from underneath or the right side of the bucket It's the over the bottom.

Boateng puts up the shot he's fouled he doesn't go to the free throw line shoot two It's one of the things Missouri will like right there, the ability to post him up against a smaller guard that frame the size he took the ball, gave up a good shot.

It almost went in just rolled out.

But he'll get to go the free throw one try to add to his point point total.

He's got five so far.

There's free throws up and no good is taking the ball game for the Hornets.

It was Caden Benson who checked in Trent Ford over to Drake Fowler Kellen Robinson now with the basketball for some we saw some back court pressure from central Robinson It's a left side Tom Trent board thought about a three but take it back how's that got 8 seconds left on the shot clock Fowler For three from the corner.

No good from the right wing gets his own rebound.

He's fouled a nice of a luxury is it for coach Abraham and that has to take beat out with two personal fouls and you got somebody that can run the point guard for you.

But Kellen Robinson down times good and a half.

Hey we're at the media timeout 328 to play here in the first half central Bailey Bryant 20 to 20 you're watching the Centennial State basketball championships on Arkansas PBS Sports and it's the most exciting academic competition of the year and it is live right here on Arkansas PBS.

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Well, we start the week.

I was trying to finish up the second quarter central lead with 20 to 20 and Bryan's got the basketball.

RJ Young takes it off the inbound.

It's about Dylan Robinson.

Bryan really slowing things down now.

He got beat the bench.

I'm trying to work some of this clock, slow the game down with ball now.

The 10 seconds on the shot clock.

Robinson Take it in the lane comes off the right side.

No good rebound.

Take it in by central Here's Boateng down to get it Culberson for three That's no good He's fouled you go the line for three he's just RJ Young going up trying to put a hand in his face left that hand up and Culberson came down and drew the contact.

Here's the first free throw in is good central.

Now with their largest lead of the game, it's only three.

Well, make it four.

But that's how close this game has been for one and a half quarters.

Free throws in the air and good five point lead for central Trent, for R.J. Young trying to get it in the fourth quarter.

Kellen Robinson They do.

Robinson walks back right side, finds Drake Fowler, then back to telling Robinson they'll pull up for three.

Engineer Ball is right in the hands of Culberson Boateng in the lane kicks it out back right side tried to save going out of bounds but Calais Blair just couldn't keep inbound and Bryan going to get the basketball back and Jerusalem contact threw it back down Thought he had a wide open teammate He was he just threw it a little bit high, right?

Fowler with the basketball, swung it left side in the hands of Trent for that count for right side ad time for Bryan.

It's Caden Benson.

And Benson's going to go to the free throw line floating all over that and Coach Abraham, so he's going to roll the dice.

He's going to put be back into the game with two fouls.

Just doesn't like what he sees out of his offense right now.

They've been stuck on 20.

Here's a three by Kalen Robinson it's no good and rebounds pulled in by Moore a minute 41 left here in the first half running in the lane can't go and Bryan pulls it in It's been bounce pass down low kicks it back out to Robinson There's been the lane as it rolls around and good paid off there brought him in he got to that broke a three minute 34 second scoring drought Yeah seven over run for central to take that lead knocking it down low to Washington going up with the right hand he gets it to go Washington got gray post position that time there's Drake Fowler the lane is blocked Bryan gets it back they put it back up it's no good and we got a foul great hustle that time from R.J. Young.

He followed up the play was there to get the blocked shot, takes it back up, gets the foul call.

He'll head to the line first time to the free throw line tonight.

Shot's good for Bryant is one of their last ten field goals right now in free throws.

Good.

Takes it to a three point game.

Luke Moore is going to bring it up for Central play.

Blair left side down to 35 seconds, 19 on the shot clock.

Boateng got to pull up from ten feet.

Can't get it to go Central gets the offensive rebound they go back up here we got whistle the charge off the foul The foul is going to go against Chris Washington.

That's his first personal foul.

Washington standing alone looking over the bench.

Just can't you guess to aggressively turning that shoulder into the body.

Delon Robinson stands the jump circle shot clock turned off down to 14 seconds Robinson to get the lose the handle on the ball ball's on the third go out of bounds is going to go central with 1.4 seconds left Good defense I'll tell you this so lob a pass the forward and he immediately got it back Jarana I don't think Robinson was really expecting that so quickly he'll take beat out of the game make sure he doesn't get that third foul here here's the imbalance intercepted and that's going to do it for the first half.

So as we come to halftime Central 27.

Bryant 24.

You're watching the Centennial State basketball championship on Arkansas.

PBS Sports.

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Somewhere across Arkansas.

We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas Power and people.

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 our three.

Let's take a look.

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

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 maybe 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 in a more tre since 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 more Tre been here 33 years.

Honestly I never knew where more Tre 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 that, like, I've always looked up to her because she want the best for us.

Just going out there and playing with her honor, I saw it is some motivation.

There's 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'm just intrigued that they are running and jumping and playing ball 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 Wilbur 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 the Saints, and we all players just play their biggest cause.

It doesn't mean that 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 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 the basketball court.

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

That's just math.

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

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

KENYON 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 Warriors represents the four A boys.

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

The five girls are well represent it by liking 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 eight boys, we have honor Boateng, representing the Little Rock Central High Tigers, on her plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in engineering.

You know, there's a good chance you'll see some of those same athletes again live right here in this studio when we bring you Quiz Bowl 2024 this April.

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

Well, Steve, it is about that time.

Much more coming up in the second half.

That's right.

Right here on the home of the 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 it and see it.

Bounce, Bounce, bounce, bounce.

Back Here.

Bank, Aussie.

Karina, Little Rock Central.

They lead at halftime.

27 to 24 over the Bryant Hornets.

And let's check out some halftime stats for this one is this is a fairly moving fast moving first quarter of first half and there you see it.

Field goal to eight of 24 40% for central Bryan eight of 25 for 32%, three point range Central is three of seven.

Bryant scorer of ten free throw percentage 80% for the Hornets 72.7 for the Tigers, 12 total turnovers, eight for the Hornets and four for the Tigers.

And then Bryant leads in total rebounds.

Now the highlight of this one, there was a lot of once and really got going early with Bryant Yeah the Hornets have been shooting the three well are four of eight from the three point line but it was early on R.J. Young attacking the basket Luke Moore getting to the basket and then it was a nice shot from Cameron Bede hits the three Bryant comes back with another three, Robinson with one.

He had two actually there in the first half.

Two out of four.

Culberson would respond every time it seemed like that Robinson hit a three, then Culberson hit a three.

Daniel Culberson three of four.

From the three point line.

That's the only three threes for the Tigers.

They're three of seven.

BRYANT But by the way, four of eight from the three point line, Cameron being a perfect two for two.

ROBINSON two for four.

Close game we expected it close game 2724.

What would you expect they played two times five points decided it this game was two points.

Game four, that was 3.47 44.

So one possession game.

So that's what we have here.

One possession game.

What would you do differently for both teams?

I'd like to see Bryant attack a little bit more.

I know they've been making the threes, but we saw that from Bede, We saw it from Robinson.

Don't have to necessarily get all the way to the basket because he got Washington and honored Boateng there to block the shot.

But you can stop and hit one from 1512 feet.

They need to keep an eye on Culberson Culberson to hurt him in the first half with those three threes.

Well, we're going to get back to second half action.

Glad to have you along where he may be across the team.

Arkansas, third quarter action just about underway.

We're central getting the basketball to start the second half and go tangle, get the basketball Here's Culberson for central down low to the low post that's over to Washington and they get a move with the left hand and gets a roll and a big size advantage That time had Cameron beat on him and he just patiently turned pivot got the easy shot.

Here's Bryant in the lane that speed with the right hand makes it go beat made it look easy you score me well I'm going to go back and get those two points back here on central route more hits it off to chase down down low Washington with the right hand easy B tried to draw the foul but they said now that just a flop we're not going to give you that here come the Hornets as Ford's got it and just gives it off to beat.

They'll work the lane Nice stuff off the glass and good boy.

That was a great Just let him fly and he'll let it.

He'll let the ball go.

Man.

The coaches teach you the jump stop.

It's effective.

Here is Boateng down the Washington backs his way in Washington with the right hand can't get it to go and call goaltenders a hornet grab the bottom of the net.

Central's taking advantage of the matchup.

They see the huge size advantage trying to put big on Washington.

There you saw the replay hit the net while the ball was above the cylinder.

Now checking in for Bryan to be Caden Benson to bring some size here.

Now imagine Bede will move off of C.J.

Washington and guard somebody else.

And here comes Trent Ford.

And he got off to Kelvin Robinson.

Robinson in the lane spin move with the right hand gets it to go so far three possessions for Bryant they've driven in three times and got three nice little shots I like not just settling for the three it's like central has gotten content with putting Washington down that low post trying to feed him the basketball.

But Bryan did make a change.

I did feed off of him.

Here's Boateng in the lane flings it right side over to Allen trying to go up gets a block Boateng Right there he goes.

Gets it blocked again and it goes out of bounds.

Wish Boateng would have taken that just straight up.

Instead of trying to get right to the front of the rim, He's big enough, athletic enough.

He could jump up for four feet and be an easy shot for him.

They tried to get it to Boateng over through him.

Bryant Delon Robinson's got it.

He got fouled.

Culberson got caught with the reach in.

He was trying to go for the steal, get it in the Trent Ford and then he's going to bring it the left side to Robinson.

Now down low.

We've got a whistle before the shot as they get it to RJ Young.

That was a good move by R.J. Young to post himself That threw it to the outside.

He got the spin move in the goal.

We got his defender on his hip.

He a great post position and the defender could do anything, couldn't do anything but fouled.

Probably a smart foul.

Kept him from getting an easy layup.

Here's the inbound they're going to get to R.J. Young top side of the court Alvin Kamara and big big pull up for three It hits off the back of the arm, ball goes out of bounds and it goes with Little Rock Central.

First three point attempt for Bryant in the second half had success going inside.

Keep doing that.

Now.

Now Culberson is going to bring the ball up for Little Rock Central.

Go left side.

ALLEN Now we're going to back down to Washington, Luke Moore with 10 seconds on the shot clock.

And now we're going to whistle a foul.

That time, R.J. Young was matched up with Washington and got the foul.

See what happens when you get a big man involved a little bit.

He just becomes more active on both sides of the court.

All of sudden.

C.J Washington had six quick points here in the second half.

They went two and three times in a row and he's just a lot more active.

Boateng matched up with Washington or with R.J. Young.

They go up with a partially blocked here's Washington he goes back up with it no good gets his own rebound and we get a whistle a foul that size came into play there.

Washington, the biggest player on the court, got honor.

Boateng hit the glass, just playing volleyball with it up there, just bouncing it off.

Rebound after rebound.

Chris Washington at the free throw line.

First one's no good.

Tigers lead by three 3330 as Drake Bowers going to check in the ball game he'll come in for RJ Young Second free throw is good and makes it a four point game.

Here comes Bede into the frontcourt as he'll lose the handle on it goes out of bounds.

Last touch by central coach Abraham Simmons stunning quadrivalent so much Settle down slow it down inbound comes to Kellen Robinson and he'll stand the jump circle Robinson in the lane lost the handle but kicks it out for three rattles it home That's Trump forward Ford's first points of the game and those were big three errors Washington tried to go with a dunk got partially blocked and he's working quickly right side ball got deflected away is taken by big in the lane off the glass king Go to go.

BOATENG working quickly lost the handle on it picks it back up goes up with the right hand still can't get it to go central on the right side, no offensive rebound.

It's blocked.

We've got a foul.

A lot of action on both ends of the court.

No ball's going inside the basket.

Get somebody going to the free throw line.

That was a crazy, frantic pace back and forth.

They need a break.

We need a break.

327 left in the third quarter central, 34.33.

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Closed on the welcome back here to that crowd as we're in the third quarter 2027 to play blind drills we're out Christian 3433.

The cheerleaders are putting on a show.

They're battling back and forth, doing their flubs and the fans are eating it up on both sides.

Think we've got more more cheers coming for the cheerleaders right now as I have a tumble off and away we go.

Come out of the media.

Time out.

That's tell you.

We'll look at the student reception for Brian and look at the student sex for central watts.

It will try to get a shot of both just a massive student session for both these schools showing up here at Banco de K Arena.

6500 people standing room only.

We got people on the grill standing up.

Not many seats available officially sold out.

Jace Allen knocks down his first free throw to make it two point game.

Flagrant ones.

Good back to a three point contest 327 to play here in the third quarter Been going to bring it up to Drake Fowler here's big top of the key out to Kellen Robinson Robinson step back knocks it in as big leaguer hit They're hard to stop Boateng baseline cross-court started Oop boy Washington throwing it down back to a three point lead Here's Bede going baseline dishes it off into the corner We've got a whistle in charge checking in the ball game for Bryant.

We're going to bring in RJ Young look at the alley oop C.J Washington getting up Great pass from Culberson looking for the big man How about Washington in the second half he's up to 11 points now he's had a great second half.

As Boateng takes the top of the game.

Washington's working.

He wants the ball Washington goes up with the right hand though good rebound pulling by young Carmelo.

There was contact as Kevin Robinson went down.

Here's a three left side.

No good.

Bolton comes down with it.

Bryant gets it back.

Boateng rule Thome Keep that ball high.

He brought it down low and Bryant snatched it away, even though he skied for the offensive rebound.

RJ Young with the basketball takes it right side out to be down low to young going up with it off the glass targeted to go balls on the court scramble for it.

We've got whistles and a jump ball the possession errors in favor of Bryant look at the hustle three guys down on the court trying to get that loose ball.

I will say this West I mean there's been a lot of contact in this game, but these officials have done a good job letting these guys play.

no doubt.

This is one of those games.

If you were blown your whistle, you'd be a foul on every possession would be here all night.

It would look like an SCC game where we're shooting 50 free throws.

Bryant's going to inbound it from the left side.

The bucket.

inbound.

The young got it blocked.

Here's the run out by Moore And then slow things down to Washington He'll back his way in and that was an offensive foul.

The Little Rock Central crowd didn't like that one, but the way he backed his way in and gave a little push, you'll right here watch the shoulder go elbow to Q got called with a technical yeah just for that shoulder got to be careful and when you get the smaller guy on there looking for that and you know the smaller guys trying to draw it just got to be so careful.

Here's a runner in the lane.

Ball's taken by Central Daniel Culberson into the frontcourt.

A minute nine left here in the third quarter swings it left side to chase Allen now top of the key for three no good rebound but we've got a whistle on a foul.

Good call I was watching it trip forward just ran into him couldn't stop he was hustling trying to get there the move more jumped up in the air when he landed.

Trent just ran right into him, knocked him to the ground to look more, is going to head to the free throw line to shoot shots first.

Lonzo Good.

I'm just about to say if Luke Moore makes all three of these this will be Central's largest lead of the game.

Largest lead was five.

So he has a chance to to tie the largest lead sagging one's no good three point game and now we've got a whistle in a timeout George to Bryant boy hey you never want to foul a three point shooter but in this case he's missed the first two and might pay during the break.

Let me tell you, we've been keeping an eye on Kellen Moore.

I'm sorry, Kellen Robinson, Delon's older brother K Robinson, playing for the Little Rock Trojans.

They played this evening at the OVC semifinals in the tournament, but Little Rock came away with a big win.

They have advanced to the finals and Jake finished with 16 points as Little Rock wins 82 to 57 over western Illinois.

So he had Trojans coming points, K had 16.

Well, his brothers got 14 in this one.

I wonder how the Robinsons divide it up.

I wonder who's here watching and who went to the OVC tournament to watch k k. All right.

Kaelin Robinson on the radio show on out of bounds and one of 37.

The boys and I ask, I was like, what happened?

Because they played like on a Tuesday night some not the Trojans played same exact time I said how did your family work that until mom went to one that went to the other.

So I wonder how they divided this one up.

56.1 seconds remaining here in the third quarter.

Central leads it 3835.

Luke Moore's missed the first two of his three free throws.

This is his third one and it's no good rebounds hauled in by Kamari Embiid Big Ben Dog Hawks in left side to Robinson RJ Young back to Robinson for three It rattles home You don't get him pass is a little bit older brother time all game shot clock's turned off here in the third Luke Moore with the basketball for central Boateng walks it out right side down back to Boateng for three he answers Central back up by three and that's good in the third quarter play.

Boy, if you're thinking about switch the channel.

Go.

We got a heck of a fourth quarter coming up central 41 Bryant 38.

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We got a three point game Central 41 Bryan 38.

As we start the fourth quarter, here's how we got here.

These teams have been neck and neck pretty much the entire game.

Hunter Boateng with the flush Bryan with some big threes.

In fact, Kellan Robinson hit three threes.

Cameron Bede has hit a couple of threes, but Central has had an answer every single time C.J Washington came out big in the second half.

Washington throwing it down from Culberson 4138 minutes to go in this game.

The momentum swings in this RJ been just fantastic.

I mean you couldn't end tonight better with Lou with one of the best games of the weekend.

It's crazy to me that Kelvin Robinson has hit three threes each time he hit a three Central answered on the other end on the next possession with the three twice.

Culberson did it and just then it was on or Boateng answering the three with his own three.

So here's Culberson works the back left side to look more Bryan to strip the ball away by four.

We've got fouls dive on the player that's got the loose ball on the floor.

The foul is going to go against Chris Washington and for Washington, that's his third personal foul.

Take a look at some of the guys in foul trouble.

You've got Washington with three young R.J. Young four.

Bryant has three, Ford has three.

That's it.

That's the only players with three.

So really foul trouble should not be an issue in this game.

Our officials today I didn't mention it earlier, James Beckham, Michael Fasting and Luke Fox have done an outstanding job in this one so far.

Here's RJ Young in the lane kicks it back out for three for the corner nothing but net That's Ford's second three of the game.

He's hit some big buckets for them.

Here's one more time Game 41 All more top of the key spin move in the lane going up with it with a right hand He gets the roll and here comes Bryant as big getting give it off over to Robinson Robinson all alone bounces it off the glass one of the few breakdowns in defense we've seen all game they play tied good defense that time just forgot to pick up one of the best players on the court Here's a drive right side fouls good going to the free throw line to shoot is going to be Luke Moore trying to make it a three point game Good thing that's Pat it was four comes down hard right up against the back of the basket boom.

Free throws are going to be big in this game Checking in for Bryant.

It's going to be RJ Young of course in every close game.

Every point matters.

Right now, Central is 11 of 18 from the free throw line.

That's 61%.

Bryant's only going to the free throw line five times there.

Four or five free throws.

Good.

Makes it a three point game.

That one had to feel good for.

Moore after missing three straight Kamari Embiid over to Robinson he'll pull up from ten feet No good rebound taken by central Falls on the court hanging by boy now the Drake foul goes up with the right hand no good the foul still no good but there's a foul foul was foul foul will head to the free throw line It is so loud in here you can't hear the whistle very well.

They've really got to get on that whistle because mean you can barely hear it when they continue play that is I don't think they heard it went up for the foul follow dunk couldn't get it to fall now foul goes to the free throw line First time at the free throw line today and he misses it.

That was not score point today though for two He's actually going to go play football at North Alabama.

Second free throws, good hits, let's say.

You know, Fowler knows how to win championships being in that Bryant football program.

So here comes Daniel Culberson.

Culberson right side in the lane kicks it out.

Fowler takes it away, go into the lane he makes it it's a double game 4646 Central answer him back and they do play Blair Here comes Kellen Robinson in the lane bounces off the glass balls in the air.

Who came up with it?

There's going to be a foul on Brian The foul can be against Caden Benson Look at Fowler steal he goes coast to coast finishes with the layup tied it up momentarily not for long.

Clay Blair answers Clay Blair hit a big three pointer with 16 seconds left in the semis to help Central get the victory and to get here.

So he's used to making some big plays, central leads by two with 35 remaining in this one.

Luke Moore the right side in the lane with the right hand and blocked.

Here's Drake Fowler left side reverse.

It's good work and quickly come central ball's on the floor and that one go whistle a foul has Bede he tried a triple multiply by one to reach him for the ball and his forearm caught him in the shoe and tripped him up.

Here's a good look at the block clean block up ahead to Fowler.

Look how he finishes uses his body to screen off the bigger honor.

Boateng I was wondering how Fowler was going to choose to handle that with Boateng coming in to block the shot.

And he uses the body excellently, excellently.

So Daniel Culberson for Central has the basketballs one or five to play.

Boateng rides out of the paint, goes up with it.

He's fouled foul is going to go against Caden Benson beat Benson off the dribble and then he just jumps in draws the contact unable to finish but he'll get to go the free throw line is Boateng is stretching out Central's going to call a timeout but Boateng work on that cramp in his calf for Benson, that's his third personal foul since May, a full time out charge to Little Rock Central as we've got a tie ballgame.

4804 48 to play here in this one.

on a fun.

I thought this was going to come down to the very end.

You think these two teams have already played twice 32 minutes in each game and it's a one possession game at the end you just look there so even evenly matched.

It's just going to be who makes the right play at the right time in this game and clutch three, maybe it's just a free throw that's causing the steal.

We've seen Drake Fowler come up with the steal.

Go coast to coast, got a loose ball able to finish on another one.

Fowler stepping up hadn't scored in this game until right here in the fourth quarter Four big points for Fowler and then Clay Blair coming through for central Blair Ghost coast to coast finishes a tough lay up sometimes it's not the star players sometimes it's the complementary pieces but when you a state championship so out of the timeout 448 to play tie ballgame Bryant now with four fouls here in the fourth quarter so the next Hornet foul will send central back to the free throw line for two so at the line is honor Boateng first free throw in and out no good Boateng Today is now two of four from the free throw line makes it it's a one point game Kamari Embiid into the frontcourt for Bryant it spin move almost lost the handle on it goes up with it He's fouled he'll head to the free throw line shoot and that foul is going to go against Boateng and that'll be his will that be his third was Boateng did everything right but bring his hands down.

When he brought his hands down, officials made it an easy call for the official that just left his hands straight up in the air.

It would have made it very difficult shot for Bede to make, but he brought the hands down.

Official makes the call.

Yeah, that's his third foul.

The Spurs free throws.

Good time all game.

He's got 15 points in this one as the second free throws.

No good.

Daniel Culberson brings it up for the Tigers.

Culberson right wing goes down the bottom.

Boateng in the lane goes up in and out.

Head to go.

Bryan comes up with the rebound.

Great block out from RJ Young keeping C.J Washington off the glass that ball actually hit the floor they blocked out so well here's Robinson in the lane puts up the shot he's fouled that's four on Boateng back to back possessions fouled and we've got immediate timeout 359 is the last one last stoppage for the media time ball game 359 to play You're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball championships on Arkansas PBS Sports for every moment, for every memory from that first car to your first home to your first child and all the highs and lows that tomorrow.

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I actually is now in session.

The Arkansas PBS student all star is honor team from Little Rock Central.

You're watching him play tonight.

But He is a true student athlete, has a 3.7 GPA.

He plans to go to the University of Missouri.

He'll play basketball there.

Major is engine Eric and all these kids that we've seen throughout the night being a veterinarian, want to go to Australia to be a vet earlier now we got a future engineer out here.

If an NBA player I mean that's some smart kids, very proud of him at Central High School.

I know for a fact.

359 to play as Kellen Robinson's at the free throw line type ball game as he hits it to give Brian a one point lead, think of the pressure for these young men at the free throw line tight game state championship Jack in free throws Good two point lead for the Hornets He made it look easy Yeah bringing the ball up can be more more over the bottom end of the lane He got push from behind get tripped up Boateng will go to the line for two fouls Going to go against Brian Kamara Embiid and for Bede that's his fourth personal foul Now we got two players two important players with four fouls There is a three is good.

I want to say thanks to Troy Mitchell and his crew.

There were the stats for today's game.

Remember we got games tomorrow.

If you want to keep up with the stats for the game, triple j dot stat broadcast.com over all the fine folks that are helping out through all the games.

Here's the second free throw and it's up and good as well.

Tar ball game.

I love to see that step into the line making big time free throws.

Greg Fowler with the basketball on his back left side trend for Larry Embiid gives it off to Robinson now I'd get it to beat let him attack after voting with four fouls and a ten on the shot clock Here's R.J. Young going up hits blocked away Ball's on the floor and central comes up when they get a timeout.

There was a scramble for it.

I think people were calling timeouts as they were going down to get it.

I think everybody was calling timeout.

Look at the last shot right there.

See the size of Central coming into play there.

C.J.

Washington, foot eight, of course, Honor Boateng, six foot six makes it tough to score down low.

It's been a heck of a ball game so far.

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Scott Now, this has been a heck of one.

Just the thing about this, you know, Central's been in this championship game a lot here lately, and the twins, Bryant's last time they were here was 2019, last championship was 1981.

Here's the inbounds stole away and give it right back to Central Central's got numbers if they hurry they choose to hold it out though under three to play Culberson in the lane puts it up off the glass it's good 5350 big tries to go down low to RJ Young and it stays with the Hornets.

The same players touched by Luke Moore.

That was a tough one to tell.

He was trying to rifle that in down low.

A lot of steam on it could tell somebody from Central got a hand on it or not.

They had a better look than we did.

Brian is going to call a timeout on bail.

Full timeout.

Here's another look at it.

And there were four got a hand on it.

So 246 to play as central leads 5351 I mean, and we've said this before, the two previous games, these two, they were a three point game and a two point game.

So it's no coincidence that we're coming down to the wire.

And right now it's a two point game.

Selfishly, I don't want to see this game in.

I'm having too much fun watching it.

I look at the clock and think, Man, unless it goes over time, we only have 2 minutes and 46 seconds left in this game.

It is spin.

So entertaining, fun to watch great players on this court.

I mean, it's loaded for players that are going to play basketball, some at a high level, others at other levels.

But this has been very entertaining.

You just can't see you're sitting here at home watching.

I know you're enjoying this.

I think that the only thing that would make this game better is if you went to overtime and you have a tie ball game, that takes it over time.

I know Central and Hornet fans are probably saying they don't wish that upon us.

This someone's going to have the basketball.

Here it is.

And RJ Young in the Lane kicks it back out to Drake Fowler in a reset things is going Robinson comes out Fowler in the corner Fowler Nice move baseline goes up with it can't get it to go RJ Young comes down with it with the right hand still can't get it to go gets his own rebound kicks it back out to Robinson for three It's off the floor the women's go good Bryant gets another rebound down low to R.J. Young lost a handle on it kicks it back up away by central great play by Luke Moore He read it beat him there for the baseline Culberson comes right side to look more 2 minutes to play in this one by Lee Just stop here two point game central score would be huge Go up two possessions Luke Moore got a pull up for three but hands here comes Boyd R.J. Young got to go up He's fouled Culberson got him with the body or Washington got him with the body on the way down and for Washington that'll be is for personal foul Moore coming up clutch temporarily a five point lead for central now R.J. Young steps to the free throw line needing to burst free throws nil good tough two for the rim seconds good four point game inbound comes and we've got a whistle a foul Robinson going for the steal goes over the back It's going to send honor Boateng to the free throw line And today for Boateng he is five of eight from the free throw line stretching out that calf.

Again, cramped up earlier, having issues again.

They may have to call a timeout.

Yep, they're going to call a timeout.

Try to get him stretched out.

He's going to have to you know, he's been cramping up for most of this quarter.

They're going to try to get him stretched out over on the sideline a minute.

31 to play, 5652 central on top of boy, go back to that three point shot by Luke Moore And that I mean, that was probably one of the biggest shots of the ballgame.

But both teams are shooting very well from the three line.

Central is now five of ten 50%.

And you got Bryant seven of 15, almost 50%.

There it is.

He gets a little screen goes over to the right side buries the three the little Tiger fans in the background are going absolutely nuts.

Well, this one has lived up to the billing for sure.

Boateng still down on the ground there working that calf.

They got that roller out trying to roll out the cramp.

Now he's stretching it out.

Well, and for Boateng, you know, he's he's the to have to go to the free throw line.

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Thanksgiving.

Todd backed up.

He still still kind of limping around after you could see his calf muscles just really tweaking right there before he went over to the sidelines.

So he's going to head to the free throw line where he's got to get two shots.

Now he's got to compose himself.

I mean, he's been over there trying to work out a cramp.

Now he's got to focus in, knock them down.

His free throw is good.

Back to a five point game, 5752.

Second shot's good cramp for cramp, six point game Here's Kamara and be Robinson for three No good balls on the floor picked up by central Probably would have fouled Washington right there sent him to the free throw line look Moore gets it off over to upside to Culberson must stop here for Bryant trail by four by six sorry minute to go down to eight on the shot clock Culberson gets it left side two Allen drives baseline puts it off It's good he's fouled for this shot he's getting knocked down Makes it go of for actually that's going to be the fifth foul isn't it.

That's the fifth foul on big.

To make matters worse, one of their playmakers is out of the game.

But that wasn't the dagger.

It didn't get any better for Bryant with beat fouling out the full time out on the floor, shot clock running out.

I mean it was a great move went baseline with it pulled up knocked it down and got the foul The central Tiger fans were getting antsy.

You can hear them they'll shoot shoot They saw the play clock running down.

Ball was in his hands.

He had to do something with it.

He did something.

And there is a mass exodus right now for the exits.

I think some of them are just fans here to watch a great game.

They realize they think it's over.

Central fans aren't going anywhere.

Hey, that shot from the forward camera one second on the shot clock.

That was Allen's first basket of the night.

Yeah, he had been for two.

He had gone to the free throw line and made a couple of free throws.

We just came up with the biggest shot in his life.

Boy, think about the heartbreaking going down tonight with Ben earlier.

Now, Bryant and their partying at Central bank pouring at central as the basket doesn't go eight point game Robinson the lane he's fouled yeah you got to go to the line make both of these quick at the six point game try to get a steal early and if you don't foul extend this game this makes central when it at the free throw line.

Central's now 17 of 26 from the free throw line at 65% free throws up and good I'm sure they know who the worst free throw shooter on the floor is he gets it you have to foul him Got one up and no good seven point game Culberson going they get fouled that time the telling Robinson and Robinson that's his third personal foul go over to that miss tonight at the free throw line He's three for three first ones up and good probably a reason why he got that rebound they blocked out well left him free so he can come in scoop it up They wanted the ball in his hands Second ones.

Good 6253 30 seconds to play Robinson in the lane goes up with the right hand It's good quick time out Bryant set up a defense try to get a steal here 27.3 seconds left a seven point game I tell you though I mean look, it's a long shot at this point West but with the range that Robinson has, I mean, he get that quick release, gives you a couple of threes, but you got to get some stops as well.

So that's the last thing Central wants is make this a one possession game again with the chance for Delon Robinson to tie it up anywhere on this court and they got honor Boateng back on the floor working on that cramp once again they got to get the ball inbounds but probably want to get it to Culberson.

He's already made a couple of clutch free throws first thing first, got to get the ball in bounds.

Central still has a timeout left, so something happens and it's getting close to the five second count.

They can call another timeout.

So Central's going to inbound it from the right side of the bucket and it's going to be Jace Allen.

Got it to Culberson.

Exactly what they wanted to do they get the foul in on Allen and he'll head to the free throw line and shoot down a 22.4 seconds.

Allen's two for three made his first two.

But then of course, he missed the end one just a few minutes ago.

Free throws up and good defense substitution.

Get Washington back in fact good ones off the lip, the rim, no good back rolls.

They don't want a foul here.

Here's a three point attempts.

No good RJ Young tries to put it back up and that's going to do it.

the Central Tigers have knocked off the Blind Hornets winning 6355.

What a night for Central High back to back championship girls.

Get it done, boys.

Get it done.

That's almost worthy of a parade around around old Maine right.

The Tigers win it 6355.

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the champs as they hoist the trophy, the six AA Boys State Champions.

The Little Rock, Central Tigers, and they all with the banner now joined by their head basketball coach Brian Ross.

And coach.

You knew this was going to be a dogfight already and you guys played these guys twice before.

Back and forth, back and forth.

What changed there in the latter part of the game for you guys to pull this along?

We just made plays.

I mean, it's been the same in every state tournament game for us.

We were tied with 4 minutes left for three straight games.

There was just an incredible trust amongst our guys.

It wasn't like we had to have one guy do it.

We were the ball.

We continued to make the right plays.

I know Honor scored, I think to break the tie, Luke hits a3d drives to the rim and scores on the right side, and it was just a collective effort down here on the defensive end.

But the last 4 minutes just clutch on both ends of the floor.

Yeah in the and one there at the end of the shot clock Allen hits Chase Yeah probably the biggest shot of his life That was incredible and you know I think he caught it with four and we're all of their screaming You got to shoot you got to shoot.

And I was like, He's going to make this.

And then they blew the whistle, too.

You know, Chase is a great story because he's a guy coming into the year, not sure if he was going to play all.

And here he is playing, what, like 28 minutes in the state title game?

And he's been doing that all year.

Just just a huge heart and determination.

He fought through adversity.

He fought through when it didn't look like he was ever going to be the star player or maybe not even one of the starters at all.

And here he is finishing off the six eight state championship.

We had reaction to be on the bench.

I don't know what your vertical is, but that may have been the highest you've ever jumped in your life, the highest in about 15 years anyway, for sure.

Coach, I was excited out there.

I'll tell you this, and it's always nice.

The officials didn't really play a big part.

They let him play a little bit and that really worked for him, for you guys.

But for Bryant, made for a better product.

It did.

I mean, you got a lot of great athletes on the floor and a winner challenging each other at the rim.

I mean you just going to let the contact go down there and there's going to be a lot of blocked shots, but there's going to be some athletic finishes.

I mean, they've got some great players.

Coach Abraham Sons, Awesome and Kellen and Beat are freaking unbelievable.

They're they're hard to stop and they played a great game.

I thought they were going to make every shot there for a minute but we finally got them under control in the last for coach.

Congratulations and go celebrate with your team.

All right.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

That is Brian Ross.

Great job as the Central Tigers.

They win it tonight over Brian.

Let's look at those stats real quick for this one as we're waiting on our tournament MVP right there, Field goal percentage, 45% for the Tigers for Bryant, they shot 37% from three point range.

The Tigers 66.7%.

Also Bryant from the free throw line, also 66.7 turnovers 11 to 9.

And in the total rebounds Bryant had that total 3229 now joined by our tournament MVP Honor Boateng and Honor.

I tell you back to back I mean you guys are rolling up and down the court.

This was a fun one to be a part of what you saw.

I mean, it was a great moment to be a part of not just our victory, but the girls victory.

Well, man, we got to win it together and say history in the Rock Center.

Any better way to finish off a career than that?

This man is a great movie, man.

I'm broke.

We are long overdue for moment right here.

Great losing tonight night.

Great.

In all the work we just put in, they really paid off right now.

I'm just glad I got it in my last year.

You know, as the game went on, you were just waiting on who was going to make that big moment, whether it was Bryant, whether it was you guys, and then the shot on the baseline that got the end, one that really kind of put you guys over the top.

Yeah, right.

That was Chase, man.

He didn't have many shots in his game, but he he made the last shot.

That meant a lot.

And I'm just so proud of him.

He puts in so much work and he stepped up to the plate, made the score and finished off with the breakdown.

So under the pressure, not the biggest scoring night from you tonight, but man, your teammates stepped up big.

Luke Moore has a huge three there at the end of the game.

Culberson driving to the basket.

It was a total team tonight is their man.

I'm proud of them.

To me, they work so hard.

They're always in the gym 7 a.m. in the morning.

And I know that this moment they're going to show up.

So they came and showed up and just put on a full display.

And, you know, I didn't have to do all the work.

I know I had teammates that I can rely on.

So having them to pick up the slack where I left off is just a great moment.

And I just focus on my part, my little parts.

I have to do the final game, the high school basketball player and you're going to head to the University of Missouri to talk about this moment.

Overall, the emotion for you playing with these guys for the last time.

Man, it's great because I've been playing with D since second grade, man.

He's literally my brother, man.

I grew up with him all along, car rides, everything.

Luke is literally like my my little brother, too.

I love those guys, and I've just been with them for so long.

And it's just the whole family that we build a brotherhood.

It's just a surreal moment to go through the honor.

And thank you so much.

And the graduations.

Thank you so much.

Appreciate you Honor Boateng as he is the tournament MVP for this one Final highlights.

Well, says really, I mean, this was a great ball game.

Any way you look at it.

Know both teams played so well.

You've seen some of the three point shooting from Bryant.

They shot the ball really, really well.

Boateng with the dunk there inside, Robinson scoring outside beat hitting another three.

It's forward hitting a huge three for Bryant Culberson came back out had a good half C.J Washington played well too it was a total team effort just back and forth a close game.

You're going to look at the final score and think, it was an easy win for Central.

They got it by eight.

Not the case in this.

It was a tight ball ballgame all the way to the end.

And that was the shot of the game right there.

Allen To beat the shot clock the and one the Central Tigers win the state championship of boys and girls.

Well, we're done for today but it all starts again tomorrow with the one eight girls final Mammoth spring and no force as they're going to square things off tomorrow morning, noon, 1207 to be exact, right here in Arkansas.

PBS Sports.

Stick around for that.

And then we've got a full day of games for you.

Got the 12:00 game, the 145 to 6 and the 745 tomorrow.

So but a fun one.

Final score in this one Lillard Central 63 the Blind Hornets 55 year champs are the Little Rock Central Tigers for Wes Moore I'm RJ Hawks So long everyone.