It is day two of Championship week here in Hot Springs, AR and Day one came one or Scooby Day two game one features the two A championship game for the girls between Melbourne and Salem here at Bank Ozk Arena Health one time are Jayhawk along with Bobby Swofford.

Today's game and Bobby.

You look at these two games and the Melbourne Lady Cats are going for their third straight championship, and if they're going to win it, they're going to have to be for your opponent for the fifth time this season.

Salem and Melbourne know all about each other.

They duked it out four times during the regular season and then the post season three of those really close contests of Melbourne wants to repeat as a repeat champion.

They got some work to do.

There's a lot of high flying players on this team, but before we get to that, let's take it.

Look at the bracket and see how they got to this point.

Both these teams really impressive Rd wins at the state tournament for Melbourne will start with them.

This is a team in the state tournament.

Bobby averaging 71 points a game only given up 28.

Yeah they got the luxury playing that state tournament on their home floor and it looked like a 42 point victory over Mansfield in the quarter finals and then a 37 point beatdown afford ice in the semis.

They haven't been tested really since February the 27th.

When they played Salem and the regional tournament an for Salem in the state tournament averaging 6456 points, a game giving up 42.

This is probably, you know you look at teams that should be in the state championship.

These are the two best teams.

+2.

And yeah, the number one seed in their bracket got beat early on so they got the benefit of that.

Sometimes you need that little help from everybody else in your bracket.

You gotta give them a lot of credit.

They've been playing really, really well since January the 5th or 15 and three since January 5th.

All three losses to Melbourne or Melbourne.

Jenna Lawrence, a Razorback commitment.

She is on the floor and.

Looking for big things from her tonight from Melbourne.

Yeah, obviously she's going to have a spotlight on her.

Just a sophomore, but she's already been here.

She's played in this state championship before she's ready for the big stage, but you never know how things are going to react.

Planning for that state Crown an for Chelsea Hamilton on the Salem side.

She is she's there big time player averaging 17 points again.

Yeah they're going to big contest for her.

You mentioned the 17 points per game.

Also just a sophomore so we're going to see how she handles the spotlight.

Doesn't have the size like Lawrence doesn't.

We'll see how she got her shot off.

We got a whole lot more coming up next.

The two a girls State Championship game is, you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball championships in Arkansas.

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Back here at Bank Ozk Arena, we just wrapped and wrapped up the national Anthem house.

Would give you today's starting lineups and will first start with the visiting Salem Lady.

Greyhounds are under the direction of Josh Bateman out of Class 7 two A.

They come in 20, two and seven on the year in their lineup.

Looks like this they come out with Chelsea Hamilton who we talked about before the break averaging.

17 points per game.

She's a 44% three point shooter and she's only a 5-6 sophomore guard for Salem.

Will also have Greenlee Hall at 5:10.

Sophomore four JC strong at 5-6 junior guard Amber Gates of 510 senior for Dan Marley Sellers.

A 5-6 freshman guard.

I think Marley Sellers could be The X Factor in this contest.

14.6 rebounds per game.

We talked about how important Chesley Hamilton is going to be going to have that dynamic duo and maybe #51 Molly sellers.

As for the Melbourne Lady Cats around the direction of Eric T got a Class 22A.

They come in with a record of 31 and one looking for their third stakes third straight state title and their lineup looks like this.

So you've got Holly Weaver who is a guard.

Kylie Humphries is 6 one senior forward Jose Roark to 5-6 senior guard Gen alarms we talked about earlier.

6 two sophomore forward who's committed to the University of Arkansas and Kenley Mccarn, who is a 59 junior guard.

Who is also committed at the college level to Tennessee?

Martin yeah, there's a lot of talent in this Melbourne line up.

A lot of experience in the line of as well.

You mentioned this is their third straight championship game appearance, going for Crown number three in a row, and with so many underclassmen, Lawrenson Mccarn due back next year.

Both committed to play at the division level.

You gotta believe in Melbourne is going to be pretty good.

Favor to win the title again next year.

Bobby you you think it's only two A basketball you don't think of two ways schools taking on the Giants in classifications.

For Melbourne, listen to this this year alone I told you there 31 and one they have already knocked off this this year.

68 Champion North Side, they beat 5A finalist Jonesboro.

They beat Bologna who's on the five and they beat Mary now the 5A and they also beat 6A opponent Van Buren.

Yeah they didn't shy away from playing anybody or when I saw that they had scheduled a home and home in North Side early in the season.

Like OK, look pretty confident themselves.

Then they go to Fort Smith and beat the lady Bears who mentioned already 106 A state championship.

The second game didn't happen because the covid, but that shows you they're not afraid of anybody, that they're also battle tested.

They knew they were going to need that early season experience.

It get some bigger opponents, bigger competition to finish off a third straight run.

You mentioned Van Buren.

Vallonia was a number one seed.

They won the 5/8 West Conference Tournament and Jonesboro again another state finalist.

So they're they're ready.

They're not going to be afraid of the stage, but on the other side of things, Salem is 22 and three this year against teams not named Melbourne.

Three of those four games, the 1st three contests, all decided by five points or less.

Now, the one of the regional tournament got away from him a little bit.

24 point loss just 13 days ago, but they're not going to be afraid of Melbourne, and we're going to see how they react to this big stage here in Hot Springs.

Both players right jumping Center for Salem.

You've got Amber Yates.

Going up against Jenna, Lawrence and the tip is in favor of the Lady Cats as a work it from right to left here at Bank Ozk Arena.

Jenna Lawrence handles the basketballs, don't work at left side that's into the hands of Roark.

Back over to adopt the key that's out.

To mccarn a car stands at the jump circle.

Show come back left side with the Roark at the free throw line.

They don't work the ball around to find that openshot.

One thing you're going to notice about Melbourne.

There are very very patient team.

They play patiently on offense and really good defense throughout the course of the ball game.

Salem doing a nice job on the interior defense.

A lot of switching, a lot of moving parts but you can sell 45 Amber gates not getting too far off a Lawrence.

She's on her like a Hawk.

They go download a Humphries backside cut to Weaver she puts up it goes.

And she's found she had the free throw line to shoot one.

You mentioned the patients there RJ and that shows this.

Worked it around to work to 450 seconds right there until they got the ball into the paint.

Nice interior passing and Weaver has a chance to convert to 3.1.

Free throws up off the front of the room.

It's no good in the rebound.

Pulled in by Salem.

Bringing it up is Chelsea Hamilton.

Hamilton takes it topside to sellers who work it around and set up the offense back the jump circle.

Showers goes back left side to strong, strong on the left side.

The paint goes up, it's blocked out of bounds.

And that time it was Jenna Lawrence who knocked it out of bounds.

I like the aggressiveness of JC strong, but major size advantage for as the height category from Melbourne and Lawrence easily slots.

Watch that one out of bounds.

Inbound pass is going to come by strong as it can be tipped up and retained by Salem.

Is Hamilton's got it and gives it off to sellers.

Sellers back right side into the hands are strong.

Trying to set up that offense with a very, very stingy defense of Melbourne as the ball gets knocked out of bounds.

I meant to mention just a minute ago.

Kris Dunn, Floyd Shivers and Todd Horned.

Our officials Todd Horn is celebrating his 30 year of of high school officiating.

This is first state championship game to work at the high school level.

Works back left side here Sellers pulls up from 6 feet, knocks it down and we've got a tie ball game actually picking my sellers to pull up for the 8 to 10 footer.

Don't want to get too far in the paint with the trees from Melbourne.

Now here's just inside the three point line.

They're going to call it a two, and that was kindly Humphries, who was ill and knocked out, went down to quickly give Melbourne a two point lead that's gonna make things so much easier if they can knock out and hit some 18 to 20 foot jump shots.

'cause it's going to open up the Lane, which is going to create a path for Lawrence Hamilton on the right side.

The paint goes up with the right hand.

Hits off glass, no rim in Melbourne.

Comes down with the basketball almost loses and does lose it out of bounds.

I believe general aren't just lossed offer need that time.

Yeah just kind of looking to create something on the fast break and lost track of the basketball in trickles out of bounds.

No sellers will bring the ball in the front court.

What Bobby when you think about sellers in Hamilton.

Just two young athletes that are really good for this basketball team.

All goes down low and out of bounds.

It's going to stay with Salem with five 23 to play here in the first quarter.

That's a good decision.

By Hamilton, Dr draws the defense and dish it off of that one that deflected out of bounds.

Inbound pass comes right side to gates.

Is it all over the sellers now back top the key they working.

Strong, almost lossed the handle on it.

Got it back into sellers hands.

Bring it back down to the jump circle.

Here.

Closeout defense, from Melbourne's been outstanding, Salem's having to work for everything they get here, sellers on the left side of the Lane.

No good but offensive rebound goes to Yates.

She comes back up with it.

It rolls around.

It's no good.

Melbourne retains possession as Jose Rose Art come Roark comes down with it.

Ah, nice.

Deflection, thereby Salem coming up with it for Salem is going to Chelsea, Hamilton.

Salem defense feedback.

Created turnover.

Create a little havoc.

Didn't get on the fast break, but that might lead to some quick points in transition metal forward and a whistle and a foul.

The files could be on Kenley Mccarn.

That'll be her first person.

That's the first foul the ball game.

As the inbound pass comes to Yates, she works in a Lane.

They work it back out the top now.

And the 4:26 to play in the first quarter is Hamilton works left side to the free throw line into the Lane with the right hand.

It's too hard and balls can be loose on the floor.

Hamilton's right there to get it should clear things back out and set up the offense.

Back right side goes strong, she pulls up no good gates come back in, get the big board and put them back in my shot by Ambergate.

Staying active on the glass.

That was a opportunity there for sale and they had to work for every chance.

But Yates takes advantage now working quickly goes Melbourne as Kylie Humphries is they will stop and pop and it's now six to four Melbourne.

After Salem.

You've got to do a better job getting back defensively and keep Melbourne from this posting up in the paint that was too easy of a bucket.

Oregon Right side is sellers now into the paint.

She'll pull up from the free throw line.

No good about off the back.

They aren't saved by Salem Jatc.

Here's Chelsea Hamilton for three.

It's no good and Melbourne comes down with the rebound.

Stop, the key goes.

Mccarn works at right side into the hands of Weaver should pull up for three from the corner.

She is able to knock it down and give Melbourne and 94 lead.

That's five points for Weaver, as she just buries the triple thought she might be too far in the corner, but no matter she found the nylon sellers workspace sign as it blocked away.

I believe that time it was Jenna Lawrence who got the got a hand on it and now here comes Mccarn Mccarn Crosscourt pass to Roark for three too strong but right there to get the rebound was Lawrence and she lost the handle on it as it went out of bounds and it will stay with Melbourne with two 46 to play in the first quarter, nine to four, Melbourne leads, Salem and you're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball championships in Arkansas.

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Here's a 3 pointer by Melbourne's Kenley Mccarn and she knocks it down and they extend the lead to 12 before.

Yeah, Salem is going to have to get out on the shooters now, and This is why this Melbourne team is so good they can beat you in the inside.

They can beat you from the outside and they've opened up an 8 point lead here in this first at work at left side into the hands of Yates back over.

The Hamilton, now Hamilton puts up a shot that was partially blocked by Jenna Lawrence and it goes out of bounds.

It will stay with Salem.

Inbound pass comes from the left side and they get it to Yates in the left corner.

Strong will set up the offense now.

Like override side the sellers top the key.

They work it overhaul.

Strong at the free throw line.

Here comes Hamilton in the Lane.

Put the shot she's found pals going to be called that time like Kylie Humphreys an for Humphreys.

That's her first personal found.

Nice job by Hamilton.

Attacked the lean.

She averages 17 points a game.

Hasn't got on the board yet.

Here will see if a trip to the foul line can get her going.

Shots in and out no good.

Chelsea Hamilton only a soft warm for this Salem team, has a bright, bright future with the Greyhounds second free throws no good.

Opportunity there for Salem.

To be able to take advantage of every point quality program like Melbourne.

And work it inside out or three airball and it'll go out of bounds and Salem will get the basketball.

No, Melbourne didn't connect there, but they're getting some open looks.

I'm going to be able to close out on those shooters, RJ otherwise it could be a long day for this Greyhound defense.

Am in it 40 and counting left here in the first quarter, 12 to 4 Melbourne on top of Salem.

Sellers has it right side.

Practice strong over to sellers.

Sellers.

Trying to get over Hamilton, Chelsea.

Works around the screen that's going to set everything back up.

She'll pull up for a deep three and she knocks at home.

Boy, that was NBA rank 3, right there, Bobby.

Did it connected the free throw line is probably just too close.

Here's my footer.

Here's another three by Melbourne.

It's no good up.

It's a rebound by Mccarn.

She puts it back up and is taken in by Hall for Salem.

And here comes Chelsea Hamilton.

Hamilton works around 1.

Defender puts up a shot.

She gets voucher header.

The priest Oliner shoot too.

Yeah, she might have been using the first few minutes.

This game is a feeling out process with Chelsea.

Hamilton is going to take this over for Salem two straight drives to the bucket sandwiches a deep 3 pointer.

You see right there and Hamilton starting to get her offensive game flowing.

And that free throws no good.

She is not been good to line so far.

She's now over three at the free throw line.

Second one is good.

For four point game now.

50 seconds to play in the first quarter.

Corn goes right side.

Here's a 3 point attempt.

For Melbourne at was Lenny Cornelius.

She knocked down the tray and it's 15 to 8.

Big shot there by Cornelis.

You see this.

The number of weapons for this Melbourne squad.

Kind of.

Erisman of riches for coach Eric Teague.

Well, let the Clock wind down as well under 20 seconds to play first quarter.

We do have Melbourne shooting 60% for the game right now, Salem 23.

Chelsea Hamilton works a back right side to seller.

Down to three seconds, sellers going to pull up for three.

It's partially blocked, and that's going to do it for the first quarter.

So big defensive stop there from Melbourne and kind of indicative of how that first quarter Winston Salem having to work for every open look with the length of Melbourne's defense is an issue.

15 dates are score at the end of the first quarter.

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Sailing with the basketball as we start the second quarter of Play and Melbourne leading 15 to 8.

For Salem with the basketball.

He is going to be seller.

She puts up with the right hand, no good rebounds taking him by Melbourne and don't bring it up as Mccarn will bring it into the frontcourt.

Melbourne had four block shots in that first quarter and that was another possession that was altered by the length of this Lady BearCat defense.

Swing it around the perimeter and get it back in the hands of the corn.

The back right side thought about a three there, that being Halley Weaver.

Get it back you down to Lawrence Lawrence with the right hand in the Lane.

It's no good and we've got a whistle and the ball there's gonna be a foul on the floor when they're going to call that on.

I believe.

Yeah, Cassie Walling, who just checked in during the break got called with that foul.

That's her first.

I go topside to Roark.

Back over to Jenna Lawrence.

Drop the key to mccarn.

Mccarn Elaine browsable Wild shot rebounds taken on the floor by Salem and they're going to work quickly.

Working right?

Sign that strong in the Lane to gates and we got a West.

Want to travel?

She shuffled her feet as she was getting ready to go up with the shot.

And it's a turnover.

Yeah, I'd like to see strongest attack the basket there had some numbers that she waited for the defense and again or waiting for office to get there.

But again, that's another sign of the defense affecting what Salem is trying to get done.

642 and counting 15 to 8 melt Melbourne on top of Salem.

Jenna Lawrence has a basketball just gives it off to Kenley Mccarn.

No left side.

That's.

Back and forth.

Very, very patient.

Now in the Lane goes Salem man.

Or or assuming for Melbourne that would Jose Roark and she got vouchers with free throw line to shoot to couldn't get set up there.

Take the charge but good aggressive take my Roark to get stuff to the foul line.

Cassidy Walling got picked with her second personal fouls the free throws up and good.

Checking back in the ball game is going to Greenlee Hall for Salem.

Great throws good.

That will make it a 9 point game.

If you're sailing, you just gotta settle in.

They haven't been able to get a lot of good looks without attacking them.

Asking, going into the interior of this Melbourne defense, he can set up a play for the perimeter, getting nice open look.

Works in lab.

Left side is strong now into the hands of Hamilton.

Back over topside they go to haul.

Let's say Hamilton.

She's a jitterbug.

In she just all over the court hears Hamilton has his shot blocked by Jenna Lawrence.

And now quickly, here comes Melbourne were going to left side is mccarn mccarn.

Elaine comes back over to Roark for three.

It's off the front.

The iron no good and Yates comes down with the rebound.

Has Salem shooting just three of 16 from the floor?

Gotta find a way to give an easy bucket here.

Sellers in the paint.

Is it over to Hamilton?

Help us go slow things down.

Hamilton being guarded by a Weaver as they work it right side that's over to strong bounce pass in the corner, and that's too strong.

But Yates is there to get an offensive rebound and she's found Yates doing a really nice job on the glass or fifth rebounds of the game so far able to draw the foul.

Nowhere near the bonus though.

Hamilton is going to inbound the basketball.

Should give it up to Yates left side.

Bounce off the glass.

It's good.

That's a great move by Yates.

Good lookin inbounds play there is Yates fake like she was going to come across the defense or then stopped right back to the middle of the paint for the easy Deuce.

We've got a time out on the floor charge to Salem it'll be a 30 second timeout.

Bobby just talked about that inbounds play.

They look like they practice that once or twice because she was very comfortable cutting across the line and put it back up.

Yeah, that's that's a play that's well designed.

It gets the defense thinking that Yates is going to go all the way across the zone, but instead comes back to the middle of defense.

Kind of finds a hole there in the Lane and gets the easy bucket.

And that's something that Salem needs to do.

They need to find new ways to get Yates involved, to find ways to get Hamilton involved, and Marley Sellers who averages 14 points a game just has two points right now as well.

So kind of a slow start for Salem, but the beauty of it is your shooting 22%.

You're still only down 7.

1710 five minutes of play here.

In the first half.

Kenley mccarn.

Come back left Side puts in the hands of Jenna Lawrence.

Lawrence as it over on the right wing.

Get off to Roark.

Back over to Mccarn.

Carne kicks it to the corner.

Here's a 3 point attempts Airballed and Yates is there to pick up the rebound.

Sellers brings the ball in the front court gives it back over to Yates.

It's a work it over Lawrence.

She puts up Lawrence gets another block.

Lawrence having a big day in the paint.

Three rebounds now no points butts.

Shot defenders now here's 3 point attempt.

No good.

Hamilton comes down with the rebound for Salem.

Six block shots with this Melbourne defense in just a quarter and a half.

Chelsea Hamilton stop and Pop in the Lane.

No good and the rebounds pulled in that time by Kenley Mccarn.

Under 4 to play in the first half in Melbourne leads at 17 to 10, slowing down just a touch starting to see a little fatigue factor here for this Melbourne starting 5.

Market right side to Weaver.

Now Backcross Cordova mccarn.

My car is going to pull up for three minutes, nothing but the bottom of the net.

All it took was little patience in Mccarn let's one rip as she knocks down her second Triple 20 to 10323 and counting left here in the first half.

Sellers works at right side.

To strong.

Back over alcohol.

Who gets it back into the hands of sellers?

Sellers to Hamilton for three.

It's an airball.

She didn't even come close to the rim.

Melbourne comes down with and we've got a whistle foul.

Well, we're going to call Officer found.

They call the offensive foul on Ken Lima corn and promote corn.

That's her second personal foul.

And that's going to take us to a media timeout.

20 to 10 Melbourne on top of Salem.

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You can do so at my arkansaspbs.org under 3 to play here in the first half, 20 to 10 as sellers has the basketball takes to the right wing.

Sellers to the free throw line back over the left side.

That's out the strong.

Strong in the Lane puts up a shot.

It hits off the front of the iron.

It's no good, and here comes mccarn with the basketball from Melbourne could stop there, but nice look for Salem to get to the interior of the paint.

And work it right side.

Now back to Mccarn.

Mccarn back over.

2 Weaver Weaver has the ball stolen away by Hamilton.

We've gotta whistle a foul and it's going against Melbourne and Chelsea, Hamilton.

She is just a fun basketball player to watch.

Yeah, nice job there to deny the entry pass and get a chance to get her team of back.

Maybe a little momentum as they've got a 3 minute scoring droughts.

Now here's sellers to back right side that's over to walling walling in the right corner.

Walling backed out of the key.

They go over to haul.

Now Hall is going to pull up from 10 feet.

It's no good sellers comes down with the rebound back over to Hamilton for three.

She is the bottom of the net and it's 20 to 30.

Nice job.

By Hamilton's berries along rings 3IN Melbourne.

Gonna take a quick time out to talk about it coming up next on the Arkansas PBS halftime show with Steve Sullivan.

I'm going to celebrate former student athletes with the Little Rock School district.

We're going to shoot hoops with Clifford, the Big Red Dog and meet Mackenzie Sowden for Tuckerman High School.

So stay with us on the Arkansas PBS halftime show you know for people that don't follow Bobby on social media, Bobby has a.

You have a hobby of collecting pictures with mascot.

I do an.

I would love to see that Arkansas PBS segment with with Bobbie Ann Clifford, the Big Red Dog Shooting Hoops.

I actually got a selfie with Clifford Big Red Dog here in state finals couple years ago and you know it was him and Curious George I I'm gonna I'm gonna need CJ and nations next year in that piece.

Have you shooting with Big Clifford, the Big Red dog.

I'm down with that.

OK a minute 42 left here in the first half as Mccarns got it for Melbourne.

I work at left side into the hands of Halle Skidmore and Long had deflected out an so Melbourne is going to have it right here on their sideline.

I go back right side that's over Oark I swing it around the perimeter over the left side to Cornelius back over to Skidmore.

Albert Mccarn top the key.

She'll pull up her three and I believe it was partially blocked as it goes out of bounds and Salem will have the basketball with a minute 15 to play here in the first town as good as they've been defensively, Melbourne having their own issues on the offensive and their scoring drought.

Now nearing 2 1/2 minutes.

Sailor hasn't been able to chip away at this lead as much as they would like mates, thought about pulling up for three, then goes back right side.

Over to Hamilton.

Under a minute to play here in the first half.

Hamilton left side over to strong and we've got a whistle and we got off the phone.

JC Strong with a push off it's going to give me over in the basketball back and we'll see if they want to leave this final 50 seconds down or go ahead and play it out and see if they got shot.

50.9 seconds to play here in the first half it's a seven point game.

As Kenley Mccarn brings the ball in the front court for the Lady Cats.

Mccarn being pressured heavily by sellers, they kick it down to the corner that's over Cornelius now left side in the Lane goes Roark.

She puts up the left hand.

It's no good Hamilton comes down with the rebound.

Hamilton on the right wing shill work it down.

The baseline goes up with a shot.

It's no good airballed thought there could have been a foul there, but either way here comes Mccarn.

Mccarn takes it to the free throw line to General Lawrence.

We've got a whistle and they're going to say a foul on Yates.

It's a tough break for a just a hustle.

Play their diving for the loose ball, little too much body.

Luckily for Salem, that's just her first personal and I think Gates had the wind knocked out of him for a brief moment.

She landed right on the basketball.

She's done a really good job defensively on Lawrence inside.

You know right side to Cornelius.

Now swing it right set over to Roark.

Back topicid two Mccarn now right side for three goes believe that was weavering.

That's going to do it for the first half Melbourne.

They lead Salem by a score of 20 to three as we had to halftime and you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball championships in Arkansas.

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Hello and welcome to the Arkansas PBS Sports halftime show up Steve Sullivan coming to you for the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in North Little Rock will take you back to that 2A Girls final at Bank Ozk Arena.

Just a bit, but right now I want to share a story that I was proud to be a part of.

The 2020 Little Rock School District 1 Rock Legends Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The ceremony celebrates past student athletes who have set a high bar, encourages the next generation to reach for new Heights on the field on the court and in the classroom.

We're here to honor the Little Rock School District 1 Rock Legends Hall of Fame.

There's multiple schools in Little Rock School District, but we're honoring altogether.

That's why we call it one rock with this does is recognized the kids that came through the Little Rock School district through the public school system and were able to achieve great things when kids can see it, they think they can be it.

So we try to give him what we call identifiable role models.

We take it upon ourselves, bringing these people back into the community and let them tell their stories of how they got started in Morocco.

And their trials and tribulations they went through in life to get them where they are today.

It's about kids in the community and that's what we have to do and get really a grip on helping to raise our kids in our community.

So we try to encourage them along their journey and to give him a path without guidance.

You may be directed the wrong way.

Idle time for anyone is very dangerous and too much out of time is even more dangerous.

So participating in sports or he could be playing chess.

You know the debate club if it's something, the more things that you can have to do.

The better you are, and it keeps you focused on something.

It's really bigger than the game.

You live a lot of life without the sport, so you know teaches you a lot of things.

How to share with others, how to be a team.

Solve problems in how to get along.

How do not do.

Decide what it is that you'd like to do.

And go out and do it and find a way to keep it important.

Sometimes you can be lucky and do the things that you love to do.

But if you study, do your homework, be respectful.

I mean those kinds of things, those are.

Traits that I mean, it just takes you forever into your adulthood.

And when you become a parent, you can be an NFL Rookie of the year.

You can be like Tieless gave who was McDonald's all America you can do that that came from right here from Little Rock, AR.

Congratulations to all of the 2020 inductees.

The ceremony is part of the 6th and Gold Model Up program, which stresses retention in the academic progress of students through extracurricular activities.

And Speaking of athletes setting a high bar, our own RJ Hawk at the opportunity recently to catch up Mackenzie Sowden out of Tuckerman High School, RJ take it away.

Well, Mackenzie is great to have you along.

Boy tell you what you're only a sophomore you played.

Point guard for Tucker man.

What's it like being the leader for this basketball team?

You know, you don't see a lot of sophomores, being that that role model or that that leader, was that like for you?

Well, it's been a later.

I mean I have to be later on and off the court, 'cause I'm the coaches daughter anyways and so people look at me.

You don't let me ask you that you talk about being the coaches daughter.

Is that tough sometimes you know because not only do you have to deal with coaching practice, but then you have to deal with Coach when you get home.

Yeah, that's that's really tough to be honest, but I get a lot of insight on stuff too so it can be good.

For you this this year with Covid and having to really kind of redo your routine on how you get ready for a basketball game, what's that like them for you?

Well, it's really different.

'cause not all your family can come to the games either and so.

I don't know, it's just giving out vouchers.

You gotta find enough vouchers for your family and stuff like that.

It's been tough.

Never thought that you have to go through a pandemic.

Is only a sophomore in high school.

Now you know if somebody is watching.

We were broadcasting all across the state of Arkansas.

You know, a lot of people don't know exactly where Tuckerman is.

What are you doing for fun and document when you're not playing basketball?

Well, my mom's a farmer and so we'll go out there and we will ride around on the side by side.

Or you know 4 Wheelers stuff like that.

You know, being only a sophomore tuckermans been rich in basketball history.

People know they've seen Tucker men at the state championship game.

What would it mean for you to win a state championship?

Is only a sophomore.

Anger, anger the coaches kid.

Yeah, it would mean so much to be honest.

'cause all the work we've put in it's.

It's been crazy everyone, something like that.

What do you want to do?

I know you, I know you still got a few years left in high school.

What do you want to do when you get done?

Have you thought about that?

Well, I mean I want to go to college for sure, and I think I'd want to play ball, but I just don't know where or anything like that yet.

Force careerwise you have any idea what you might want to do when it comes to akarere?

I think coaching basketball would be fun.

'cause I've seen my dad do it, you know.

Not gonna run in the family a little bit.

Yeah, I understand.

Well Mackenzie, hey it's great to have you on here.

I appreciate you and you've got a bright future ahead of you.

Looking forward to seeing what else you have to do the rest of your career.

Thank you guys.

We've got a good one up in Tuckerman.

You need to go out and check her out because she's going to be a bright star in the state of Arkansas.

Back to you at the Hall of Fame.

Thanks RJ keep up the hard work Mackenzie.

We know the finals bring out the ******** fans but also casual fans were just learning about basketball.

If you were just learning about the game we have a treat for you.

It's the Arkansas PBS mascot Clifford, the Big Red Dog.

Let's watch as he learns the rules about the double dribble.

Here's pot calls.

Alls.

Lewis and his daughter.

Double dribble.

With two hands, basically you have the ball you stop.

I mean you have the ball possession of all that you dribble.

Pick it up again and that's a double dribble.

Stop the Clock.

5th graders and below are really good about this.

Keep working on that game Clifford.

You kids at home.

Keep an eye out for more pot calls during the halftime shows and to keep up with the championship games on Arkansas.

PBS.

Log on to our new Engage app.

You can download the app at the App Store on Google Play.

That's going to do it for the halftime show.

Let's get you back to bank Ozk Arena for the second half of that girls to a championship on your home for the high school state basketball finals.

Arkansas PBS.

We are at the half a minute, 44 left at the halftime break and it's 20 to 13 Melbourne on top of Salem in the Class 2A Girls State Championship game.

Bobby Swofford, Ammar Jayhawk, and Bobby let's you know you think about this game in Melbourne is a high flying team.

This is a team that was in the state tournament averaging.

71 points a game and at halftime Salem D20 that they started out shooting the basketball so well in this contest.

But I think we're starting to see the effects of playing a team for a fifth straight time.

Maybe trying to do a little too much on the offensive end.

They're not creating the the fast break turnover opportunities Salem's doing a nice job of taking care of the rock, and so they've got to be able to work the ball inside.

That's where they've got the clear and obvious advantage.

Pound the ball inside 'cause you're talking about 3:31 to close the first half that Melbourne went scoreless and they're letting Salem hang around.

And that's the last thing a defend two time defending Champion wants to do is let someone who they think they're better than hang around.

Yeah, and let's look at the stats at halftime.

Melbourne 30 shooting 37% Salem, 23 point shooting is not very good by either squad and there are not many free throws attempted during this ball game.

But really, it's just a bit of hustle play by Chelsea Hamilton as well as General Lawrence and Kelly Mccarn have done this.

Let's take a look at the highlights from the first half.

Real fast and really when you Bobby when you look at.

The overall shooting.

Great job right there by Melbourne.

Just nothing.

There's nothing spectacular, but they're doing it fundamentally and right there.

Yates, she's been big for Salem on the on the defensive rebound.

Yeah, Salem's been the key cog works for Yates excuse me for sale and 4.6 rebounds.

Couple second chance opportunities.

They're going to need some production from her for the job she's doing defensively.

Can't be overlooked because she's really doing an outstanding job on Jenna Lawrence.

The Arkansas commit limits going to hurt.

Zero points in the first half.

I will say the three point shots that we did see Paul.

They came from deep range between Mccarn and Chelsea Hamilton both took some deep threes and knocked him down back to action here at Bank Ozk Arena as Mccarns going to start the shooting in Boyd fadeaway jumper on the right side from 10 feet and that's how we're going to start the scoring in the second half.

Yeah, I think we're going to see a lot more aggressive Melbourne team trying to get to the Lane trying to get to the paint.

Create some easy chances for themselves at work it back right side.

That's over Chelsea Hamilton.

She loses it out of bounds.

And Salem will have the basketball back.

2213 Melbourne on top of Salem.

I guess we really shouldn't be surprised this is a tight contest RJ as we said at 9 points right now the 1st three meetings all decided by five points or less.

Chelsea Hamilton has it out in front of scores table.

Bring it back into the Lane, Hamilton.

It's underneath the bottom of the rim, but we've got a whistle and found she got bailed out right there because the shot actually hit underneath the rim and she'll head to the free throw line issue too.

But again, nice job by Hamilton to get into the Lane trying to create something for herself.

She's hit 2 threes, but she struggled at the foul line as she just one for four from the stripe.

Shut up and good spoke that went into existence.

Glad I could help you out.

Well, it's all because of you.

It is that whatever I say the opposite happened.

So I figured that out after yesterday.

And the second one's up as good as well.

And it's 2215 nine points for Hamilton.

That's a game high.

I work it back right side that's into the hands of Humphries.

Who is?

They will knock down and you're starting to see shooting heat up a little bit more here in the second half.

Nice job by Melbourne to get Jenna Lawrence involved.

She was scoreless in the first half or a nice set play for her.

Get her going to the basket for an easy lay in.

Here comes Salem into the paint.

They work back left side to Haulover too strong.

She'll pull up her three.

It's hard off the back of the iron rebound taken in by Mccarn.

And it's intercepted by Hamilton.

She's off to the races.

Hamilton and Elaine puts up a shot.

She spouse will enter the.

The line to shoot too.

Great job by Hamilton.

She saw that Crosscourt pass coming to stepped into the Lane.

Carter in stride and almost beat the Melbourne defence back, but Lords there to.

Knock away the shot, but also picked up a foul.

First, free throw is good.

Well, she started the game off not being able to hit free throws and now she's done it consecutively.

Yes, she missed her first three, but now she's made three in a row.

So I can shots up and good as well.

And it's a seven point game.

Hamilton, averaging 17 points on the season with 11 today.

Mccarn with the basketball goes back left side with it.

We were now over left side to Humphreys.

Alta roark.

Back to Mccorn for three from the left corner, Mccarn starting to feel little bit had six points in the first half already, with five here in a second.

Here comes Salem now.

Hamilton back over top.

The key they work at the walling longde gates back to Hamilton, Hamilton's gonna pull up for three.

She knocks at home.

Let's say the nerves are out of the way for this one RJ type first half, but both these teams starting to have a little success.

Offensively, we'll see if the pace of the games picks up.

And the shots are starting to go down 2720 back right side they go, it's Humphries.

Humphreys into the hands of Jenna Lawrence, Lawrence, and Elaine with the right hand.

She's found, and.

She'll head to the free throw line to shoot 2 that's behind the back dribble there for Lawrence to create a little space for her.

Found an opening that found on the jump shot.

Jenna Lawrence.

The commitment to the University of Arkansas as her first free throws up in good standing.

6 two she's only a sophomore.

Second shots up and good.

You gotta think that if your Mike neighbors with the University of Arkansas and you get a commitment from a softmore, you're pretty safe.

Gotta have to lose that one.

She's pretty dead.

So don't where she wants to go.

Yeah, Mike.

Neighbors are not thinking that, though.

He's going to stay in contact with Jenna Lawrence for the next couple of years ago, and they're getting ready for the NCAA tournament down in San Antonio, but he's probably got an eye on the on this game.

Now, here's Hamilton.

Hamilton back over.

Alta Strong she has a runner in the Lane.

No good rebounds pulled in and it's giving off a gentle Lawrence coming down with their rebound.

For.

Melbourne was Kylie Humphries.

I go left side into the corner.

That's over to Weaver Weaver.

Back over to Mccarn.

Mccarn goes right side with the back to General Lawrence.

Download deflected away.

Taken by Hamilton, she's off to the races Hamilton with the right hand.

It's good.

Good decision thereby lowers to not try to alter the shot, just give up to lay up.

No need to pick up a cheap foul.

Mccarn is going to walk the ball in the front court from Melbourne.

Back right side, they swing it back left to Roark in the Lane to Humphreys.

She's able to get a turn around Jumper in the Lane to go and is now 3122.

She's made that move look pretty easy today.

Humphries is caught the ball deep three different times in three different times.

She's able turn put it right in the neck.

Hamilton off a cut floater in the Lane in and out.

No good, gentle arms pulls down the rebound.

Pushing quickly now.

Here's the three by Humphries.

It's an airball that goes over the rim, goes out of bounds, and it was Salem and that will take us to a media timeout.

3122 Melbourne on top of Salem and you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball championships on Arkansas.

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For a copy of this state championship game or any other title game, all you have to do is go to MM productions dot Nets and place.

Your order.

Might need Matt Mason to give me a copy of this game so that I can teach you for next year.

I probably needed to God.

Honest.

Apologies to Fordyce coach and I did not mean to open old wounds.

He found us on Twitter.

I do apologize.

3122 as we go left side.

As a three ball by Greenlee Hall that misses.

As Mccarn has it for Melbourne.

And work it back right side into the hands of Roark.

Roark backed out of the key to Lawrence for three and an off balance three that Mrs and now bring it up.

It's gonna be sellers.

Sellers on the right wing under 3 to play in the third quarter.

Back topside, that's into Hamilton's hands.

Hamilton, given I speedy Yates and she gets it off the glass to go great job by Hamilton to draw the defense and dish it off at the last moment to give it over to gates.

Get her involved in the office here in the second half, working down low.

That's over into Humphries, Humphries with the left hand she's found shot to the free throw line to shoot 2.

Great initial defense by Greenlee Hall.

But once you the ball went up for the year, she kind of swatted out of the arm came forward and the officials are going to call that one every time.

So Humphries at the line her first shots up in goods, and for Humphries that's her first free throw attempt of the day.

Second shots up and good as well.

High arcing free throw shot.

Now we've got a whistle at a time out of full time out.

Taken by Salem.

Nine point lead mass is the largest margin of the day for Melbourne Salem coach.

Josh Bateman wants to take a time out, make sure he gets his team into a clean set here.

Prevent this from potentially getting to double digits.

Bobby the day one of the Championships was a fun day.

It was nice to see fans back at Bank Ozk Arena had over 5990 fans show up here at Bank Ozk Arena and it all started off with a doubleheader game in game one of the Six 8 Girls.

North Side beat Fayetteville 5251 in double overtime then.

North Little Rock.

They got a state championship win in 6A boys action over Little Rock Central 6555 and we had the one eight games last night and rural Special beat Northport 48 to 40 and Viola.

They claim to state championship over West Side 6247 on a good basketball we saw yesterday.

There was a lot of good basketball.

We saw a lot of nerves, especially when we're talking about the shooting in this one Melbourne at 44% Salem with 25%.

That's a trend in the state finals.

It really is almost every year.

The team struggled to settle in and get into a good rhythm here.

Whether it's the backdrop, whether it's playing against another team who's also wants a championship game, where the case may be, defenses usually prevail.

Here in Hot Springs.

Now sailing with basketball and sellers hasn't left side drive baseline and she's found joined to the free throw line to shoot to.

That power is going to be called on Kylie Humphreys an for Humphries.

That's going to be her third personal found really nice job by Marley Seller.

She hasn't been involved much.

She averages 14 the game but just two here this morning.

I strive to the bucket, get herself to the foul line.

30 throws good.

Eight point game with two 20 to play in the third.

Second shot rolls around and is no good.

So my car is going to bring it up for the Bearcats.

And she goes left side to Jenna Lawrence.

Swing it back over my car on the right wing.

Mccarn crosscourt.

Tried to get in the hands of Jenna Lawrence and was over her head.

Now here comes Salem.

Salem over to Jenna Hamilton or assuming Chelsea Hamilton three points, no good rebound pulled in by Humphrey.

It's a good look, though well beyond the three point line, but Hamilton's knocked down a few.

Those already here this morning, Lawrence goes left side with the basketball Roark Bounce pass download Humphries, but it's thrown away by Hamilton.

Here comes Chelsea up the left side.

Swing it back out, clear things up with a minute 33 to play in the third.

Hamilton's anticipation on defense is pretty evident today in a pretty impressive to see from out of this offer.

Sellers works left side floater on the left side.

No good gates is there to get the rebound.

She puts up a shot and she letting the free throw line to shoot too.

Nice job again.

By Yates working the window and cleaning up the mess the chance to knock down a couple of foul shots.

I'll tell you what Amber Gates has done a really good job of blocking out.

And being in the right position to get offensive rebounds, her knack for finding the basketball's pretty impressive.

Seven rebounds here, six points.

The chance to add to it.

For those goods.

That's the lead down to 7 as coming in the ball game.

For Melbourne is gonna be landing Cornelius.

She takes the place of Kylie Humphries.

Second shots up and good as well.

Six point game.

They creates 8.6 rebounds.

Mccarn brings it up to the top of the key.

Now works at left side into the corner.

That's over the Weaver.

Now back over top side, they go over to Mccarn.

Mccarn works left side to the wing, now back topside over Weaver, trying to get it downloaded.

Jenna Lorence they do as a wide open man cutting down low that chosen Roark and she lays it off the glass and good.

That's a great job by Laurence to to face up Square rounds, survey the defense and hits roll out for the easy land that ends a 3 minute scoring droughts.

Their sellers gives it up back off to Hamilton.

40 seconds left here in the third quarter.

Hamilton topped the key works left side.

Gives it off over to walling.

Now back over to the seller.

The game block looks like Salem.

Maybe content letting this one run down and get the final attempt at this quarter.

Down to 15 seconds.

Mccarns garding sellers.

Down to 5 seconds.

Sellers in the Lane with the right underhook?

How about that?

What a great move 3529 and we've wrapped up the third quarter here.

The 2A Girls State championship game.

You're watching it all right here on Arkansas PBS Forks.

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1st right now for both teams they turned it on in the third quarter.

Jenna Hamilton.

Doing work for Salem right now?

But then you look at General Arnzen Humphreys.

Boy, they're doing some good things over for Melbourne and we start the fourth quarter of play where Melbourne leads at 35 to 29 over Salem.

For just $5 a month you can receive the Member Benefit of Arkansas PBS passport and on-demand library of the best Arkansas PBS programming.

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Sellers has the basketball for Salem as.

She gives it off to Hamilton, Hamilton being dogged right now by Weaver.

The big bucket right before the third quarter Horn to close this gap to six.

Here's a two point attempt on the left side.

By walling and the ball is going to go out of bounds.

And stay with Salem.

Could be a big bucket if they can convert right.

Here's Yates gets the inbound pass over to sellers.

Now back to Hamilton hasn't been within 4.

Salem has not since late in that first quarter.

Hamilton or tried side comes up, puts up a shot.

It's blocked by Jenna Lawrence.

Come back over to the right is Roark has it.

Now back to the key.

They work it over to Cornelius now over to Lawrence.

Lawrence at the free throw line try to drive hasn't knocked away, but she gets it back.

Puts up a shot with the right hand.

That's a nice shot.

That's a tough strong play there by Jenna Lawrence.

Defense was pretty sound but able to to fight through a few arms and knock down the short jumper 3729 under 7 to play in this one.

I hear sellers left side another block by Jenna Lawrence.

Defense starting to rise to the occasion.

Here in the fourth quarter, back to back possessions of the block shot.

Kenley goes back right over to Hamilton.

Excuse me, that's Weaver.

We were left side over Mccarn an all is going to be not wanting to be a foul.

They're going to call the foul on Jay-Z strong for Salem, and that's her second personal foul.

Now we've got a time out on the floor charge to Salem.

Not really an issue for either side.

Today is 7 on Salem total for the entire game.

It only 10 for Melbourne and bowl teams.

Nowhere near the bonus.

It's been a fun game so far.

Stick around later today and we've got 2A boys.

Action has to leave versus Caddo Hills, then 3/8 girls, Mayflower versus Centerpoint and the three Boys Mayflower and Harding Academy.

That's all.

The action that's going to happen later today.

Lot of purple in this building up this evening.

Both Mayflower squads making their way to the state finals.

It also got a little purple.

Yeah, I don't know what color Caddo Hills is.

There.

Red and white?

Has Pharrell just 24 years old, you know I met his dad yesterday.

We were at in between games and I walked down to talk to some guys triple **** off Josh Farrell's death and just talking about a legend right?

Yeah, David Farrell, head coach.

The new school former coach at West Forks got 600 career wins.

I believe it is also the coach, the University Ozarks in Clarksville.

So we're back to action.

As the inbound pass comes to killing Mccarn.

Go back left side to the corner.

That's to Cornelius.

Now they work it quickly around.

Here's Lawrence for three.

It's no good.

The car pulls in a rebound.

The big offensive rebound from Melbourne.

That's a shot that Salem will let's Melbourne settle for, but the big offensive rebound going to allow the Lady Bearcats to bleed a little more time.

Here's Lawrence for three from the corner.

It's no good sellers, pulls in a rebound and she'll work it quickly in the front court.

Sellers topped the key.

Left side to strong.

Strong at the free throw line.

Back over to Hamilton.

Slowing things down back in the jump circle goes Hamilton.

Left side over to strong.

She'll pull up from the free throw line and knock it in.

That's a big shot for JC strong.

She'd been scoreless.

The Nice 15 footer pulls her team within 6.

Here comes Kenley Mccarn goes right side that's out to Cornelius.

Fat crosscourt they work the Roark down to the left corner.

To mccarn Mccarn gives it off to jail Lawrence, then it goes out of bounds because she was found a nice driving dish, thereby mccarn trying to create something off.

The bounce finds a wide open.

Lawrence, who gets the hack the chance for two at the line that foul against Salem was on Amber Gates and creates at their second personal fouls.

Free throws up and good.

Second, free throws good out to an 8 point lead from Melbourne 514 and counting in this one.

Melbourne is in a nice job of keeping that lead that run that.

6 to 8 to range for most of the second half not allowing Salem to get within one possession.

We'll see if the Lady Greyhounds can make a late push.

Airs Hamilton with the left hand and was up and no good rebound.

Pulled in by Melbourne and given off to Jenna Hamilton.

Excuse me, Jenna Lawrence.

Yeah look like Lawrence got a hand on that shot as well.

Left side was Weaver.

Now back to Mccarn.

She'll try to pick some time off.

I gotta Humphreys down in the corner.

Paul was partially deflected by Hamilton now back over to Cornelius.

Over mccarn 4:30 left here in the ball game Mccarn on the wing.

Left side they swing it to Weaver.

Now back to the left corner to Cornelius.

And we've got a whistle and a foul against JC Strong for Salem.

Melbourne is working the ball around the perimeter, working some Clock, see if they can get a wide open cutter to the middle of the floor.

Salem, you're going to stretch the defense out.

Try to speed the Lady Bearcats up.

Here is Kelly Mccarn with the basketball and she's found at time bye.

Marley sellers that's more sellers first, personal next file going to put Melbourne at the line so they'll be shooting the bonus for the remainder.

Here comes Mccarn right side.

Trying to get it down little Lawrence Lawrence is able to take it off the glass, and that's good.

That's exactly what Melbourne was trying to do for Salem to come out and guard them.

Get a one on one situation.

The Lawrence takes advantage 10 point game here, sellers.

Those topside that's out the Chelsea Hamilton.

Hamilton trying to work around his screen.

We're going to back down to Yates, and Yates had to just go off her fingertips and out of bounds, and that's going to take us to a media timeout.

Melbourne, 41, Salem 31.

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339 to play here in this one as Melbourne heads taking their lead to 1041 to 31 Bobby Swofford.

Omar Jayhawk glad to have you along for this 28 Girls State championship game.

Here's my card with the basketball as they get in the front court agenda.

Lawrence nice cut to Mccarn with the right hand and they're gonna call blocking foul.

The basket is good and my car is going to hit the free throw line to shoot one.

Gates got over just a little too late for the charge.

She gets hit with the block in the Nice finish thereby mccarn the chance to convert a 3 point play and maybe put this one out of reach.

Free throws up and good.

Largest lead of the contest now for Melbourne as it stays at 13.

7 nothing run.

One lady Bearcats.

Here's Hamilton in the Lane stopping and popping, and it's not going as Hamilton couldn't get it to go with gentle Lawrence got the rebound from Melbourne.

You're going to see them work the Clock trying to get something going towards the basket.

And work the ball around.

Wearing some time down as wonder three to play it goes out of Bounds's knocking it out, which Chelsea Hamilton Hamilton does a great job of just anticipating a pass and jumping Elaine.

Here is Melbourne is weavers got it.

Just going to give it off to Mccarn.

Mccarn back over left side to Humphreys.

Nice job working the ball around and we've got a whistle, a foul.

Yep.

Salem going to go ahead and give up the file now and send Melbourne to the line.

We're having a heck of a time trying to track them down on the perimeter.

The one in one.

Free throws up and good.

4531 OK, not enough can be said for what the job head coach Eric Teague is done with this Melbourne Lady Cats team.

Going for their third state championship and got a lot of youth on the roster.

Be shocked to see them back here in Hot Springs again next year.

Salem 2 1/2 left.

I got some work to do here.

Sellers back over to Hamilton she's gonna pull up for three and knocking home.

It's 4634, they're not out of it yet.

The big shot there go 3 for two.

98 If you're Salem, you need Melbourne.

Still Blige and miss a few free throws in a chance to really cut into this 12 point lead.

So it's 4634 two 19 to play.

Add.

Salem is trying to have some awesome life after that.

Hamilton 3 point attempt.

Bobby.

I mean, you almost asked what do you do if your Salem good to try to retain?

You know as many possessions as possible, but they've really played a good game outside of shooting 26% for the game.

Defensively.

They played fairly well tonight.

They they really have, you know, the nine block shots are obviously a big reason why they're shooting only 26%, but here if you're sailing he pick up the pressure full court like they are right now and trying to force a turnover.

Maybe get the 10 second call, but if they get across the timeline, you probably go ahead and give up the file down.

Corpas goes to Roark and she gives it back to Mccarn.

Mccarn right side to Humphreys.

Aubrey swings into general arms in the corner cross court pass.

They work it back over to the corn hole.

The warrants down to two minutes to play.

Nice ball movement by the Bearcats and we've got a whistle of foul and foul is.

Gonna be on Cassie Walling.

And that'll send Humphries to the free throw line.

Coach Bateman was being a little choosy on who he wanted.

The foul there.

Mccarns really knocked down a handful of free throws, so now he's going to task highly Humphries at the foul line.

Greenlee Hall is going to check back in the ball game for Salem.

High arcing free throws up and good.

Three from the stripe is Humphries.

Second shot is good as well.

4834 minutes 53 and counting.

In this 113 of 14 from the foul line for Melbourne.

That's how you seal off victories.

Sellers down to the left corner.

They swing it back topside, out to Hamilton.

Hamilton loss the handle on it picked back up, though, and it was taken by strong back over to Hamilton.

She lost the handle on it.

Now Mccarn comes down with it for Melbourne.

Yeah, nice job defensively at top of the perimeter there for Melbourne.

Forced a turnover in their crowd started feeling.

Down to a minute 18 left.

Those bank clubside to Mccarn Ann.

JC Strongsville be called with a foul that'll send mccarn to the free throw line.

Yes, Salem coach Josh Bateman sit in the reserves to the scores table is going to wave the white flag as Melbourne 72 seconds away from their third straight championship.

So.

Checking in the ball game for Salem, I want to get all these names in for these kids, you've got shaved.

Bassham, Caitlin Estes, Yuki Beller, Sarah Young and Mackenzie Hill all checking in the ball game for Salem.

Free throws up and good.

Albert's been money, the foul line.

15 of 16.

So Shea bathrooms brings it over now.

Gives daughter Mackenzie Hill Hill back over to Bella.

Keller has it to Estes.

As this crosscourt passes deflected out of bounds and it'll stay with Salem with 53.5 seconds to playing now.

The lady Bearcats.

They're going to do a mass substitution.

Add starting 5 one a lot of games will finish the Season 32 and one he read their resume earlier.

It says one is gonna be is as impressive as they were going to find the state of Arkansas.

By the way, Lenny Cornelius Hallie Skidmore.

Maggie mcspadden Nancy one, and Kaylee love all checked in for Melbourne.

So here's the inbound pass to Skidmore.

Yet more goes left side that's out to mix Patton.

Expand And gives it off out to that fancy one who banks it off the Glassboro 3.

One is going your way RJ it's all going your way.

Here's an interception, taking that time by Cornelius Bounce Pass in the Lane goes up left side that's out to Skidmore and she lays it off the glass.

It's good, yeah, the final score is not going to really reflect how close is basketball game was, but really, gutsy effort from Salem, but they're going to finish 22 and eight with five losses coming with this Melbourne Squad.

Here's Mixpad back left side to Skidmore down to 5 seconds in this one.

Over to Skidmore excuse me, that's actually Bellar, and Bella hasn't knocked out of bounds with .8 seconds left.

And bounds going to come by Sarah Young, and that's going to it.

Being Melbourne, Lady Bearcats are your class 2A state champions for the third straight time.

And they're celebrating midcourt.

Pretty impressive performance from Melbourne when they turned up the defense within the two most Salem got within 4 early on late in that third quarter but is just too much defense in nine.

Oh run an 18 to three run to close things out enough scoring drop her Salem in that fourth quarters.

They had scored 20 to 5 in that final period.

RJ that they're an impressive bunch you know.

Normally you see when a group when the state championship there's tears now with this Melbourne Melbourne Group there.

They're like you know what we expected to be here.

Yeah, they expected to be here, but there's a lot of pressure that goes along with it.

They were expected to win this game.

They were expected to win the state title all season long.

That's why they loaded up the schedule in the front end with the teams that you mentioned.

North side Jonesboro.

Vallonia Van Buren played a lot of schools from larger classifications, but at the end of the day, you still got to go out and make the plays and beat quality teams you're talking about.

Maybe Salem five times this year, know how hard that is guaranteed.

Coach Eric tied hated playing them every single time they showed up on the schedule.

Yeah, no, you're exactly right and hey, hats off to Salem that they've.

As you said a minute ago, this score is not indicative of what this game was like.

Salem play to play them.

Probably as tough as anybody has all year.

It was 3529 going into this fourth quarter, but the first 2 possessions of this final period, a stop for the Melbourne Defense Quick score for the Melbourne Office, pushed it up to 8 and quickly got him rolling there in his final period.

So there it is.

Your 2A state champions.

The Melbourne Lady Bearcats.

With that being said, we'll take a quick break, and when we come back we will have all of our halftime stats.

MVP and everything all along with that, you're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball championships in Arkansas.

PBS sports.

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Ken Lima corn has been the MVP of the ball game for the Melbourne Lady Cats.

There she is right there with her MVP trophy and I think she's very much deserving.

No two Bombino question 18 points kind of led the offense orchestrated this.

This dominant performance, especially in the fourth quarter is she's going to join us here on the broadcast and just another state title.

Going to Melbourne and.

Kennelly joins us now and gently.

I gotta tell you, that was fun to watch, but probably the toughest performance that you guys have faced this entire year was against the Salem team.

That is very true.

We played in five times.

They've always played us the best.

We enjoy playing him 'cause they make they actually compete and it's a lot of fun.

You know, going to that fourth quarter, you're only up by 6.

What was the message in the in the in the huddle going into that final period?

We had to keep remembering that we were ahead and we didn't have to put her brush anything.

Stay calm and get open baskets and just be smart with ball.

I think they knew that General Arts was a threat for you guys and they really did a good job bracketing her, not allowing for you guys get the basketball tour so it allowed for you to step up and have a big game tonight.

Yeah, maybe that every game there pounding her which we tell her which we try to scream for her and get her open.

But we tell her that if she'll be patient and she'll get to score just as much as you want so the bar has been set pretty high for you 3 state championships in three years.

I mean, I'm gonna let you enjoy this one.

You're gonna make it for next year.

We plan on it means it'll be back and will be ready to go.

So we're losing a lot of seniors which is really going to hurt us but.

I think we'll have blood step up and help us out what was said at halftime because you guys, totally, it was.

It seemed like a different team at halftime.

When you guys came out, instantly hit a couple big buckets to kind of get roller what was said and half times well our biggest thing is to third quarter.

We want to win the third quarter.

We want to we come at halftime score 0 to 0.

So we were playing it like it was our first quarter and we always say we went to third quarter.

Then we're in a good shot to win the game.

You did do that.

There was a lot of fun.

Bobby, I tell you there's no better MVP though.

Then Kelly Mccarn so hey, congratulations, go celebrate with your team.

Thank you.

Thank you boy, I tell you what if you you talked about it Bobby?

She's not only going to.

Get one this year, but she could do it again next year.

Yeah?

I mean, it's impressive what they've built with coach Eric Teague there at Melbourne.

I mean your three straight championships.

It's hard to win one.

Yeah, it's hard to get the Hot Springs, let alone plan.

It seemed as quality has Salem is.

And now you're talking about a team that has a chance.

There's 1/3 and has a legitimate chance of winning four straight, which is rarely been done in the state of Arkansas.

Well now joining us is going to be Coach Teague and Coach teacher tell you what that was.

A lot of fun and we were talking.

With your MVP just a moment ago that you now won three straight, the bar set pretty high.

You get to try to do it again with all this talent coming back next year, so I don't know.

I just want to enjoy this one.

You know it was tough this year.

Lot of lot of mental toughness course people are going to try to beat the best team in two eight which I think we were an.

You know it's so mental this year for the kids more than just physical and fighting back and they handled it really really well.

You not only had to battle Covid cheer, you battle one of the toughest schedules that you could probably put together talking Bologna Jonesboro North Side you weren't afraid to play anybody.

No.

And I knew that would prepare us and get these guys in, you know, big game situations and we tried to, you know, a lot of teams won't play us.

But thanks thanks to those teams that they did play us and I think it helped them out too.

But you know, preparing like that and those big game situations, I think right here showed today that we can handle that situation.

We don't panic.

You played them five times this year that being Salem.

And you know that that's a lot, you know, you almost don't have any secrets at that point.

When you play somebody five times, there's no secrets, no secrets between us.

And gosh, there's such a good team.

They have some very, very talented players.

There's a couple of great guards and their number 45 big interior player inside, and their role players and Josh Bateman is such a good coach too.

And so you know, it's just been a battle in the battle and.

Big rivals, they cut up the six that last possession of the third quarter.

They get the big bucket before the horn.

What was your message in the huddle, knowing that I've got a six point lead?

It's their ball to start that fourth quarter, then you outscored 20 to 5 in the final eight minutes.

So the message we've been here before.

We've been here before.

They had not and just be unselfish.

Move the ball.

All the fundamentals we've worked on all year.

This is where it comes into play and it was just simple message and just to to encourage them and let them just feel you know positive about that fourth quarter coach.

Congratulations on a third states.

State championship and maybe we'll see again next year.

We hope so thank you that is there on Teague, the head basketball coach for the maybe Melbourne Lady Cats and I tell you everything about Melbourne is pretty impressive just from from the coaching staff to the players they get it done and it was a lot of fun.

Let's take a look at the highlights from the ball game and Bobby, you know you.

You see that that both teams ran had a little bit of a.

They were struggling a little bit early on shooting the basketball, but.

Really Melbourne, they kept's consistent as they shot 52% for the game.

Yeah, but they did it on both ends of the floor 52% a lot of that had to do with the 4th floor.

They get a lot of easy buckets, but defensive.

They made everything so difficult for sale and they held the Lady Greyhounds to just 26%.

They blocked nine shots in this contest.

They did it with their defense, turned it in offense and they knocked down.

Big shot after big shot from the perimeter and there was your MVP Kinley Mccarn who had 18 points and not enough to be said I about Chelsea Hamilton, the software for Salem is she had a big game today.

Finished with 19 points in this one.

Let's go ahead and take a look at the final stats for the ball game and.

Hamilton finished with 19 points in a losing effort, but her team shot just 26%.

Yeah, they just couldn't really get anything going and a lot of that has to do with the defense from Melbourne, but we've seen it time and time again.

RJ people come to this arena for whatever the case may be.

If it's the backdrop.

If it's setting.

If it's the nerves, they just they really struggled to shoot the ball well.

And Salem was another victim of that.

We've seen a lot already in the first four games yesterday, so in the first game today, it's just gotta learn to settle down, learn to handle those nerves Melbourne's been here before so it didn't really affect them too much.

Salem is never could get that big shot to go down to really give them a chance later.

I think the free throw shooting 15 of 16 for Melbourne that was a key key thing in this one.

So hey, we've got more basketball action coming your way in about an hour and a half right here in Arkansas.

PBS sports as it will be the 2A Boys Game, and Westmore and Bobby Swofford will have the call of that one.

So until then, your final in this one 5534 Melbourne over Salem, you're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball championships in Arkansas.

PBS sports.