It's game two of a four game set of state championship game today here at Bank Ozk Arena in Hot Springs, AR.

It's the six eight boys game between Little Rock Central and North Little Rock Hill.

Over one time are Jayhawk along with Bobby Swofford.

For this title game and Bobby, we just saw a double overtime game in the Six 8 Girls game, this one bound to have some exciting action in it.

Yeah, we've got a not only a rematch, but round #3 between North Little Rock and Little Rock Central this season.

These two teams obviously playing the same conference battle it out in January, battled it out in February 2 close games.

They know all about each other.

These guys played against each other in AAU basketball all the time.

This one should be a good one.

Well, let's highlight a couple players for both these teams and.

First off, you look at North Little Rock and Khalil where the center junior for them.

He's a do it all guy for them.

Yeah, it's not going to take a lot of effort to find him on the floor.

He's the really tall one.

7 foot Junior, the number 32 ranked player in the country in that junior class got offers from Arkansas and a lot of other schools.

And at the semifinal match up against Fort Smith North Side, all he did in 3/4 of play, 28 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocked shots.

He can do it on both ends of the floor.

Well on the opposite side for the Little Rock.

Central, it's a soft .62 Bryson Warren who is averaging 24.7 points per game.

Yeah, the one thing that was really impressive about watching Warren last week in the six A state tournament is if he wants the shot he's going to get it and it's going to be a good shot, but he can separate himself from the offender is really impressive when you mention he's just a sophomore, but 24 points per game.

He's not a volume shooter, he just really effective and is one of the best free throw shooters in the state.

No set of draw contact and takes advantage when he's at the stripe.

Well, let's take a look at the road to Hot Springs and how we got to this point.

And there's a bracket right there, courtesy of Mascot Media, by the way, and Little Rock Central.

They gotta buy that first round, then took on Bentonville.

West knock them off, then be Bentonville to play North Little Rock today for North Little Rock.

Their Rd to get here.

They beat Rogers 6825 and then they beat North Side 87 to 63.

Both these teams can really fill it up when it comes to.

2 championship back.

Yeah, Little Rock Central had a tougher Rd to hoe to get here.

A Bentonville West team that he might call that an upset of Conway and that opening around that was a quality when they had to get it out against Bentonville.

But North Little Rock really wasn't tested.

Rogers struggled to get any open looks and he saw the margin there 25 points at North Little Rock gave up in a win in a 6A quarterfinal and obviously they were able to pull away because of huge office performance against North Side.

Well ought to be a lot of fun as both teams are getting ready to get this thing under way in the six eight title game.

You're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

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Next level.

And back here Bank Ozk Arena as we're just about set for the starting lineups of this Class 6A boys state championship games and let's go ahead and give you today's starting lineups for both squads, shall we?

Bobby as North Little Rock, comes in 20, three, and five on the season, and they've got an impressive lineup.

For centralized, it should say, Little Rock Central.

They're starting lineup features.

Bryson warned the Software 6 two who we talked about in the pregame?

CJ Camper to 6 four senior.

Hutson likens the Six 2 senior.

Then you've got honor botting botting.

You say that three times fast in my mess you up.

But Honor bought things.

He's a 65 freshman who's in the starting lineup for Little Rock Central and then Cody Robinson rounds out the starters for Little Rock Central on the opposite side for North Little Rock.

Tracy Steele, Junior DJ Smith Khalil.

Where Felix Wade and Mario?

Fraser, so they're going to go with two guards of forward Anna Center lineup for North Little Rock.

North Little Rock is 20 and two on the season.

Little Rock Central is 20, three and four, and has Bobby said in the pregame, the only two losses for North Little Rock this year have come to Little Rock Central.

He had to close games back on January the 5th, 8273 and then on February 2nd, 7567.

So a seven point win, an 8 point win for Central.

But the way that North Little Rock was playing last week in Fayetteville at the six A state tournament, they've got a ton of momentum.

The Little Rock Central 20, three and four record only one loss in conference play.

That was the North side there, playing well at a good time.

So there we say at the two best teams competing in the championship game for the odds that happened.

Yeah, no, you're exactly right and not not only talking about teams, but you know last in the last game we had two great coaches.

Got 2 great coaches in this one and Johnny Rice and Brian Ross and both are championship winning coaches for both squads.

6 the parents in the finals for Johnny Ryan CS Four and one.

At North Little Rock and on the other side, Brian Ross.

He's been to the finals with a couple of different schools, 1 three consecutive championships in this time at Baptist Prep report.

Connor Vanover was on a couple of those squads, and then he got central to the championship game last year.

Didn't get to play the game with a shared that championship with Conway, and so it just says second year with the Tigers and he's got a Title 4 championships for Brown Rice as well.

So if you don't get to play the game and they just give you the championship, do you still raise the banners?

Absolutely absolutely yeah you don't give it back.

You're not giving that ring back that trophies in the case for life, well, I don't want thing Little Rock Central they've got.

They've got a chip on their shoulder 'cause they didn't get played this game last year and talking with Coach Ross they they were really looking forward to today's game because they got so close last year to being able to play here at Bank Ozk Arena never got this.

You've got that opportunity, so I would imagine you're gonna see a high flying game between these two.

Yeah, even though they're the defending state champion is tough to say they've got the championship game experience.

Obviously North Little Rock's been here.

A bunch under coach Johnny Ryan 60 titles in 10 years or six title game appearances in 10 years I should say, but it's it's really going to be forget the feeling out process.

These two teams are going to push the push, the tempo they're going to get up and down, but who can establish themselves first?

Whether it's Khalil, where on the inside for North Little Rock or Bryson Warren.

Getting things going on outside for Central well.

Good crowd on hand.

If you didn't watch our first game they are allowing 3000 fans in in the Bank Ozk Arena.

The capacity here at the stadium is or the arena is 6000.

So in right at 50% there allowing in here to the arena for each and every championship game.

Of course, if you can't make it to the game, you can always watch it right here on Arkansas.

PBS jumping center coil where for North Little Rock and for Little Rock Central it was honor.

Botting so North Little Rock is going to have possession of the basketball first, as DJ Smith has it and go work it to the left side.

Give it off to Tracy Steele Junior back over top of the key to Smith.

Now we've got a whistle and an offensive foul.

It's going to go against North Little Rock and it'll be on Mario Fraser.

His first personal ball game.

Yeah, block the block screen there in Fraser a little too physical.

Who called for the officer found.

Not a great start for North Little Rock.

You could tell there trying to work the ball inside early inbound 4 N. For Little Rock Central is going to get it out to botting botting.

Now back over left side that's out to their big man Corey Camper.

6 Four is goes camping out down left side the Lykins Lykins with the right hand puts it up.

There's a whistle and he'll go the liner shoot to your likings is kind of the unsung hero.

This starting lineup averaging 10 points a game for Central he's overshadowed by Warren and Camper.

Those two combined to average 38 but Likens nice added addition.

Especially the way he can drive the ball to the basket first.

Free throws up and good.

Second, free throw is good as well, and Little Rock Central has a two point lead here in the early going of the six, a title game settling in for North Little Rock, two fouls in the first 45 seconds of this contest at a settle in and get the nerves down.

Central works of on the left side, as Felix Wade has it now, works it back into the right corner.

Back to DJ Smith.

Try to go down low, almost deflected away by Little Rock Central is North Little Rock takes the left corner, now gives it off to wave.

Down to 8 seconds on the shot Clock as they put in the hands of clear where he hasn't knocked out of bounds and he touched it last a nice job there by Little Rock Central to collapse on the big man that led him comfortable deflected it off the.

Outstretched arms of where second turnover on the Wildcats?

Inbound pass is going to get into the hands of camper for Little Rock Central.

Here's a 3 point attempt from the left corner, fills it up.

Yes, Sir, as it's Cody Robinson, the six foot junior quick release, thereby Robinson in the corner and Central's got a quick 5 nothing lead.

Robinson on the season is third on the team at Three point, percentage at 34%.

Here's a shot by North Little rocks.

DJ Smith and he's found and he'll head to the free throw line to shoot to Samantha's dangerous when he's attacking the basket.

Central did a nice job of cutting him off not only him all the way to the rim, but got him on the arm going to send their leading score to the foul line.

28 as well.

And that semifinal went over there is.

Why the ones are score here in the early going of the six eight title game?

That was good.

So 3 point game for Central as they'll have the basketball.

Camper goes left side with it and it was off the foot that time.

Let's say it was off the foot of Khalil, where an so North Little Rock will have it on the near side line.

Now they're going to actually put it down to baseline.

Swing it over to the top of the key.

That's after screenshot.

Or should we know that it's actually Bryson worn out for three on the right side?

High, arcing miss, and coming down with it is North Little Rock.

Felix Wade here's a 3 point attempt by Tracy Steele junior instructor Martin.

No good rebound.

Taken in by Hudson Lykins.

Nice possession, thereby North Little Rock.

Got a good open look but couldn't get shot goes camper and heading down to triple yeah and once again another 3-4 Little Rock Central and it's down eight to two lead North Little Rock hit 9 threes in the first half in the semifinals.

They could knock it down.

Look for Charles Maris off the bench as he had five of those triples in the semis.

There's a 3 by aware, and it's no good rebounds taken by a Little Rock central may ask yourself with the seven footer doing shooting 23 foot shots, but he had three three pointers and both of the winds from North Little Rock's camper knocked out another long too.

There's a long too.

It's 1:50 and Johnny Rice is going to call a timeout.

512 the player in the first quarter is Little Rock Central has opened it up to attend a 2 lead over North Little Rock.

Yeah, they've come out shooting the ball.

Well, RJ the Little Rock Central's getting good looks.

The shots are falling.

The knife in North Little Rock.

You gotta get up a little tighter defense 'cause you know when the points start to flow for central they can come in a hurry.

Can't let this one get too far out of control.

Well for Little Rock Central right now they're shooting 75% on three or four shooting and two of three from 3 point range.

Yeah, there's knocked down a couple shots, but the more important thing though is there open looks North little rocks for losing control of mainly campers.

He's knocked down too long shots along two and a triple.

Gotta find a way to locate #32 in white Little Rock.

DJ Smith is going to bring it up.

Take it to the free throw line extended.

Now kick it back out top Mickey Ice Ball movement that time by North Little Rock.

They're going to try to get that 3 point shot off is a drive baseline.

Now there's an officer found all but the power is going to go against Charles Maris embarrassing off the bench.

He's more known for his long range, but that's how the ball fake got to the Lane.

Little Rock Central steps in front takes the charge.

Rock Central with the basketball.

I said Warren traveled with the ball as he tried to go right, shuffled his feet and central gets the ball back, drug the back foot.

Was called.

4:40 and counting left here in the first quarter, Central two North Little Rock, or 10 North Little Rock 2.

Garage trying to find a way to penetrate that central defense.

There's a pass down low that was in and out of the hands of Khalil where central left side with the dog put the right side is closed it down.

That was corn camper.

Temporary with seven points in Central, pulled off the fast break to perfection.

Now right side goes DJ Smith and it hits off the back.

The iron he's found and who had the line shoot to Smith and a nice job of getting into pain.

It's going to have to do it for North Little Rock there collapsing on where they are double teaming him in the front in the back.

In that zone they're just going to pack in the Lane that makes someone else for North Little Rock beat them.

DJ.

Versus up and no good.

It's like coming into the ball game for Little Rock Central is going to be Kyler Hudson.

He's going to be tasked with doing the big body on where Central is going to pull tune their frontcourt.

There's a lot of different looks for number 10, blue second free throws, good.

It's now a 12 to 3 lead for Little Rock Central or three points for some ethanol, three points for North Little Rock's foul line.

Work the ball to the middle of core down to camper and he lost the handle on it.

Briefly, it was deflected by North Little Rock.

Apple stay on the left side.

We put it up and they said he traveled with the basketball, but we've got a media timeout 3:40 to play first quarter central League North Little Rock 12 to three and you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball championships on Arkansas.

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Let's go to myarkansaspbs.org, 12 to three Zire score 340 to play first quarter of these six, save Boise State championship game Bobby Swofford Ammar Jayhawk.

Glad to have you along today.

As North Little Rock's got the basketball and bring it up to BJ Smith.

Topic egos, steel and try to work it.

Download aware he lost the handle on it as he tried to pass it out.

Little Rock recovers.

It's coming up when it was Charles Maris where goes down low get the foul takes it off the glass.

That's what they've been trying to do.

All game Bobby's get the ball to him so he could try to draw contact.

He just couldn't get a clean handle on it.

He did that time.

Yeah, that time you can see the Little Rock Central brings the help over they try to deflect the path they had success on that earlier in this first quarter, but that way you able to control it.

Get the bucket off the win.

So and converts to three point play.

While the sixes are score.

With the ball is gonna be cream cotton.

I just got the basketball top.

The key will work to Lane Las to handle it, but he got fouled.

We talked about the top of the broadcast how good Warren was of creating contact and getting to the foul line for Central.

That's a prime example.

He saw the defenders hands were you know out in front.

So kind of drug it underneath the arm and got himself to the file on.

It's been pretty quiet to start things off here in this first period.

So the file was on Marathon that was variances first downhill checkout coming is gonna be Felix Waste.

Cream cotton also in there for North Little Rock.

A lot of people recognize that name from the football broadcasts.

When the charging Wildcats quarterback the last three years heck of an athlete is cream, cotton and DJ Smith going to bring it up.

We're going to rock as they go around the left side.

Download aware again where taking it off the left side this time.

And we've got a timeout charge.

The Little Rock central.

Yeah, that's tough to guard when you can fill it up to the 7 foot in the inside.

He's so quick.

Athletic League of Good Footwork able to power up it's Khalil, whereas we take another look at it.

One power dribble and off the window and wears quickly.

Got five points and no surprise quickly because of its North Little rocks back right in this and there's literally nothing you can do.

I mean, because you can't jump that high to knock it away.

And if you try to jump into him, it's gonna be a foul.

So all really all you can do is what they did was stand there with your arms straight up and down.

And hope they call it charge.

Yeah, he's going to elevate right overuse got good size.

It's got a good quickness and I've been really impressed.

The way he handles the basketball and he's a he's a complete player and I'm going to say this and I'm just staying by his word after what I saw last week in the six A state tournament Khalil.

Where is the most dominant high school player I've seen in Arkansas since Joe Johnson.

And that's a long list.

Bobby Portis, Daniel Gafford, Isaiah Jolene, Matthew Malik, monk.

He's a more complete player right now.

Then all of them as a junior in high school.

Here's the drive by Little Rock Central.

No foul called.

As we go into the deck was Quarry Camper and the ball goes out of bounds.

It'll be North Little Rock basketball and I'm not saying those guys were good either, so don't so don't hit me on Twitter.

It's actually what he just said exactly so.

But as a dominant player on both ends of the floor like what he does is something I haven't seen in a long time ago.

Left side with it that's into the hands of cream cotton lossed it now taking by Warren Warren for three.

Nothing but net.

Told you so quick to get a shot off.

Warren buries the three and that Central League quickly back to 8.

Now here's DJ Smith with the basketball setting up the offense with two 10 and counting left here in the first quarter.

What's that left side in the hands of Smith back over to cream Cotton in the left corner?

Got bounce pass download aware.

Down to 7.

Back to where double team comes, he puts up with one hand no good rebounds taken in by Little Rock Central is coming down with it was Kyler Hudson about as good as you could hope for.

If your central coming in the Lane over everybody was Tyler Hutson, that time it's 18 date now central on top here.

Shot by North Little Rock's no good, taking right side by central balls on the floor now.

And coming up with it is North Little Rock, but then it goes out of bounds and they're going to say Nope.

Alright basketball.

Another paces started to pick up a little bit.

There's a lot of Contacts as North Little Rock attempted to drive to the bucket.

Didn't get the call as we see the finished there from Hudson.

Early 10 point lead for central.

You can see that there are the more aggressive team.

Right now they're getting everything going towards the basket.

North Little Rock really having to grind out possessions to get a clean look.

So with the ball is going to Tracy Steele Junior Works here right side to wear back overtop the key to Smith Smith on the baseline.

Automated traveled right there, but either way Smith got on the corner now down to the left corner.

They swing it over to Felix, where down to 10 on the shot Clock.

Left side goes out to Kellen Jackson Jackson with a floater in the Lane.

It's good.

Much needed bucket, thereby Jackson it's 18 at 1043 seconds to play in the first quarter with the basketball for Little Rock Central, his Bryson warranty Airballs A3 and North Little Rock gets the ball back.

They've got a little bit momentum working right now.

Bobby yeah they don't have to take a shot until this quarter ends is shot clocks now off, but it's like seeing North Little Rock attack the basket as they get where a quick break before the end of the period.

34.6 seconds 1810 Central leaves North Little Rock.

We're going to ball up 4.

North Little Rock PD J Smith.

Shot Clock's been turned off in the first quarter.

Mathworks it right side in the hands of Kellen Jackson Jackson free throw, line out to eat him.

And eight seconds to the quarter.

Here's Smith floater right side misses an coming down with its four Little Rock Central that's going to be quite camper and that'll do it for the first quarter of play.

1810 Little Rock Central Leeds, North Little Rock in the Class 68 Boys State Championship Game and you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball championships on Arkansas.

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And back here at Centennial Bank Stadium, 1810 Little Rock Central hold the lead.

A lot of fun action there in the first quarter between these two teams, says petrol, get it going?

Yeah, you want to watch the live game stats where you can get it.

Before we do, all you have to do is download the Engage Arkansas PBS app.

Your mobile device will get a shot Clock issue.

Go ahead that once or twice in the first year.

You kind of expect it.

It's the first year for everybody, including the guy over there at the scores table.

So with the basketball for Little Rock Central to Bryson Warren, and we've got a whistle and a foul.

So central will get the basketball and John DJ Smith and.

For Mr. Smith, it was his first personal power.

So pamper takes it now goes left side towards back to camper for three.

It's off the side of the iron.

No good pick back up by DJ Smith.

Work the ball left side and we've got an offensive foul.

And I tell you what Bobby Mario Fraser poor kid.

He started the game with an offensive foul came in the game.

Now they're taking him back out after having another office.

You like the aggressiveness of attacking the basket but get a temper.

The emotions of it.

He's played about 30 seconds in this one.

After starting the game.

And the other Twitter comments are already coming.

Yes, I understand.

Archie Goodwin is very, very good.

Here's Little Rock Central we start to get a little late from when I get it.

That's why I said it, you know what I'm talking about complete both ends of the floor.

Here comes with Little Rock DJ Smith work in left side goes up and he's fouled and he'll go the line to shoot to buy.

I mean, here's the thing.

To.

To say as a junior.

Well, where is one of the most dominant players on both ends?

That's a strong.

It is because I mean.

Malik Monk was pretty good both offensively and agreed, and so was Bobby Portis and so was Daniel Gafford and Archie Goodwin was a great one.

Was it Austin Reeves at Cedar Ridge as Oklahoma's leading score has them in the NCAA Tournament?

I'm not discounting that in these all work great players.

I'm just talking about what I saw last week was the most dominant effort I've seen since Joe Jones.

I will say this that when you look at Khalil where?

He is.

Size wise, thickness wise.

He's bigger than any player.

Bobby portis.

Any of those guys you named?

Yeah, he's bigger size wise ecclesiastically than any of those guys.

I mean, don't get me wrong, Bobby Portis and Daniel Gafford were great players, but you bring up there the size wise.

He just does a great job as a big time stop there.

My Korean cotton forces that I possession in North Lauderdale take it over.

I'm not trying to discount any of those players, it's just you know I'm not impressed like this is all floor John on the ground and I was last week.

So DJ Smith going to bring up for North Little Rock after they had the possession Arrow.

They're down by 6.

Smith working in the corner.

Gotta pull up mate feet.

Knock it down.

North Little Rock needs to get him going.

You gotta steal.

It's Korean Patton.

Put it back right there.

Defense, the offense they gotta get those two guys going.

Little Rock Central with the basketball working left side is Bryson Warren.

Cotton pulls down the border instant production, but throw it away.

Yeah, those little trying to get going too quick, but you can see they're starting to get a little moments because of their defense.

You lack the spark that cottons provided off the bench.

Let's say yeah, that's one thing.

Cream cotton is brought to this game is that he is just a more physical demeanor than what maybe Fraser had.

Even though Frazier went down with two 2 offensive fouls.

Cons been extremely effective.

Here's a floater in the Lane.

No good.

Gets his own rebound.

And now we've got whistles.

And looks like a foul cotton, a loose ball foul.

Camper I think was a little surprise.

He was left wide open.

Elaine pulled up for the short jumper, little short.

Now central is going to be at the foul line for the remainder of the corner is there in the bonus.

So at the lyncourt camper.

65% free throw shooter.

As a shot is off the mark, no good still do **** game.

Little Rock had some success driving to the bucket with Smith.

See if that creates an open look from the perimeter.

Math working the ball down low trying to get it to where.

They finally do and where loses it out of bounds.

They they put it into the hands at time of Tracy Steele Junior who tried to go with the back door pass and where just did not see it coming.

Yeah, that's one of those you may like to see this go up strong with it instead of making the extra pass in the paint.

Central works it on the left side.

As it's Cody Robinson now back over Topside, Bryson Warren.

Free throw line.

They work it down low.

They missed the dunk, but where is going to get the power?

Yeah, he got to the block.

Clean up top and but we're got him with the body underneath.

Never reply, yeah gave him a push up that backside gonna undercut him a bit and that's what's going to send boating.

Excuse me.

Yes voting to the line.

Free throws, no good checking in the ball game for North Little Rock is gonna be Felix Wade.

He'll come in the ball game for healing Jackson.

Central's gone cold.

They haven't scored yet this quarter.

We got 18 to 8.

Three throws good.

It's back to a 3 point lead.

DJ Smith brings the ball up four North Little Rock as they worked on the right side to Tracy Steele Junior.

Left side goes DJ Smith.

Now he'll pull up for three and it's in and out.

No good.

And now we've got a list on a foul.

They're going to call it on Kareem Cotton.

That's going to send Central back to the foul lines.

The Tigers have a chance to add to their lead.

From the stripe they can take advantage.

So now there going to be an issue 9 already called on North Little Rock, just four on Central.

So now we gotta start watching the foul count.

Poly rolls around that hit about every part of the rim that time.

Four point lead for Little Rock Central.

Camper in the go to man so far for central he's got 8.

Yeah, it's good as well.

Knocked down both free throws and it's 2116.

Camper averaging 14 a game.

He's really more than halfway there here in this first half.

With the basketballs.

DJ Smith.

Where did the free throw line now back sit back out?

Goes left corner with it over the Felix Wade?

They just work it around the perimeter now.

Trying to get it downloaded where?

It's like.

Getting tripped up was honor Botting and bought things going to head over to the free throw line and shoot.

That's a nice job by him to get around where.

But man for North Little Rock wasn't able to seal him off, and boating gets around and flex it.

Now he's going to foul line.

Free throws good extends the lead back out to six points.

65 freshman largest lead for Little Rock Central in this game was when it was.

It was early in the first quarter, so this is the largest lead now at 7 points 2316.

I actually know it was at the 412 Mark Win 828.

It was a 10 point lead.

Little Rock, I don't try to get there.

Big man involves can't rely on Smith.

Driving the Lane gets the trees too often.

Brought it to download aware and another deflection.

They bother putting a topside bottomside bracket on him and they are not able to get anything to wear North Little Rock trying to force it inside.

3 point attempts.

No good rebounds taken in though by Botting.

Now it's intercepted.

Take it in the open court by steal any chance at home.

Great job by steel.

He saw that Crosscourt pass coming in like a free safety that's picked it off and took it to the house.

Inbound pass comes over to Camper, who will bring it up 320 and to play in the second quarter was going to say the Little Rock Central defense is doing a great job of this, undercutting the passing lanes North Little Rock trying to force it inside there, knocking the ball away before where can get his hands on it.

Sign with Lykins in the Lane deflected away.

Yeah, it's taken by North Little Rock Under 3 to go.

Website I go back top the key over to Eden and back to where who tested with both hands and slams it home.

It's a 3 point game.

Love how they got them all to wear high.

Is able to finish with the two hands with little emphatic punch.

237 and counting.

First half.

Here's a 3 point attempt by camper.

No good.

They're gonna throw it down.

Court stone away.

A lot of interceptions in this game.

Now here's a 3 by Central.

It's no good at three that time was by Bryson Warren and we've gotta found will be shooting.

But it won't be until after this media timeout.

Little Rock Central holds a 3 point lead 2320 with two 22 to play and you're watching the Centennial Bank State championships in Arkansas.

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We got 2 1/2 minutes left.

What's coming up at the half we got the Arkansas PBS halftime show with Steve Sullivan.

Let's see what it's like to make the toughest calls in the game as we chat with Bentonville guard paint.

Spencer alright here.

Coming up on the Arkansas PBS halftime show had a chance to sit down with Mr Spencer.

All those guys that will be.

Featuring at halftime.

Those we I tell you what not only do we have great basketball players in the state, but we got some really intelligent kids that are going to do great things in their adult life.

Back to action as they try to get it down to where and it goes off his fingertips and out of bounds.

Could handle the high pass there.

Maybe try to finish before he secured the catch.

Robinson checks in the ball game for Little Rock Central 3 Point, Game 23 to 20.

Work the ball right side into court campers hands.

Here's a 3 point attempt, though not down by Hudson likens quick release there and buries the triple with confidence.

Lykins is the 2nd leading 3 point shooter on the team.

Here is deflected pass right back into the hands of DJ Smith.

Smith's gonna pull up from the right baseline and knock it down from 6 feet away.

Nice job by Smith and rallied catches the loose ball able to finish.

He's so creative with the basketball finding new ways to score hamper works.

The ball left side into the hands of Robinson for three, it's no good where's right there to get the rebound for North Little Rock.

Channel torman Jason Kilborn reminds us that boxing from Little Rock Central, even though the freshmen already got an offer to play for the Hawks.

They work at left side into the hands of Charles Maris, who misses the three point attempt gets his own rebound, puts it back over to DJ Smith.

He goes up with the left hand and it rolls around and finally drops.

And it's 2624 so crafty around the basket, he finds new ways to get around.

The defense doesn't have great size, does Smith, but he knows how to put the ball in the hoop.

Phoenix.

Listed at 5:11.

Generous I'm not.

Real generous to be honest, liquid here basketball player.

They don't they give you like an inch and a half just to be just for showing up.

Well, you know you got to pad the roster.

Had the program of it.

Route pattern where stats though he's legit 7 footer in the middle.

Here's Lykins Lykins bandog on the right side and it's intercepted.

Take about North Little Rock.

Where in the langos up he's found Hill had the line shoot too.

Yeah, would attack that with the North Little Rocky forced a turnover.

You don't wait for central to get back and set the defense go hard to the bucket.

And we're going to the charity Stripe 26 to 24.

We can knock down these two shots and tie the ball game.

First, free throws good.

It's eight for where DJ Smith Little 11, so you can do the math.

19 of their 25.

Good as well.

We got a tie ball game first time today.

It's been tide Little Rock Central scored on their first possession and haven't given the lead back until just now.

It's we're in the final minute of this first half.

Inbound pass is gonna come over the camper.

And he's just going to hand it off over the war and it'll bring it up.

Almost lost my handle on a floater in the Lane.

No good balls till the floor comes back up with its horn and he knocks out the glass.

Nice job by Warren to stick with it.

Ball bounce right to his feet.

It will use the window and put the Tigers back up in front.

Jack clocks turned off with 15 seconds player in the first half.

It was going to hold it in from the scores table down to 7th.

Over the 5 three off the handle.

Now throw it up.

It's blocked and it's going to go out of bounds and defense by central in that final possession secures their lead going into the locker room 2826 is our halftime score between Little Rock Central in North Little Rock.

Don't forget it will be going to Steve Sullivan at halftime and a lot of halftime activities.

You're watching these Centennial Bank High School basketball championships.

Arkansas PBS sports.

You know, I think sports are really big to a lot of people, and because it is an important part of our fabric in our community and one good thing about what I've seen is its high quality production.

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And so I think it just expands the focus of what PBS is doing in Arkansas.

PBS is doing a great job and I think it's part of education.

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Hello and welcome to the Arkansas PBS Sports halftime show I'm Steve Sullivan.

Coming to you from the beautiful Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in North Little Rock will get you back to the action and the boy 6A title game in a few minutes.

But first we want to go inside the world of men and women in stripes.

The referees, whether it's a charge, a block or holding, it's their job to be on the spot to make those split second calls that can have a lasting impact on the game.

We went behind the scenes with several crews of referees in Arkansas to get a better appreciation.

For how they see the game.

That is.

You've.

Basketball is one of the most difficult games to call, but it's also one of the most fun games to be apart of.

Very intense is a fast paced game challenging, but I looked it bringing joy to be on the court or man.

Sometimes I wonder why I'm doing it.

It was not a foul there.

He had the Valentinas shopping mall, forgot with heavy weights.

I'm just telling you going to lose control 'cause I'm not gonna let them do that to us.

I just got a call back but that's about every single time back in Roman.

So get over so we don't have the fact that some basketball that's found don't let that go.

You're not going to talk to me like you just talked to me.

Wait, wait, let me finish it in there.

I'm not giving you an official warning, but I'm telling you now more of that.

I am David White and I am a referee.

I am Nikita McFadden Davenport an I am a referee.

I am Duane Jackson and I am a basketball referee.

Installed.

Push almost a little bit.

Or maybe just that he pushed off.

Tempering, we gotta player control first of all to deal with coaches, you have to be a good listener.

I blew my whistle, then he blew his whistle.

We went together, communicated, and I had the player control first.

'cause green pushed off.

I tell them that I am approachable, but I am not cold.

We all go cold.

Women car would.

All right now, my man turned around and bumped.

Now I want to know is you know he's a big man?

Well he can't go through to get well, OK so I don't want to see them being able to shove him.

OK I got you coming to a high intense game with the crowd in the the fans rowdy and loud and the coaches all up on you.

You really have to stay focused.

You really have to concentrate at all times and make sure you focus in the owned the right thing which is the game.

Yes, Sir.

OK, that's not because I got you.

That's enough.

OK, OK, now this isn't basketball we planned.

Well, not my ball.

OK, OK I will.

I got you love the game you love the kids and you do it with respect and there are nights that they're going to be great and there's nights there's not going to be so great.

We're not perfect but we we strive for perfection.

And it does bother you if you miss a call, especially if that called determines the outcome of the ball game.

One thing I know going into the game that I'm not alone is three of us on the court.

We always communicate before the game.

We always communicate on the floor to get the calls right?

Yeah, it was borderline.

We probably should have, but I I went up to him and said, hey, the next one like that's gonna be intentional because at the end of the day it's about getting it right.

Yeah, alright guys, let's have a word of prayer.

Before we go out.

Our kind, gracious Henry Father, we thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in sports that we love so much.

God will give you the 100 glory for all of our efforts and is in Jesus name.

We pray Amen.

Alright, let's go out and have some fun, yes.

I think we can all agree basketball at this level is very fast game and we certainly appreciate those referees who make those tough calls.

Next, we need a student athlete with talent, despair.

RJ Hawk recently caught up with Shane Spencer from Bentonville.

High RJ take it away.

Thanks so much and guys, I'm with somebody that I think is a bright star in the state of Arkansas's name is Thane Spencer from Bentonville High School.

Thanks for joining us.

Thing, I gotta ask you though.

I mean, this has been a really weird year for basketball.

With the covid stuff going on, how you prepared each and every week.

No one that you know that game could get cancer.

You know our coaches are kind of emphasized.

Take everything one game at a time and not take anything for granted.

And we just start season.

Just got we added two more games that we thought we were going to play, but ultimately it's just another chance for us to go out there and play the game that we love.

You're a senior for Bentonville.

There's only three of you guys which you know a lot of times when you've got a lot of seniors you don't really have a true senior leader.

Per say.

You know the three of you guys would be.

I would imagine you've got a pretty good bond being that you though.

Elder Classmen on the team.

What's that leadership role mean to you?

Means alot.

I've had a lot of guys go before me and kind of show me what to do.

You know when I was a sophomore, Michael Shanks and Connor Defenbaugh were there, you know showed me the way.

And then last year I had great leaders in front of me and Sawyer and Brayden Freeman.

And some you know, just following in their footsteps and just pushing the culture forward a bit though.

You know, Bentonville's no stranger to playing in the state championship game got a good history of making it to Hot Springs.

You guys talk about that a lot, like the road to get to Hot Springs.

Do you talk about that?

Much as far as the pastor Bentonville?

I mean we we it's on our minds that you know Bentonville is never want to state championship and so it's been on our minds this year to do something special.

But ultimately, you know the biggest thing for us to just take everything one game at a time and one practice at a time and get better every day.

And we know the rest will take care of itself.

Let's talk about playing the student slash non basketball player.

What do you like to do for fun around Northwest Arkansas?

Man, I just hang out with friends a lot.

Not much really, you know.

Just trying to enjoy life as a kid and this summer I'll be at New Life Ranch, working as a counselor there.

And that's something that I love to do, you know.

Just careless time go by.

Let's talk about that.

How did you get into doing new Life Ranch?

'cause that's a great organization.

I know a lot of people that have volunteered over there.

How did you get involved with that?

This will be my 8 summer there.

Actually.

You know from when I was younger as a camper and now I'll get beyond staff.

That will be my first year on staff so I'm really looking for that opportunity.

What's your plans?

After high school I'll be attending University of Arkansas and I'll be going in the Business School.

Great, great, great well buddy.

Hey best of luck to you.

We look forward to keeping up with you wherever you may go and what you do in the future.

And I tell you what, it's always fun talking to future leaders in the state of Arkansas.

I think you'll be 1 one day sounds good.

Thank you Sir.

Guys, we're going to send it back out to you at the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Another good one, a bright star in the state of Arkansas.

Thanks RJ.

Always great to hear bout students doing well on and off the court.

Hey, reminder that you can keep up with what's happening during all the championship games.

Get special content from Arkansas PBS by logging on to our new Engage app.

You can download the app.

At the App Store or Google Play, that's going to do it for halftime show.

Let's get you back to Hot Springs.

The second half of the Boys 6A championship right here on your home for the high school state basketball finals.

Arkansas PBS.

And we're just about set for second half action here at Bank Ozk Arena.

Little Rock Central leads of 28 to 26 over in North Little Rock.

Bobby swofford.

I'm RJ hog.

Let's take a look at some second half highlights Bobby where they had the first have a lot of rockham sakam.

Rocket down the rims.

Yeah lot of going back and forth, but we knew that these two wanna get out in fast break.

Get out in transition and show off some highlights and there you see Corey Camper punctual with two hands.

A lot of that and protect the basketball in this second half your North Little Rock 12 first half turnovers resulting in 16 points for the Central Tigers.

Quick look at the stats for the first half as taking it up for Little Rock Central.

That time was Bryson Warren.

3026 there you go.

Your first half stats, 56% shooting for North Little Rock.

41st Little Rock Central.

Quick start for the Tigers.

They get their go to player Bryson Warren into it.

He's got eight points.

After a turnover, they've got the basketball back again.

Warren takes it left side pulls up in 10 feet too strong, taken down by North Little Rock is DJ Smith is going to bring it up for the Wildcats.

Weather for twin towers on there to start.

This half is North Little Rock.

Nice job by where's he gets it puts it up and he's found and that's where he's been so you know you talk about **********.

He has been really good about getting, you know getting in trying to put up a tough shot and drawing that foul.

Much like what we saw with Jersey Wolfenberger earlier in the first game.

She wasn't able to do that so much.

He's really using his size to get down low.

Get those rebounds and get the foul.

Yeah, and what you know.

Of course you're 7 feet tall.

You're not going to call from the over the back too much, but he's not doing it out of control.

He's going after on the offensive glass.

But he's doing it within within himself, not committing fouls, and he's already shown that he's pretty effective from the foul line as it did.

Announcer curse strikes again there.

3 point game.

Is Warren's going to bring the ball up?

It is on the right side, the camper now it's stolen away by DJ Smith off to the races with the right hand.

It's good.

We just kind of put in another gear there did DJ Smith.

He was even an old sunburst.

Got him out in front of the Tiger defense.

Here's camper.

Camper goes left side now to Robinson back over the camper.

For three years he knocked it down, picks up where he left off in the first half.

He had nine, including a couple of threes as a big bucket for central to push their lead back out to four.

Look at them all right side your hands Tracy still junior.

I like get it back over the way.

Over the DJ Smith working at download aware.

With the right hand it makes it look easy.

There's no defense for that.

That's still pretty good defense, but where do the nice job working to get into position got the basketball?

A couple short dribbles and within six feet he's not going to miss too often.

Two point game.

As they go left side to Robinson.

The right side now backed up Makita likens.

How back right side for a three?

It's no good over.

The Robinson likens gets it back.

He puts up for three and still no good balls on the floor goes out of bounds and stays.

Down with Little Rock Central couple really good.

Looks offensively for central.

Those were going down in the first half.

Not so much here.

Early third quarter jacket in the ball game for North Little Rock is gonna be Mario Frazier.

Working the ball left side that goes Warren Warren up and under no good putt Putt Tomahawks right hand wow by Tyler Hudson put that one on your highlight reel.

It's one of the better put back dunks you're going to see as the defense collapsed on Warren left Hudson wine alone for the one handed flush.

Now he.

Is Frazier with the right hand?

No good ball is going to be safe going out of bounds and into the hands of a Little Rock central Tigers.

Now here's Lykins into the frontcourt.

Lykins goes up with the right hand.

No good, but there's a blocking foul as it could be called on Fraser.

Smith late whistle.

Their move, Little Rock, crowded much care for it, but my strong take to the basket by Lykins with himself to the foul line.

3531 Make it 3631.

Checking is gonna be cream cotton for North Little Rock as well as Charles Meredith for North Little Rock.

Little Rock still hasn't knocked down a 3 pointer today.

All five from distance is still shooting 55% of the team.

Second, free throws up and good.

It's back out to a six point lead.

Working the ball on that right side, they take it out top the key.

Rolling up in under a nice job that time for North Little Rock and it's now a four point game in the ball is almost stolen away by cream Cotton Tracy Steele to strong take to the baseline.

You kind of thought he might dish it off to wear, but able to finish it off the glass.

He's got four points, right?

Some Warren brings it up for Little Rock Central.

Warren lose it off of his foot bowl still on the floor and we've got a jump ball.

North Little Rock basketball.

So they forced the turnover.

Active hands defensively.

One got a little lackadaisical handling.

The Rock had poked away.

Turned it over.

410 left here in the third quarter 3733.

Little Rock Central on top in North Little Rock.

Ice flow to the second half early on both sides, starting to settle in offensively and what they want to do.

I get the team they've already faced each other twice.

Here's DJ Smith for three hits.

Nothing but net as the anti announcers cursor.

This said they had him 3 yet DJ Smith was listening fix that takes it to a one point lead for Little Rock Central.

Bringing the ball up and it's going away taking by.

DJ Smith Reverse way in North Little Rock's got bullied by 1 first time.

They've led today and 18 points all of a sudden for DJ Smith.

He's come out his hair on fire here in this third quarter like invented the front court.

We'll take it on the right side now back overtop the key over the court camper.

Camper the Lane loss to handle it.

Go away by Kareem Cotton that he got tripped up all still on the floor and we've got a jump ball.

And that's going to take us to a media timeout with 307 to play in the third quarter.

North Little Rock, 38 Little Rock Central 37.

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Central's been a little sloppy with the basketball, had just eight turnovers in the first half but already 5 here in this third quarter.

Little Rock has the ball in the Lane jump stop and knocked it home is Tracy Steele.

Junior nice move by steel that jumps off it's you don't see it much in basketball anymore.

Composed himself knocked down a short jumper.

Now here comes camper right side he's fat and you count the bucket.

It'll be a four point play.

Yeah I said it was camper.

He was actually Cody Robinson from down the corner.

Last job by Robinson.

That's a big answer.

North Little Rock had all the momentum, but he catches in the corner, buries the triple and then draws the contact.

Got a chance for the rare four point play.

So Cody Robinson.

74% free throw shooter hits off the back.

The iron.

It's no good and we've got a tie ball game at 40.

Snapped a 90 run for North Little Rock for that three from Robinson.

How do I go left side with it?

Try to kick it back top of the key swings the back right side.

Here's a 3 point attempt that is not down Kareem Cotton.

We we got breeze raining all over bank Ozk Arena.

Yeah they're starting to settle in both of these offenses and we're going to be in for quite a treat in these final 10 minutes of action.

Here's another 3 point attempt, an inbox it down that's by Cody Robinson.

Race is starting to pick up.

The shops are starting to go down.

They work the ball right side Kareem Cotton for free for the right corner.

Johnny Rise to further North Little Rock bit.

He's throwing up 3 point sign button right there feeling it.

I swing left side to Lykins in the Lane and there's going to be a whistle.

Anna foul.

Nice job my likings use the ball fake to get to the rim going to get Kareem Cotton with a personal foul.

What the quarterback for the charging Wildcats is taking charge in this third quarter back to back Threes and Cody Robinson says I can do that too.

The Lightning is going to the free throw line or he's a 72% free throw shooter on the year.

These two teams have combined hit their last nine shots.

We had Little Rock hit their last six central set their last three.

And that's why we're starting to see the onslaught of points.

It's awesome though.

I mean, that's what we're here for.

Yeah, that's.

Kind of well, we got what we do this thing.

No hand out trophies for missing shots.

First, well, unless you're the six 8 girls game over now, they made enough.

It was like 34.

Now this is the opposite of that.

Early game goes to the Six 8 girls title game.

Both teams shot under 30% right now.

North Little Rock is shooting 65% outfield.

So DJ Smith.

Brings the ball up on the court.

There's enough to wear works of all what what DJ were.

Excuse me Glil where he threw it up to try to get eat him to get the basketball but he didn't realize that he's not as tall as he is.

Got bailed out though.

I got bailed out with the foul.

Gonna be a bench warning on Little Rock Central.

We saw that a lot last week and Fable at the six A state tournament they were handing out the bench warnings like candy, but they wouldn't technical fouls, which is obviously what you're trying to do.

Try to get the high low action with determine where.

As DJ Smith works around the screen right over to steal back to Smith for three on the left wing.

It's an in and out no good and central comes down with the rebound.

4645 North Little Rock on top of central.

With the basketball is Robinson.

The camper down to 40 seconds.

Go back left side now.

Here's a shot from the free throw line and he's found and that time for Little Rock Central was Bryson Warren and he'll go the free throw line to shoot too.

Yeah, Warren mentioned it a couple of times is so good at giving a defender out of place out of position.

Become draws a cheap foul there on Maris, gets himself to the foul line.

First shots up and good.

Hi Ballgame 4646.

Warren, well below his season average average in 24.7 a contest with North Little Rock helped him to just nine.

Up to this point.

Checking in for North Little Rock is Keelan Jackson as the second shots helping good and Little Rock Central's back out to a one point lead.

Jack locks off so North Little Rock and choose to hold for the final possession if they so wish.

I don't think that's going to happen.

And mine where they've been playing, going up as many shots as possible, 63% from the field.

If they still trail.

What's the basketball DJ?

Smith works on the left side, down is 6 seconds.

Gonna put it up.

No good and.

Lykins is going to get it.

He's gonna throw it down, poor man.

It's going to.

See what the call is here.

There was a whistle as Lykins through it from down on that far baseline.

Will have to put some time back on the Clock is there are zeros on the board?

Think they're going to say Lykins traveled before he tried the 75 foot heave?

So that's going to put 4 seconds back, yeah?

Well so far it's .4.

Now they changed the .4 seconds.

So really, you could just tap it in.

It was .4 seconds enough time to catch and shoot will threaten.

Probably love it inside.

And that was too much time and that will take us to the fourth quarter as Little Rock Central.

They leave North Little Rock 47 to 46 and you're watching the Centennial Bank State championship basketball games on Arkansas.

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Single.

Here at Bank Ozk Arena 4746 as we start the fourth quarter and a good one so far, Arkansas has good people, good stories and now got good roots.

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There are in Arkansas Week.

No, I I watch whenever they do like exploring Arkansas series on PBS, I always wanted to do that.

I wanna be the guy that goes in Clifford like rides the hang gliders and stuff off of Mountain Ebo.

Fast like must feed on the grounds 748 to play as cream.

Cotton tries to float one but not even come close to the rim.

And boy, that's strength right there.

You had two guys hanging on in that was Etym who had the ball and.

Now, because of a jump ball, it's going to be Little Rock Central High like I like the shot faking drive from cotton is already knocked down 2 threes in the second half of the defense closes on him, but he couldn't finish with the floater.

In Central's got a chance to pad the lead, Cody Robinson brings the ball into the frontcourt for Little Rock Central as they hold a one point lead.

Tampa.

The right side.

Act of the key with the Hudson Falls the handle on it.

Green Cotton tried to come up with it.

Back over left side to like an 8 to shoot.

Like it drives the Lane with the right hand.

No good coming down with it is eat him and North Little Rock Alaska basketball.

That's a nice luxury to have if you're in North Little Rock you got where on the bench as a golfer steps there, but you've got Khalil where on the bench and you could bring in six foot eight itame right behind him.

That time for North Little Rock being called on the foul or on the travel with Felix Wade.

Now we've got a whistle and they don't get weight off of all trying to deny Warren files.

Not really an issue so far.

Just five team fouls in the second half on North Little Rock and only two on the Tigers.

4746 Lykins going to inbound the basketball.

Get the ball into Bryson Warne.

Warren gonna pull up for three.

I'll be back.

There are no good ATM.

Pulls it down and here comes the charging Wildcats.

Left side Orange struggling a bit from the field.

Tigers leading score just three from 10 and including one of five from distance.

DJ Smith left side puts it up easy money.

And it's 4847 so effective going to the bucket.

He's got 20 even have 11 in the first half.

Nine here in the 2nd, and we've got a whistle and a foul on Tracy Steele Junior.

Have for Trey, still junior, that is his first personal found.

Checking back in the ball game.

There's gonna be clear where for North Little Rock.

Commend the way DJ Smith gets to the Lane and able to finish.

Really explosive player off the bounce.

At the basketball court, campers he'll work it left side onto the wing, camper into the Lane, and we've got a whistle in a block.

Yeah, I think they're going to.

They're going to get in with the flop he started to go down before any contact was made.

He might have been in position to take the charge, but he started to go down before contact was made and that's going to be an automatic blocking calls there there.

You could still see daylight between him going backwards day and the offensive player coming into him.

That's going to put Central on the bonus though for the final 603 Tiger is going to fall on any infraction committed by the charging Wildcats.

Not so good.

Rebounds taken by cream cotton.

Under 6 to play now, as DJ Smith has the ball in the frontcourt.

Works around the screen.

The hands of the cream cotton top.

The key will pull up for three.

It's no good.

Rebound pulled down by Lykins and their stolen back away by DJ Smith and it's taking off the glass and good more Little Rock.

Just jump the rebounder there and took it away.

Now, here's central with the basketball and they lose their right side out of Elk Grove Blvd.

Basketball warrant rental.

Too much handling the basketball.

Trying to get too fancy with the behind.

The back dribble deflected away.

He can't control it.

Checking in for North Little Rock is gonna be Charles Mariss.

529 to play in the ball game.

North Little Rock holds a 3 point lead.

Largest lead of the game for North Little Rock.

Smith makes it easy that just can't keep in front of Smith.

He's getting to the paint anytime he wants it.

Right now it's a one man show for North Little Rock.

With the basketballs camper camper on the right side.

Back over the Lykins.

Swing it to the left corner down to bottom.

He loses the handle at cream cotton.

Got it left side for three.

It's Maris.

It's no good green cotton headed in his hands.

Walls without abound, but it's just a weird 4th Little Rock after last touching it for Little Rock Central was Bryson Warren charging Wildcats.

Just been so active defensively, giving a hand on almost every loose ball.

Given the fits for the Tigers is Little Rock Central burns a timeout.

Now there will be a time out with four 47.

Play North Little Rock on top.

5247 four Bobby I. I didn't know if we could get much better began with that double overtime game we saw in the Six 8 girls game but this is lived up to it.

He kind of expected.

These two have already played twice this year.

Both of 'em decided by eight points or less, both 1 by Little Rock Central.

Just the way that North Little Rock is complaining of late kind of thought they'd have a chance to make a run.

They didn't play well in the first quarter, but they're still shooting 61% from the floor and you take away their turnovers, which you can't do.

I get it.

But you've got 15 turnovers, resulting in 16 points for Central, and that's real.

Difference in this ball game and why the Tigers have been able to hang around.

But also the turnovers are really rolling the other direction against Central at 10 miscues after halftime.

Inbound pass is going to top the key.

DJ Smith but he's.

Filled it up today, been doing a heckuva job.

24 points for DJ.

Well done that right wing.

Under 15 wears got it right.

Hand off the.

It's good he's got found.

We've been kind of quiet in this second half and finally got the one on one matchup.

The defense had to rotate over for central.

He gets the high entry fast, takes the hits, the chance to convert to three point play.

Three throws up and good.

He completes the three point plays.

Now an 8 point lead for North Little Rock 90 run to start this fourth quarter.

So the charging Wildcats.

I work on the right side, it's Bryson Warren over the Lykins Lykins in the Lane those left side for three.

It's no good.

Where's there to get the rebound?

Give it off to DJ Smith.

As well, under 4 minutes to play here in the ball game.

Gotta find a way to keep Smith in front and central again.

Forces a turnover as they try to get it into where like him in the Lane puts up with the right hand and we've got a block and found down low.

And the foul that time was called.

I believe it's on Tracy, still junior and they'll take us to a timeout 55 to 47 North Little Rock leaves Little Rock Central in the 6A boys game you're watching the Centennial Bank State basketball Championships.

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They're going to want to watch this game for a long, long time because we've got a barn burner here at Bank Ozk Arena.

It's 5547 North Little Rock on top of Little Rock Central and the final 345 left to be played right here and.

Well, when you look at the numbers so far Bobby talked about it 62% for North Little Rock shooting.

So far Little Rock Central shooting 41% leading the way for the Tigers is camper with 12 points.

As for North Little Rock leading the way is DJ Smith with 24 points as Central has not been able to keep DJ Smith out of the Lane and he's been able to create really anything offensively for himself.

But he wants like in first.

Free throw is good.

Takes it to a seven point lead for North Little Rock.

First points of this fourth quarter there for the Tigers.

So you knocked on both down.

So it takes it down to a six point lead with three, 42 and counting.

Like it's now eight of eight at the charity stripe.

I worked ball top the key.

And EJ Smith briefly lost the handle on it, and we've got a whistle and a timeout charge to North Little Rock with three 26 to play in the game.

Smith put the ball over his head, and that's the worst thing you can do is a ballhandler.

It's kind of right there for the picking if you're the defense.

Johnny Rice has to bail out his office taking time out with 16 on the shot Clock.

You know, I.

So I've been doing games for quite awhile here, girl.

And yes, the evolution of Johnny Rice is pretty impressed.

'cause he used to dress up for games.

He used to wear dress up close to bass.

Now he's just like look.

I've done this enough times, but where the the comfortable clothes on the on the sideline?

Hey, it's the most ification of basketball.

I like it.

Yeah it is.

I mean your muscle mass is one of the few coaches that wears the polo shirt and I'm all for be comfortable because most of the time we're in an ice arena right now.

Yeah, lot of times you're going to play in the gym.

It's gonna be hot.

Yeah, be sweating.

You're going to be active on the beach.

You might as well be comfortable.

I miss.

I do miss the days when the coaches were the boots.

I'd stomp on that hardwood.

Echo throughout the gym.

I never understood the whole three piece suit for a basketball coach.

Hey Ricky Smith, somewhere right now and I'm not very happy with you.

I'm just saying like never never quite understood.

You don't see baseball managers out wearing suits.

You know, football coaches don't wear suits.

They used to.

I know they used to so the buzz the Buzz Williams looks.

Yeah not a fan.

Yeah just not saying I'm not a fan, I just didn't understand this later Mojo in the house is Joe Klein who client City actually talked to him this morning and he said that he went missing this game because.

He helps out with Little Rock Catholic quite a bit, so he's seen both these two teams in action this year.

Good teams from a really good conference duking it out for a title.

North Little Rock as Tracy Steele Junior is going to swing around is Jacoba 3 by Maris.

It's no good, but right there to get the rebounds.

Where shot Clock to work around to steal and he tried to dunk it.

And he's fouled.

Still trying to go for the highlight.

Two handed flush with just enough contact there to make it off the mark, but he's going to foul line for two that could have been there.

We say SportsCenter top 10 numbers that was going to be a big dumb.

We've already seen one big dunk in this game.

Sounds good.

These teams have been really good for the foul line.

Today Central 16 is 21 North Little Rock now 11 of 13.

Take a shot is no good and he could into existence.

Often is taken by liking.

Worktop the key and it's traveling that warrant kind of lost possession, tried to regain it and said took some steps.

Getting turnovers the issue for Central 19 turnovers now 11 in the second half and we still have 253 to play.

Headbands gonna go to cream cotton for North Little Rock is wonder three to play in this one.

DJ Smith gets it back over to Cotton now.

Love side to where he glossed the handle on it, but got it back before it went out of bounds.

Takes it with the right hand.

Still no good, gets his own rebound.

Put them back up off that right side.

Bobby I think he got three rebounds right there.

Yeah, staying active with it.

He tried to yell you Mr Wherewithal to stay with the loose ball and able to finish now.

Here's this deal by North Little Rock taking it up right side.

Tracy Steele and we've got a whistle foul and that's gonna be charged to quarry camper.

North Little Rock start to feel it still is 5 team fouls on central though, so a little bit of time before they go to the foul line but really nice job I wear to to stay with it.

Not only track down a couple of loose balls but able to finish in the paint as he's got 17 points now.

To go along with seven rebounds.

Here's the inbound aware where the Lane lost the handle after it got deflected.

North Little Rock scream Cotton gets it back in DJ Smith's gonna bring it back out topside.

Down to 209 left in this one Smith right side over out to Maris.

Slow things down.

There's 14 on the shot Clock.

Smith, top the key over the marriage.

Back left side to Tracy, still Junior Hill Dr left baseline.

Put it up with the right hand and he's found and who led to the free throw line shoot to that possession by North Little Rock.

Did a couple of different things.

RJ One is starting to wear out this central defense.

They're tired of chasing DJ Smith around the perimeter of two.

It killed 33 seconds off the shot Clock and now they've got a chance to add to it at the foul line.

147 left in this one and Tracy Steel Juniors at the free throw line.

Here's one for two on the day at the line.

Make it 1 for three.

Gonna have to look for Camper or Warren on the other end.

This Little Rock central is going to start to run out of possessions.

Try to get something early in the shotclock.

Second shots up and good.

10 point game.

Central led by 10 in the first quarter but North Little Rock has really taken over in this second half camper on the right wing.

Now going to drive baseline.

Camper back download Ballestone away by where is he?

Get off the DJ Smith and then we're going to listen to Fallon.

That sounds gonna be charged to Bryson Warren.

Yeah, that's going to say in North Little Rock to the foul on DJ Smith got 24 points at a chance to add to it in North Little Rock and their faithful starting to feel it as their 85 seconds away and have a 10 point lead.

I kind of thought.

When Bryson Warren was going up underneath the bucket down the other end, he could've just easily gone up on the backside of it with your client without trying to trick anybody out and give a pass back down low.

He was shot by DJ Smith and it's no good.

Here's a three that is high off the back of the iron.

It's still good.

DJ Smith comes down with it.

He'll head back to the free throw line.

That's what Little Rock Central is going to have to do.

They've got it.

Go in a hurry offensively with that shot.

Must like the rest of the day, didn't go down for Warren.

And more Little Rock, inching ever closer to 1/5 championship for Johnny Rice in the last decade.

Shots in the air and no good.

Maybe the only thing that Smith has done wrong today.

Let's say Corey campers got it, topped the key down to a minute 18 to play like in right side.

Lost the handle on it.

Still loose now over right side for three.

It's no good air.

Balled out DJ Smith.

Got it and he's found one with 56 seconds to play here in the ball game.

Little Rock Central got him twice in the regular season.

The only two defeats of North Little Rock but looks like charging Wildcats can get the ultimate revenge.

They can let this double digit lead stand in the last minute.

You know they say it's hard to be the team.

Three times I thought they say anything they say.

The way the way DJ Smith has been able to create off the dribble, then you add wears presents inside.

North Little Rock is a tough, tough task for anybody to handle.

Shots in the air and good.

60 to 49 with 56 seconds to play.

25 points, three rebounds and assists today for Smith.

Add.

Johnny Rice calls a timeout.

I don't know who's more excited, his players or him.

Might as well enjoy it.

Yeah, yeah.

State championships, at least for most schools, don't come around all that often, but North Little Rock's getting used to playing foreman for Johnny Rice.

They're getting used to one of them, you know, you think about it football, some of the legendary coaches that are out there.

But James.

Let me just name you know anybody at Greenwood here recently, but think about all the good coaches.

Or when you think about basketball, you gotta throw a guy like Johnny Johnny Rice up.

There is one of the greatest in Arkansas basketball.

Yeah, I mean, he's certainly on that list.

Yeah, we saw two on the girls game earlier today.

Ricky Smith.

We mentioned Clay Reeves.

They both now have 8 championships clears at Greenwood, Ricky Smith and North Side and you go to the voice.

I mean, even on the other side, Brian Ross is 4 championship.

Yeah, I mean, is he a day over?

40 years old, OK, may not be.

I think he he may be in his mid 30s.

Yeah I mean so it's basketball and is at a high level and you expect Scotty Thurman at Parkview to have a lot of success?

They didn't quite make it to the finals, but West Swift at Jones was done.

An outstanding job.

I mean, obviously the probably the Mount Rushmore's.

Gotta have hutchcraft guy Perkins if you want what 400 titles there?

Yeah, here's a.

Go away balls in your boundaries, deflected off aware with 46 seconds.

North Little Rock's content.

With this making central work for it little care or even a made bucket right now, I just want that Clock to run.

Inbound pass goes right side that's out to camp or any lays off the glass and now we've got a timeout.

Charged a Little Rock central with 42.4 seconds left.

It's 10 point game.

Now you're OK with that if your central.

You get a quick bucket.

You get a quick timeout, but you're also alright with that if you're in North Little Rock, you want that Clock to run.

He's going to drop your inbound play 'cause you know that Central's gotta give up a file quickly sending to the foul line.

6151 don't forget two more games later on today here on Arkansas PBS as will have one action.

And that's starting at 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon.

As we got some good one, a schools in boys and girls action taking on.

Each other right here in Arkansas PBS.

I want a boys game violin Westside to 5th time they've met each other this year.

Tracy Steele Junior Inbounds it is deflected an right into the hands of cream cotton.

They go right side to Maris back over there.

Who's gonna slam it home with two hands and it was an exclamation point.

That's how good and how dynamic.

Where is he's going to get hit with a technical foul for hanging on the rim?

But I don't think he or coach Johnny Rice cares as that is the ultimate emphatic finish for North Little Rock.

At the we saw some, we've seen some big dumps in this game, but.

Put the cherry on top.

Free throws goodbye Corey Camper.

11 point game.

So you would say you put it off though?

I mean, where's been hounded by two defenders all day long and he finally gets a little open space and see how dynamic and electric he can be with the ball in his hands.

And honestly, had he not pulled himself up to his boat, met his momentum, made him swing.

But yeah, when he pulled up on it, that's gonna win it.

When you do a chin up on the rim I don't get you.

Here's Bryson Warren with his shots.

No good green cotton comes down with it, and he'll be fouled by Corey Camper.

And for camper that ought to be is filled.

It's a nice day offensively for camper.

Fall out of this one.

Team High 16 points for Corey.

This one I'm gonna end.

So cream cotton at the free throw line.

He is not been to the line today.

You look at the stats RJ and it's 59% from the field from North Little Rock.

They forced 20 one turnovers.

They win the rebound margin.

There's not really more that they could have done in this contest, and I mean, that's why they're going to six A state championship?

Yeah, you're exactly right for taking free throws up.

And good Speaking of a guy like green cotton, think about all the state championship he.

She reaches, he's played in between football and now basketball.

Yeah, he's he's one of the names that you're always going to remember from North Little Rock is this Clock is going to wind down and the charging Wildcats got a chance to celebrate it.

But there's probably gonna get that win and.

Looks like we got another dead ball and I don't know what.

Not really sure why we got blown.

I actually blown dead less.

Whether I did technical on the bench.

Yeah, I think that's likely to prevent Johnny Rise trying to get all these guys and settle down an I don't.

I mean, that's you're about to what you're about to have a state championship.

Won't let him have a little fun there at the end.

I understand the rules, but you gotta have a lot of fun.

Like in second Shot is up and good so it's.

66 or 6555.

Inbound pass comes to like it.

3 point attempt is no good.

Where's got it gives it off to deejays Smith and that will do it as North Little Rock.

They win the state championship for Class 68.

Johnny Rice does it again for the charging Wildcats.

Pretty impressive second half.

Little Rock Central jumped out to an 18 to 8 lead in the first quarter, but really from that point, especially after halftime, all North Little Rock RJ as they really ran out and is dominated the final 16 minutes.

You're exactly right.

Bobby and Anne.

You know one thing about.

Restore full raktim They could have been punched in mouth early they were, you know, when Little Rock Central jumped up in that 10 point lead and and just kept pressing kept pressing it could have been very easy for North Little Rock, just really well.

It's like first 2 times yeah and but they did it.

They look like a different team in the second half they did and really what it started with was the way that DJ Smith handled the pressure on the perimeter and then was able to get to the link anytime that he was able to create off the dribble.

Central didn't have an answer for him and you get him going with the addition of where already on the inside.

It's going to be really tough for anybody to slow down.

In central list lost complete control of the pain and ultimately that's why they lost the contest.

Well, so Little Rock Central getting their pictures taken as the runner up.

Champions League is runner up to the Champions.

As well, we will await the.

MVP of the finals.

Who's your MVP right now beebom?

I mean, I think you gotta go DJ Smith the way he dominated this game.

26 points, four rebounds and assists.

Nowhere 19 at 8 feet on the inside, but just the way he changed the game off the dribble.

It's a 1 two punch that any coach in Arkansas would love to have and Johnny Rice hasn't in Barrass meant of riches.

At his disposal.

Well.

North Blvd gender picture taken.

And we will hear the announcement of who.

The MVP is, by the way for those watching.

Khalil, where the Giant Center for North Little Rock.

He's only a junior, just a junior.

He's coming back.

Coming back for another year and.

North Little Rock's getting their picture taken and we will find out here shortly.

Who the MVP is Khalil where the big man in the state tournament MVP?

There he is.

We used to watching him 'cause he's got the Hawks on his list, but you just make sure that RJ just a junior.

Just yeah and every coach at Arkansas Slacker, you get?

Are you kidding me?

I gotta guard this again next year.

Yes, we're going to take a break when we come back.

We'll wrap everything up here from bank Ozk Arena as North Little Rock, they win another state championship and this time over Little Rock Central 6555, you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball championships on Arkansas PBS.

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And there are the North Little Rock North Little Rock charging Wildcats getting their picture taken as they are the Class 6A state champions.

Bobby Swofford Aymar Jayhawk wrapping things up here at Bank Ozk Arena.

Bobby where.

Yeah, it was a lot of fun for sure.

It was then two really good teams and we we started to see that action really mid second quarter start to pick up the third quarter was a track meet but at the end of the day shooting 59% in the game that matters the most North Little Rock made the key plays on offense and they forced enough turnovers defensively while they got outta here with the title.

Well, let's go ahead and take a look at our final stats for this one and what's really impressive on this thing is North Little Rock shot 59% for the game compared compared to Little Rock Central.

38% but points the paint for North Little Rock.

Bobby 3434 to 10 and we've talked about it a couple of times.

DJ Smith getting to the paint and obviously Khalil where makes his living in the paint in central just did not have an answer of keeping the guards out of the interior of their defense.

And then obviously not anybody's got an answer for where an individual for North Little Rock DJ Smith 26 points the job cool where 19 points Hilton had eight rebounds for Little Rock Central.

Lykins had 13, a quiet 13.

I might add 10% faline yeah and then Camper had 16 points.

He found out in the ball game and then let's see.

Warren had 10 points so Russian really struggled to shoot a basketball.

Just three of 11 from the field talking bout your leading scorer.

Put in 20, four and a half a game.

Could never really could get comfortable handling the basketball and that's where you gotta give the defense of North Little Rock a lot of credit because they made his afternoon pretty rough.

Well it was a lot of fun and I tell you what Bobby when you look over.

The landscape of 7846A basketball.

Lot of good talent and you made the mention just a minute ago, these seven or six 8 coaches keep 17868 coaches are senior going.

Golly we gotta deal with Khalil where where for one more year they also gotta deal with Bryson Warren for two more years.

So Little Rock Central's future is bright that we've talked about a freshman for Central who already has a scholarship offer to the Razorbacks.

That was the one thing that I think that shocked me the most.

Is you saw these teams in the six A state tournament and now here in the finals.

Everybody has a really good underclassmen yeah, and so they're no longer reliant on these seniors.

There's a lot of times you think a freshman's never going to play, never going to help the team.

When a state championship.

And now we're seeing sophomores, juniors, and even freshmen help a team get here to this point in Hot Springs and help their team win a title.

Well, it is a lot of it's a very promising future for Arkansas High School basketball, not just at the six day level, but all classifications.

And we're going to see a lot more games, but a lot of very competitive action right here on Arkansas.

PBS sports.

Don't forget coming up at.

4:00 o'clock today it will be 1 action, and then you'll have both 1A boys and girls here in the night camp on Arkansas PBS, your final score from bank OSI caring in Hot Springs.

It's a Class 6A boys title game North Little Rock, 65 Little Rock, Central 55 until 4:00 o'clock so long everyone.