That is.

That is the.

We welcome you into Bangkok Arena for this two way boys.

State title.

East points at county.

The Warriors trying to go back to back, taking on the Tuckerman Bulldogs under the direction of Josh Blandino in his fifth year.

Looking forward to this opportunity.

Justin Avery along with JB Brazil and JB should be a great matchup.

On paper.

We just saw one of the two a girls final and I think we could get another good one here.

Obviously Epic's got a lot of line, maybe all the pressure on them trying to go back to back and pressure is what they're going to do defensively.

They're going to try to force the up tempo.

It's how Tuckerman handles that and that's going to be the key.

Yeah, we're going to look at more into this game here.

Coming up in just a moment.

Let's take a timeout and we will bring you this matchup I guess we're going to take a look at the bracket first though okay.

Sorry guys.

We were hard math though.

We're going to hit the bracket first.

We'll take a quick break.

We'll come back and we will bracket find out how the teams got here.

And we'll talk about some of the key players coming up as well.

Stay with us.

You're watching high school championship basketball right here on Arkansas PBS sports.

This broadcast is underwritten in part by.

Since 1937, the electric cooperatives of Arkansas have been providing power to homes, farms and businesses across our state.

The cooperatives are member of and work together to serve Arkansans.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas proudly support high school students and athletics in Arkansas, and hope you enjoy watching the state championship games on Arkansas.

PBS Sports.

Better connected together the electric cooperatives of Arkansas at UAMs is a proud supporter of Arkansas PBS.

Sports UAMs health provides orthopedic and sports medicine care across Arkansas.

Supporting athletes and teams throughout the state.

Find out more at Unmatched Health back on.

All right.

Welcome back here to Bangkok Arena.

JB Brazil.

Justin Acri going to take a peek here at our visitors.

And the win Rock starting lineup.

But again the Warriors the defending champions.

And there are your starting five.

Let's go in numerical order here you got Doug Real Cassius is his real name.

They call him Doug.

Not sure how they got there but so be it Quincy, Perry, junior, Tyrus real, Jacob Gaines and Ashton Real.

It's all about the reals for these points at County and they are trying to come up with again back to back titles over at Tucker.

Again.

The Bulldogs going to send out 0123 for JB.

Don't get a whole lot easier than that Christian, Ashley, Jordan, Watson, Amari, Neal who's a guy we're going to talk a lot about today, Zeke Turgeon and Andrew King and looking forward to these guys in action today.

Neil is their leading scorer on the season 18 points per game.

Let's take a look at how we got here to the state championship game here in Hot Springs.

And JB gonna walk us through here.

He's points it able to get over on Ozark Catholic.

And that was a good starting point kind of a challenge out of the gate then it didn't get a whole lot easier.

Three point win next round against Junction City.

That was nip and tuck.

They also edged out Cedar each by one point.

Now they got a chance.

A rematch against Tuckerman should be a lot of fun in the game.

Good time for them and for these points it County player to watch here is going to be Jacob Gaines A61 junior 17 points a game for him.

He averages 3.3 offensive rebounds a game.

And this guy steps up big time in the big moments.

Hit a jumper with 20s left against Cedar Ridge to help his team get here and win that game.

By one.

He had 22 to lead his team in the semifinal and had a chance last year.

He was the MVP of the whole thing.

They got to do something though.

They got to guard the perimeter as a team and win the points in the battles in the paint there.

Gaines is going to help with that, but they got a lot of playmakers.

And for the Tucker Bulldogs again, Jocelyn Geno in his fifth year, 2816 on the season and a again tough test out of the gate, 5144 over Hackett, advancing on to beat Mariana 62 to 51 and then over Izard County 55 to 47.

In that game, we talked about Amari Neal.

Why is he a key?

He only had 37.

And that one Josh or JP excuse me.

Well you've been gone with Josh at 37 points.

He's committed to Georgia Southern.

He's a facilitator but he knows how to score only five nine.

He's actually from Ethiopia was adopted.

That guy can hook.

Six assists per game five rebounds per game as well.

Not just a scorer as we see the starting lineups finishing up on the introductions.

And again boy Tucker what a road to get here.

That close call.

And then these points a kind of even closer call.

And man survived a 33 point performance from Kyle Province from Cedar Ridge in that 7170 victory to get here.

And they had a shot at the buzzer to win it.

But East Poinsett County what a winners do JB they win.

They were back here again to try to do it all over again.

Now these two did match up earlier in the postseason on March 1st.

It's a 5652 win for Tuckerman.

But I talked to Coach Thaxton this week for East Points at County.

He said frankly didn't think his guys were terribly motivated.

It wasn't for a final.

It wasn't a championship on the line, and he felt like they would lock in a little bit differently today with a championship stage.

That's right.

This one means a little bit different.

They made it back to back in football as well.

There's some athletes for Tuckerman though.

They're gonna try to respond and keep it going.

It's going to be it's like Kristen Ashley for the Bulldogs jumping center.

Those white uniforms and the Grays for EPC.

We got out there.

It's like Jacob Gaines shocker.

And they both whiffed on it.

But it turns out to be epic ball going left to right here and getting underway at the Jumpman logo uniforms.

I guess when you're a state champion, you get nothing but the best.

So you're going to get some nervous moments here early on.

But again, even if you're back to back, it's still going to be some nerves.

Early on.

Here was so much at stake, so closely guarded here defensively by the Bulldogs.

Out of the gate.

Warriors pass on a couple of open looks.

Going to go cross court here.

There's a jumper from Quincy Perry junior in and out.

Nice rebound.

Diving in for Andrew King.

Good defensive backs up to now.

You got to try to turn it into offense for Tucker.

So there's Neil.

He'll back it out.

Waving guys through trying to direct traffic.

He's going to drive behind the back into the lane.

Spinner jumper.

You betcha.

Wow Amari Neil lightning quick at five nine.

And they got to keep an eye on today.

Really great inspiring story.

Zeke church six two sophomore.

He's got his left arm only down to the elbow.

And he has been a very productive player for them this year.

12 points a game reminds you of Hansel Emmanuel at the Division one level.

Absolutely remarkable player.

And there's a battle for a rebound.

Nice block inside there by Andrew King.

But he gets it back.

They're going to feed it underneath.

Layup up and good by Big Doug Real.

And we remember him from the title game last year like it was his big fella.

And he went to work.

He came in a little bit later in the game and he took over.

Boy he's got he's got presence in the paint right.

Got him open.

That's going to be tough on the backside.

Makes it easy.

2 to 2 a minute and a half in here.

And there goes Amari Neal again behind the back again in the paint again.

Just time kicks it outside Ashley will drive into the paint again.

Good recovery defensively by EPC Neil gets it back.

Boy what a tough draw.

Defensively got hit.

Bucket up and one Quincy Perry junior the sophomore.

Too much contact.

And I'll tell you one thing.

You do not want to draw is the assignment on Amari Neal.

He's got four quick points and a chance to get to five.

Yeah just a really good jump.

Not a bad defense either Neil.

Kids that off the foul.

The and one.

And that's what Tuckerman wants to do.

Get down.

He'll get to the free throw line.

Well you don't get points like he does to control the game like he does without being able to draw a couple of fouls either a man Josh Nabers over there.

He loves to talk about creating contact and being able to sell those fouls.

And Neil definitely did a good job there.

But there was definitely contact.

Kind of got undercut there by Perry.

Yeah, but he did a good job of getting plus position to get his defender.

And that led to that.

So largest lead early on here by three.

And there's a foul away from the ball Andrew King going to get whistled for it EPC will take over again.

Shot clock resets at 35 557 to go.

First foul of the game on King.

Jacob Gaines waiting for that other star to go to work.

Kicks it outside to again.

Another pass on the shot there for Perry.

He's a 30% three point shooter.

Can take it to the baseline instead.

Two strong good rebound inside turnaround jumper that was blocked by Zeke Church.

Nice job denying Ashton real.

And now a scramble for it.

Underneath that we're gonna get a jump ball.

And that's going to go the way of the Bulldogs.

Yeah.

That effort from church there timed it perfectly and gets the stuff.

Not a huge size advantage either way.

Neither one of these teams with a ton of height looks like six two on one side, maybe six one on the other side.

So maybe six three.

I guess real is officially six three, but I don't know that he he would measure up to that if you got the tape measure out.

Here's a save in nice job by Watson.

And now Tucker will go back to work.

And there goes that man again Neil.

Jumper two strong this time.

Excellent rebound there by Andrew King.

Gets him another shot out to Watson.

Back to Neil working again inside up bucket.

Good Quincy Perry like you said doing all he can.

But man you can only do so much with that fella when you give him second chance.

Looks to he can make you pay.

It's right.

He's so quick off the dribble.

Tough to guard a mismatch.

And he made him pay well let's just call it like it is.

Kamari Neil seven.

He's points at County two.

Quincy Perry on the right wing.

Very deliberate offense here for EPC Perry going to work and double team comes gives it away.

Now Gaines he has a really asserted himself offensively but they've collapsed offensively.

There's a kick out.

Right wing three is good Ashton real nice 511 sophomore drills it from the right wing.

Even when he's in scoring though he can draw defenders leave somebody open Tucker man's got their best defender on him.

They'll try to lock him down.

That's Jordan Watson but can't contain him too much.

Gives up the assist in the three ball stop play for a moment here.

After it was cut to seven five.

And it'll be a sideline inbound to Marcus Thaxton head coach here.

Third year coming back for a state title with his team.

There's a drive by Neil.

Kick out Ashley will drive inside stops shoots it.

Good defense by FBC.

Ball knocked away in the rebound.

You're gonna get a foul against GPC down here.

How about the effort from Andrews King.

That's a second time.

He already has one offensive rebound.

Was trying to get the other ends up drawing the foul.

Heck of a play JaMarcus Thaxton coaches team up and arms crossed.

He's never a good sign for your player.

I got that look a lot to be a baseline inbound here by the Bulldogs.

Good inbound play bucket up and good for Andrew King.

The senior has a brilliant inbound play.

Well designed.

And they have gotten themselves up by four again in the first non Neil basket for the Bulldogs.

There's a feed to the baseline and spinning real no good.

And another tough rebound inside Andrew King seniors off to a nice start Evans four points at four boards this.

It's the early productive early on here.

And the effort snaps in.

He's boxing out.

He's battling for everything.

That's the kind of guy you need in a state title game Neil scooping in the lane.

No another rebound attempt.

We're gonna get a foul underneath and they're going to get them King there.

Wow I didn't see that one.

Would have to see the replay.

It looked pretty clean to me.

King rising up.

May have gotten some body there.

And that's a big one.

Maybe that's a second foul already.

Yeah.

He's been the energy guy.

Getting loose balls picking up rebounds.

That could be big.

So there's our media timeout 335 to go.

It's nine five.

Tuckerman leading East points at County in their quest to go back to back.

We'll take a break.

You're watching the two boys state championship on Arkansas PBS sports.

The future of Arkansas PBS its programs and its irreplaceable purpose all rests on a strong foundation of community support.

Help us continue to impact lives for generations to come.

Keep good going with a tax deductible donation of just $5 a month.

Visit my PBS Dawgs donate to learn more.

This broadcast is underwritten in part by Centennial Bank, supports communities across Arkansas, and is a proud supporter of the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas PBS Sports, providing financial services since 1999.

Member FDIC.

More at my 100 bank.com.

Support for Arkansas PBS sports comes from Wendy's.

The seasonal menu includes options like the Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger.

Availability may vary by location.

I'm sorry.

All I heard was frosty.

What did you say?

All right, there we go.

Let's get back to action here and get Tyrus real and BPC trying to get back in this one.

Down by four with 328 to go.

Obviously a very tight game.

And boy Amari Neal living up to the hype kick outside.

And yeah we seen Quincy Perry pass on a number of perimeter jumpers here trying to find a little better more high percentage shot for his team.

So I applaud the discipline early on.

Tyrus really going to work.

Feed inside shot up off the glass and good.

That was not easy.

Asked and real absorbing the contact.

And there's a steal right back to real lay up.

Good again.

Brilliant play by Tyrus.

Real over to Ashton.

Real for the layup.

So back to back buckets.

And we're knotted up at nine for quick points.

And that was high off the window.

The first one.

And then the defensive intensity paid off.

Neil with a little helper on the hip.

There they go to the other end.

Bucket up.

And good for Braylon Odom.

The six two senior just entered eight points a game for him this year Ashton Real going right back to work scoring through contact again.

This man is relentless and it's 11.

All a frantic pace here in this two boys state title.

Well he's just a sophomore but he certainly plays like a veteran.

His presence in the paint is certainly felt mind Jeff King right.

His effort that he puts it on the floor.

Well you got a junior.

You got a senior and you got a sophomore.

The real family well represented here.

So again not going to be scared but playing against these older guys I'm sure all his life.

So this stage not too much more.

There's a jumper miss from the outside that was church.

And now he's back.

Wants to run up and under blocked out of there.

Great play by Odom.

Denying the shot attempt by Quincy Perry.

Junior Seal back to those offensive play steel heads up real was there right place both times at four point swing come on big here in the first quarter I mean what a brilliant steal.

And then a heads up play to get it to your teammate for the score immediately.

That was just an absolutely brilliant play right there.

Let's see if Gaines can go in here.

They just keep Double-team at him.

He's got to kick it out.

And now we get a three point attempt for Berry.

That one short and a battle for the rebound.

Nice job by Ashley pulling it away.

And I think we're what do we get here.

Time for a foul.

Going to get a jump ball.

Go back to the Warriors here.

They have a switch possession jet.

So maybe it was a foul.

And we had a question on the air here.

On the possession in the first game I forget that cleaned up into Ashton real up top.

Hands it off to Gaines if he can get it going a little bit here.

Gaines yet to score driving in again.

They're collapsing on him around the free throw line.

Kick out again three pointer this time is good.

Tyrus real from the left corner in the center.

Knocks it down.

Just a 26% three point shooter on the season.

But he makes that one.

And he puts his team in front for the first time today.

His first basket of the afternoon.

Both Ashton and Tyrus putting a whole highlight reel early for SPC.

And you can tell the emphasis for Tucker and slow down Gaines.

Make sure he's not the one to beat him over heels making a happen.

Jordan Watson with it.

He's going to drive the baseline.

Got caught in the air.

Got saved by Ashley.

Another go back to work Amari Neal's a good option with 12 on the shot clock.

Just over a minute to play Neal crossing over in the lane.

Floater up no good.

Tapped it out to his teammate though.

Nice job there for another possession for the Bulldogs in the corner Neal this time gets a screen back to the free throw line.

Good ball movement.

There goes Neal again.

Left hand dribble in the paint.

Feeds the baseline shot up and good.

And there's the first bucket of the game for Zeke.

Church as a three Neal though collapsing that defense that quick ball fake didn't take much.

That got the defender off of church.

It's fun watching both teams trying to take away the guys right.

Gaines everybody's collapsing on him.

And on the other end you got Neal Evans collapsing on him.

They've got their strategies drawn up and they're doing a nice job.

Now the good thing is if you're you know for EPC Ashton is benefiting from that.

He's going to go right back to work here.

That's a tough shot.

Blocked again that time by church.

Just got a bucket got a block and they get it back and fire up a three.

No good.

And there's a battle inside a rebound by Odom.

And they're going to get a jump ball.

Wow I never saw EPC get a real handle on that one.

So I think a break at least to get the possession arrow change back to year end for EPC.

But it will be Bulldog basketball in a one point game.

And they can hold for the final shot of the first quarter.

Warriors 14, Bulldogs 13.

And Amari Neal with seven points going back to work.

Downhill stop.

Step through.

Wild shot up.

No good.

Tipped out of there.

Kept alive by church and the shot clock or the game clock will go off.

And that's that first quarter in the books 1413 Warriors over Bulldogs after one.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball Championships right here on Arkansas PBS sports.

Are you ready for Quiz Bowl 2025?

It's the 40th year of the most exciting academic competition in Arkansas, and it is live right here on Arkansas PBS.

It's the Arkansas Governors academic competition, quiz bowl, state championship, schools from all over the state square off right here in this studio to see who will come out on top.

Don't miss a single question.

Tune in or stream on the PBS app.

Saturday, April 26th starting at 9 a.m..

This broadcast is underwritten in part by Summer Woods Sports Complex in Bryant features four courts across two gyms located off Interstate 30, offering space for tournaments, practices and training.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas PBS.

More at Summer woods Sports.com.

We have reached the trivia portion of our broadcast, and the question today for this two a boys game, who is the state's all time leading rebounder?

Ponder, if you will.

That's right.

That's right.

We'll find out a little bit later.

It's an entertaining first quarter.

No.

I mean, you can tell there's definitely a lot of adrenaline rushing, a lot of nerves going.

But again, stars rise.

Typically waiting for games to get rolling.

But man what a quarter for Amari Neal.

Yeah he's led the way for Tucker.

And seven points.

Ashton Real leads away with nine for epic.

We're underway here in the second quarter Jacob Gaines it's a screen up top.

See if they try to get him going here a little bit there.

Definitely keeping Lyman.

Nice defense there.

Poked away diving in defensively for Neil.

Creates the turnover into the hands of his teammate Braylen Odom.

He won't get the credit for the steal but he definitely created that turnover for sure for the Bulldogs.

His offense is so good but I think his defense is underrated too.

Yeah he's lightning quick.

There's no question Ashley in the lane back outside drive in the paint shot up.

No good tip attempt no good.

Back to Neil though and they'll reset.

Tucker does a good job after misses keeping it alive.

But those tip outs there's a drive inside.

Floater up no good.

The miss on the drive by Watson and a clear by the Warriors who are up by one and can add to their lead here.

Both teams pretty patient offensively.

They both want to get up and down.

But they're allowing if the other team recovers their offense to do some work here JP I'm impressed.

I think because you you shut down the two playmakers, they can't control the pace right.

They're trying to figure out other ways to do it.

And this Bulldogs defense it's kind of a sort of a blend here.

It's a tough defense to figure out.

There's an airball from the corner but a nice rebound.

And my goodness what kind of work is Ashton ruled on.

The sophomore is having himself eight days sir.

Goodness he's got 11 already of the East points at County 16.

We got a foul on the backboard here.

They get they got Tyrus real on a reach in there.

Yeah overzealous.

Hey here's the deal.

Shut down Gaines.

Someone's got to step up.

Real step up to the challenge for the Bulldog basketball for the PC.

Leading by three from behind.

Replacing number zero.

Neil.

Three time all state.

We're talking about him over 2000 career points.

He's a four year starter in his second all time.

To a guy you heard of playing the final last year Lane Taylor in career assists.

So he does a little bit of everything to some special players right there.

Enjoyed watching Lane in high school and enjoyed his first year of school before he got hurt in college.

See what's next for him.

There's a nice drive hanging in the air.

Hold on.

Six the senior A tough break early in the postseason.

Missed the first round game because of kidney stone.

Here's a miss inside by EPC.

But the recovery by the Warriors knocked away.

They got it back.

And then a near turnover.

Now a drive inside and a block.

Tough call there on church on the Ashton.

Real drive into the game for EPC.

First is number two AJ Johnson.

He's a freshman.

We saw freshman step up pretty big time in our opener today Jamie that's a that's a lot of pressure for I can't imagine being 15 years old being out here on a state title game.

A lot of coaches, they say that's for babies, right?

They've been playing JV ball.

They call him up.

Big moment.

But this is how you learn.

This is how you get better to prepare you for for later on in your career.

Yeah.

Unless you're at Farmington and then your freshman star starts day one real 1 or 2 on that trip and the ball knocked out.

It's going to stay with the Warriors.

So a break there.

They lead by two.

554 to go.

It's been nip and tuck so far.

Orioles A baseline inbound here.

Going to stack on that left side of the lane.

Oh good.

Inbound play catch.

Not a wild shot there.

Not good on Quincy Perry.

Good defense recovery there after they got a pretty good look on the inbound.

Yeah it was really good defense without fouling mind you two go straight up.

Got a great timing of the jump.

And it was able to call for the shot Murray Neil two on two here PJ Johnson defending and what a draw for the freshman.

Goodness.

Something like coaching.

Sure you want me to get him.

There's a pass inside knocked away and a jump ball again.

And that will stay down here with the Bulldogs.

With 531 to go in the first half.

So far.

Tuckerman though both teams battling in the paint trying to get boards rebound.

Second chance looks the efforts there.

But whoever can start kind of you know peeling away a little bit offensively.

That's the team that's going to have the advantage.

So going to mop it up there or towel it up, as it were.

It's a state championship game JB can we get the mop up out there.

Look competition run here.

King gets it in on the perimeter to nail.

He hasn't scored in a while.

Got seven quick points and they've been able to keep him off the scoreboard since getting down hill against real pull up jumper.

That's off right.

And a long rebound out to Watson.

He'll pull up for a right wing jumper.

That's good.

We are not enough at 17 with 512 to go.

Here's the second chance.

Looks for Tucker.

And that's what they've been banking on.

Him and so forth.

Paid off.

Gains been denied so far.

But that time the issue and draws the foul on the drive.

He's just too tough to slow down the whole time.

That's a good jump shot.

But for you know gains he's going to attack.

That's what he's going to do.

If he's not going to get open the into the corner off the inbound three ball.

No rebound the other side man.

Breeland out of the senior really had nice impact since he came in this game.

He's been a really nice job really getting rebounds but also right place right time on some intricacies to shot from outside.

A little too strong for church.

Cleared away by Tyrus.

Real.

Real.

Looks inside.

Goes back outside.

Patient offense here.

Perry will just take his time for four minutes to go here in a 17 all game.

What are these teams typically?

Certainly FCC likes to push the tempo certainly defensively.

But because those two top players are kind of getting held and checked for slowing things down, well, they put pressure on you because they get back so quick that there's a baseline drive.

And Gaines drawing another foul again on church.

But the defense is obviously have done their homework and they've also played each other.

So they know you got to hustle back defensively.

There's haven't been a lot of transition opportunities.

It's kind of been a little chess match rig Another baseline inbound here for the Warriors.

Into the corner.

Real will give it away to gas I should say he's kept pretty to choose from.

There's Gaines is going to try a three.

That is off and almost felt like a force.

Like he didn't really want it.

But he hasn't had a shot yet.

It hasn't gotten going yet.

So let me try one here.

Did you see him here.

And he'll box out real there Ashton.

Real as the task?

No, not at all.

Absolutely.

And there's a deep three left wing.

Well both stars but a great offensive rebound by church.

Back out.

Kneel the lay dribble drive up top pump fake Watson pull up from 17.

Yeah.

And there's Gaines impacted with a rebound and a run out and a layup.

Finally a transition basket.

And that's what do you marry the beneficiary.

Nice play there.

And a heads up play by Amari.

You got to keep those eyes down court.

And it gets his team a two point lead.

The game did a really good job.

That's the vision.

You get that boards immediately looking at the floor.

You got someone up ahead.

Nice feet.

Left wing Odom three on the way.

Front of the iron.

Nope.

And cleared by Tyrus Real.

A couple of bodies on the floor in the back.

Gains one of them.

And here comes Ashton.

Real spinning in the lane trying to find Gaines.

Does tough handle off the glass.

Good.

And he's off the schneid.

And he saw for this team 17 a game.

He's got two is a whole lot better.

Now you see that feed.

It was low to be able to regain and then go back up and make a tough shot.

That's impressive.

Absolutely.

So maybe that'll loosen Gaines up a little bit.

Again the defense has done a brilliant job of collapsing on him when he gets it.

Floater by Neil flips it up.

They're short out of bounds off of the Bulldogs needing a timeout.

Or was it it be staying on this end actually.

But after the media 247 to go pretty deep in this one without a media timeout.

Kind of exciting.

247 left in the first half.

It's Warriors trying to go back to back by four.

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

This month in passport on the PBS app.

Did Maria Anna Mozart contribute to her brother Wolfgang's earliest works?

Elizabeth the first taking the credit for it.

So it was the most astounding piece of propaganda you feel.

Something I think really much more than just being in America.

You feel the importance of being human.

These and other shows from Arkansas PBS are available with passport on the PBS app.

This broadcast is underwritten in part by Everett Buick.

GMC provides vehicles to Arkansas families and supports local organizations.

Community involvement has been part of our story for generations.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas PBS sports.

More at Everett BGM, KGW.com.

All right.

Following up on our trivia question from earlier, who's the state's all time leading rebounder?

There is a connection.

It's all person.

Talk about 1296.

That's a lot of rebounds.

1971 to 73.

That's my area JB.

At least I was born around that area.

I wasn't here to watch those rebels.

That's a that's a whole lot of boards happy a lot of points.

That's a ton of rebounds.

Yeah.

Easy put backs a lot of those you imagine.

Absolutely.

All right well the Bulldogs down by four.

The 235 left.

Going back to work here.

Feed inside Andrew King pull up jumper on the way.

Short and a nice rebound but knocked away and knocked away again.

He BK gets with it and then they slip to the floor.

We're going to get a travel on AJ Johnson to the freshman.

Lost his footing.

Can I get a towel on aisle three.

And we're going to get Bulldog basketball again here.

Well you know here's the deal for Tuckerman right now.

They've not been able to knock down.

They had some open looks.

They're just not fallen.

They need to get something going.

Maybe Neil back in action.

Same for games.

He started to get some shots to go.

But both teams need to see some shots go down.

The sophomore church will inbound it and boy they've done a good job of keeping Neil in.

Check here.

Seven quick points.

And he has been shut down since a near turnover there by Zeke.

Church gets it to Neil Watson.

Pink shoes working there.

Got a couple pairs of those.

He picks freshman Johnson's got them to.

To the corner.

Pull up jumper right wing.

Well short there by Watson is a 33% three point shooter.

But not that.

Time went the other way real to the baseline.

Just so impressed by again when you've got teams that have a lot of athletes, it's hard not to press and force the issue like Gaines did there.

And he makes it pay.

But these teams have been really patient.

I think it's just been really impressive on both ends.

You're getting a low scoring game out of it, but I think it's been really nice to see them play the under control for points.

Now for Gaines and BPC up by five.

That's their largest lead so far today.

Yeah the defenses for both teams have been on display that's for sure.

And Gaines a tough shot through traffic.

That was impressive.

Largest lead was it.

Yeah this is it actually six.

How about the work on my math skills there.

But this is the largest lead the day for the Warriors.

And there's a near steal knocked away for a moment.

And now he's going to go the other way.

And boy look at that.

Coach is fired up JaMarcus Thaxton pumping that fist over there on the EPC sideline.

He is fired up his team 25 and eight this year 14 and two, and escaping in the semis against Cedar Ridge.

He's a competitor.

He was an athlete in his time.

Played tied in Morehouse College.

Now he's coach and he loves it.

He's fired up and want to try to tackle that dude.

Don't ever know.

That's the real to the left wing.

Gaines is going a little bit of a man.

Everything's been hard on him.

You got to get the Bulldogs defensive plan a big pat on the back.

They've really had a good strategy against him.

They're collapsing on him even when he doesn't have the ball.

There's a kick out to nobody.

And right into the media over there.

So a mistake unforced.

And I mean somebody saw a ghost over there 2317 37.6 left about a two second differential JB between the shot clock and game clock here.

So we'll see if the Bulldogs running all the way down at that pass there with to Kyle Sutherland.

Nice catch.

He caught it.

No kidding.

Oh there's a steal.

If he said you're not holding for one.

We're going the other way.

Here's a shot off the glass.

And good by Tyrus.

Real great.

Steal the pick six and makes it an eight point game.

It is the largest lead.

And now the Bulldogs will get one more crack at a final shot.

Right.

Three titles, three baseline pass inside.

A lot of contact shot up.

No good.

Real with the rebound at the buzzer.

It's going to be after that.

The buzzer goes off.

Harry shot would not have counted 2517.

So the Warriors enjoying their largest lead of the game into the halftime break.

It's 2517 at halftime here at Bangkok Arena.

You're watching the Centennial Bank basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS sports night.

I.

Like to.

Since 1937, the electric cooperatives of Arkansas have been providing power to homes, farms and businesses across our state.

The cooperatives are member of and work together to serve Arkansans.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

They support high school students and athletics in Arkansas and hope you enjoy watching the state championship games on Arkansas.

PBS sports.

Better connected together the electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

It is halftime at Bank Ozark Arena.

But don't go anywhere because this is Arkansas PBS.

And here is where we tell Arkansas stories.

Plus, in a few minutes, Christina munoz like you to the Arkansas PBS student All-Stars.

But first, coach Charles Ripley is an Arkansas basketball legend taking the Parkview Patriots the state crown five times from 1978 to 1995.

But Coach Rip, as he was known to his players, was admired much more for his contributions off the court.

When I think about Coach Ripley, this is a guy that every day he wakes up, he wants to make the world better with basketball in it.

50 be.

Coach.

Rip.

Welcome to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

He's affectionately known as Rip or Coach Rip.

And for three decades, he's not them dead.

As the head basketball coach at little Rock Parkview when I was in junior high at that time, your love for you went to high school.

You had to take a vocational, take a couple weeks, go to school, come back.

Counselor comes in and says, Hey, Charles, we just couldn't find anything.

That you had with strength of interest or anything.

I said, yeah, because I'm going to be a coach and be a dang good one.

And then when he coaching questions on that test.

Will definitely be known at the end of the day of being the basketball coach.

And I think a two right.

My right hand and my left hand band.

Coach Flanagan.

Came over 89 real fast.

Me he knew he would lose an assistant.

Asked me to come over and work with him.

You know, the rest is history.

If you ever see Coach Ripley and his body style, he's a little short.

Little round, stubby guy.

There's no way he couldn't have been a point guard, but had such a passion about the game that he made that passion his own.

And it came out in his players and the records and the championships and all that speaks for itself.

We made a success a by winning championships.

We want to be the last team in.

Porgy and Bess today.

Is basketball there.

You got to understand that those Patriot athletes, number one, I support them.

Yeah, they know what.

He never thought twice about what it would cost to get into a game.

Or what time is band full of aspiring young athletes might come rolling in in the wee hours of the morning.

He has no children yet.

He's been a dad of sorts to hundreds of youngsters across our state.

His thing was, if I create great relationships with my players, those players are going to go out and they're going to perform and they go out and perform.

We're going to win a lot of games and win a lot of games.

We're going to win championships.

I mean, they gave 110% for the year.

And, you could you could blame them because he just like a father figure too.

I mean, some of the guys, he could afford it, man.

He he failed them at night after the game.

The stuff.

He would do anything for you.

He didn't let you have his car, man, to go out on a date, all that kind of stuff.

I try to talk about that kind of stuff, but he.

He would listen.

He just didn't care.

He was imparting lessons.

He was in.

Pardon?

Anything he can give you till the day he died.

In the fact that he probably spent his last night, everything he got on his players, that was his passion, that was his family.

And he just kept giving.

Charles Ripley has been a difference maker, touching the lives of thousand along the way.

A week before that, I been I did see real, you know, like everything was okay.

Everything was fine.

At some point he he he thanked me more that day than he ever had.

You know, I should I should have cut it out right off, but I didn't.

If you if you can say something now, what would you say?

I love you, big guy.

And I kept that tradition going for you.

How fortunate can a man be to decide what's he, what he wants to do?

At 12 years old, and start preparing to do that and get to do that the rest of his life.

Couldn't play.

What an athlete.

But I wanted to coach all my life, and, and and I fulfilled my dream.

Coach rip passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of wins, but more importantly, a culture of caring.

We salute Coach Ripley and all the coaches that bring a human spirit to the game.

Now let's get over to Christina and she's gonna introduce you to some very hardworking student athletes.

Christina.

Thank you.

Steve.

Earlier in the season, we reached out to schools all over the state looking for athletes who not only excel on the court, but in the classroom, too.

Here is the Arkansas PBS student All-Stars, class of 2025.

We start off with B1A girls, that is Ella Holtzman with the Sacred Heart Knights.

Ella has a 4.0 GPA and plans to go to the University of Arkansas and study biology for one a boys.

We have Jonah Walker, a senior center from Marked Tree.

Jonah wants to go to college to pursue a career in the medical field.

He likes playing football and hanging out with his brother in his spare time.

Next up we have Hayden Matheny, representing two AA girls.

She plays for the Lady Greyhounds of Sloan Hendricks High.

Hayden has a 4.0 GPA and wants to attend Arkansas State University to pursue a degree in radiation therapy for the boys.

And today we have got Amari, Neal, Amari has a GPA of 3.6 and wants to be a pediatric dentist, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family as some of the ways he spends his spare time.

The Bergmann Lady Panthers Brinley Collins is the three girls Arkansas PBS student all star really wants to further her basketball and academic career.

She has a 4.0 GPA on the boys side and three AA.

We have Rylan Robbins representing the flippin high school Bobcats.

Rylan wants to pursue college basketball and major in education.

Basketball, fishing, baseball and video games are how he likes to spend his spare time.

Halfway through and on to the For a Girl.

That's Jordan Youngblood with the Heber Springs Panthers.

Jordan plans to attend ASU Newport to play softball and major in exercise science.

She enjoys anything active and shopping.

Riley Jones with the Eastham Mets represents the four a boys.

Riley has a 3.75 GPA and wants to become a basketball coach.

He likes video games, hanging out with friends, working out and trying new food.

The five AA girls are well-represented by Jesse Edrington of the Greene County Tech Golden Eagles.

Jesse wants to attend Arkansas State and become a physical therapist.

She has a 4.17 GPA and enjoys being with family and friends and love everything about the lake.

The five AA boys well, that is Elias Xavion with the Russellville Cyclones.

Elias wants to attend UCA and become a gastroenterologist.

He enjoys hanging out with friends and family and playing basketball.

Rounding out the classifications are your six A student All-Stars for the girls, that is McKinley Campbell with the Harbor Lady Wildcats.

McKinley is interested in becoming a veterinarian or possibly a psychologist.

She has a 4.1 GPA and likes to cook.

Shop and hang out with friends.

And finally, for the six AA boys, we have Kellan Robinson with the Bryant Hornets.

Kellen plans to play basketball at UCLA.

He has a 3.75 GPA and enjoys playing basketball and working out.

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

All right Steve, it is about that time.

Yes, Christina, it is that time.

Let's get you back to back Oak Arena for the second half.

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

Arkansas PBS.

Since 1937, the electric cooperatives of Arkansas have been providing power to homes, farms, and businesses across our state.

The cooperatives are member of and work together to serve Arkansans.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

They support high school students and athletics in Arkansas and hope you enjoy watching the state championship games on Arkansas.

PBS sports.

Better connected together the electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

Once we are back here for the Centennial Bank Basketball Championships here on Arkansas PBS sports first half numbers or first half numbers rather.

And it is the defending champions of 25 to 17 at the break, enjoying their largest lead and shooting almost 46% and holding down the bulldog to talk about a 32%.

And yet to see a three pointer go down for the Bulldogs.

JB well, if you look back at our first half highlights, it started with Amari.

Neal got the first seven points for Tuckerman and he was lighten it up scoring early with relative ease.

That nice fade away on the turnaround.

And he does a really nice job on the crossover.

Goes inside pulls up through contact.

Got the and one.

But he's kind of been held in check after this bucket right here.

That was his scoring all seven for him.

Boom.

He's been held quiet after that.

And then it's boy Ashton real number 22 going to work.

Gaines has been held in check but real has certainly been putting on a show.

Got a three ball after the collapse defensively and then an offensive board here.

Spin move bonus for the big fella.

I can already see the headline if this holds up in the Lepanto paper tomorrow.

Keeping it real am I right?

There you go with the highlight reels.

There's a lot of different ways you can go in.

And now the Bulldogs have a little different idea on this one.

We got a long way to go.

So let's let's not crown the defending champs the second time just yet.

But it will be warrior basketball here in the second half.

To start things off there's a drive inside stopping Tyrus real Ashton real.

Going to try a free airball.

How about another reel.

There's Doug reel inside.

Nope.

And dug again.

Nope.

Tipped out of bounds I don't know.

Go back to the Bulldogs.

So you got every real touching on that one.

They were definitely keeping it real on the opening possession.

But no baskets but a few attempts and they keep pressing the offensive boards.

That's going to spell doom for the Bulldogs.

Well it looked like a little bit of volleyball going on right over the rim back and forth.

Little rainbow.

But yet Tuckerman got him right.

No points.

Giving up hands up.

Didn't shoot much in that first half.

There's a nice bucket inside.

What a play by Zeke Church.

Good as this kid.

Found the right spot.

Right baseline cut right place right time and then goes up and under.

That's a tough finish.

Back to a six point deficit.

Now for Tuckerman.

He's Poinsett County trying to get back to work Jacob gains quite a first half.

Just four for their leading scorer averaging 17 a game.

She's 36% from three but hasn't pulled up from outside except one time.

There's a foul on the jumper.

Created the contact into Christian Ashley.

And there's another way to score.

You can do it at the free throw line about that.

Gains just 61% on the season of the game.

He's shooting to pretty productive player free six one that's for sure.

And that free throw is no good.

So can't add to that six point lead.

Well if they're is so tightly take advantage of that.

Try to get some contact drawn inside.

And that's what he did.

As a junior back next year nice rebound the sophomore.

You know it's interesting we were talking about the pink shoes earlier.

It always kind of amazes me when guys go away from the color scheme of the uniform.

There's a three pointer that was no good.

And church is among those girls with green.

It is Saint Patrick's weekend though, so maybe they will look at the Irish for the for the Bulldogs, whatever it takes.

I'm sure he'd love outside Three-Pointer on the way for Tyrus.

Real no good box out inside.

And that was Zeke church clearing it for Andrew King with that box out that he had in Neil.

Seven quick points for the Bulldogs.

Set the tempo early but shut down since open three left wing.

That's two strong ball tapped out.

And they did another good job there.

But heads up play by Doug Real to go run that one down.

It came back to it.

Good hesitation to see where that ball was going with that rebound gains Euro step in the lane.

Up off the glass.

Almost went down.

What a rebound by Zeke Church corralling that one in traffic court.

Got up Hutch with that one arm palmed it.

Nice job.

After Neil he's off for his last eight.

You got to figure out a way to get him going.

Maybe go with a different ball carrier to try to find a way to get him open.

Driving to the basket that looks like that's what they're doing.

Real hard.

Neil.

Excuse me.

Driving down to the corner and there's a three pointer from the corner in and out.

And a foul going to go over the back.

It's four on for their Andrew King over the back of Jacob Gaines.

And that was barely missed for Zeke Church.

And we got a third foul.

Now down on Andrew King.

That's quick.

He was the energy guy getting big rebounds offensive boards tipping balls out.

He's going to stay on the floor.

But that's not the guy.

You want to be in foul trouble.

You got to think he's energetically going to go to the bench here now.

And they're to the scorer's table without delay goes Braylen Odom.

So again you force Josh on Geno's hand.

Left wing drive in and out for real.

Going to drop it inside.

Good pass in between the rebels.

How about that beautiful kiss off the glass.

All three of them touched on that one.

And Doug Riel gets another bucket.

The big man now with four points got a floater.

That little teardrop got it off the backboard.

Nice touch.

We noticed that last year in the championship game because he come off the bench deep in the game we're like who is this dude.

And he just went right to work.

There's a miss inside.

Good rebound by Tyrus.

Rising up away.

Talented defense.

Clear inside out Tyrus real straight away three.

That one short and an easy clear for Jordan Watson.

Well so far there has been a lid on the basket for Amari Neil.

They call him Army.

Army Neil.

He's just not been able to get anything going after those first seven count.

They're lucky because it's only at eight.

Bulldogs have struggled to score but they've been able to stay at arm's length here.

Of the Warriors.

See PPC dropping into the.

It's like a it's been different man to man here.

Let's see.

Let's get this defense to shift out a little bit.

Not they're just switching everything.

There's a shot up in the lane.

Good look but couldn't convert.

Well tipped out of bounds off the Bulldogs.

Good effort by Asher there.

But he couldn't come up with it.

So many close misses.

They've been real really for both teams.

But Tuckerman for sure.

They just really struggled to get one to go down and to be 29% from the field.

Now.

For today's game here in this two A championship, Grant Watts, Anthony Smith and Richard Martin.

I was always gauging by how many eyebrow raises I have on calls.

I haven't really had enough today.

So do a nice job out there that was in there a lot better their job than I am.

I'm in no position to complain.

Gaines pump fake shot up, lot of contact.

No ball there, but a great offensive rebound.

Doug Real couldn't get it to go, but a battle for Tyrus Wood comes up with it.

Stops shoots scores.

Attacking the offensive glass.

And those rebounds are really paying dividends for the Warriors now their largest lead of the day.

They got it out to ten points.

And Tucker is only man is 19 in the game.

Coach Jackson he said the word he would put to describe his team this year has been relentless resilient.

They have done that.

Kept on attacking the offensive board well.

Drive inside.

Kick out to the corner.

Three on the way.

Short but an offensive rebound.

Odom has done some work.

Shot blocked out of their game.

Not a big offensive day but defending like the star that he is.

He averages a whole lot of rebounds and points.

Got the shot blocked there.

We're going to take a timeout 329 to go.

These points at County.

Its largest lead is ten 2919.

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

Want to see even more Arkansas stories?

Subscribe to Arkansas PBS on YouTube for original productions extras from your favorite local programs, behind the scenes videos, and our exclusive coverage of high school sports, all available on demand and all Arkansas made.

Don't miss out on more great Arkansas stories.

Subscribe now!

This broadcast is underwritten in part by.

For over 70 years, Farm Bureau Insurance has offered coverage for automobiles, homes, farms, and lives across Arkansas.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association.

More at AFB, Icom.

Three.

High Arkansas PBS student all star.

Might sound familiar.

He's on the floor.

Marty Neal.

Athletic.

He's also academic.

3.6 GPA.

And look after his future of basketball is over, which is going to be quite some time at Georgia Southern as well.

Wants to be a dentist.

Kind of started to his southern his days you never know.

Well that's he's got a great future ahead of him.

Sure does.

There are things that are more important than basketball.

Pediatric DNA sounds like pretty heady stuff.

Well, my wife's a dental hygienist, so she probably would like that.

Absolutely.

329 to go Bulldogs trying to get back in this one.

Down by ten.

There's the future dentist going to work.

Can he create a toothache for EPC?

No, sir.

Missed it there.

Short.

Pretty good look, though.

Here comes Gaines.

Lost the handle and stole it back.

And now we're going to get a jump ball.

But it will be bulldog basketball.

So Gaines with the mistake there and the Bulldogs make him pay.

And now they will take over.

Down by ten.

Still.

So good job there.

Not allowing his points A counter to get a shot up.

They need a bucket.

The worst way.

With three minutes left in the third quarter they get 19 points total J.B. though over the last seven.

And they've had some decent looks at just not going down.

Maybe get to the foul line right.

Try to get some contact.

Get get some points there Murray Neil looking to get it to the corner.

Ashley back up the church to Neil.

Step back.

Pull up jumper for three.

That's short.

Left to number the short one over to save it.

Jumped over photographer showing the athleticism but unfortunately just cannot find the range right now.

It's got to be frustrating to come to a championship game like this.

You feeling good.

You scoring it will.

I mean the guys coming off a semifinal performance of 37.

Yeah.

And you just can't seem to get there today.

It's a tough day to have a tough day.

And they've you know had good looks.

And we've mentioned that they've been just short.

They've had them lined up either a little too long them too short.

They just can't get it measured.

Just right now three of 14 and oh of four from long range.

For a guy that shoots in 35% from three.

Oh for his last 11.

Justin 2919 Epq trying to add to a ten point lead outside.

There's a three on the way.

They would have been a backbreaker, but an offensive rebound going to push to the back though.

So a break for the Bulldogs after the missed by the Quincy Very going to the other end with 216 to go.

Oh with two points in the quarter.

Tucker.

And they've got a break only giving up four points thus far.

But they've got to figure out a way to slow things down and try to get a bucket here.

Get that look.

Can somebody find a three pointer.

Can somebody find a bucket of any sort.

Teams zero of 11 from three.

And Neil's been on the struggle bus as well.

Driving in that may have been partially blocked by Gaines.

Cleared away by Ashton.

It starts to snowball a little bit too when you start missing.

Then you start trying to force it.

Ashton really gains in the lane.

No good ball batted out of bounds though by Zeke.

Church will stay with the Warriors.

Very low scoring affair.

Pretty lively crowd here.

About half full here.

I was told there was a rumor going around.

I don't know for a fact.

I haven't got to confirm that there is going to be maybe a sellout for the three day session tonight.

I hope that's the case.

This place is really rocking.

When it gets full here.

We get a lively crowd in here today.

APC going for back to back.

There's a pull up jumper.

Nobody can buy one JB in the next break.

Want you go out check and see if there's lids on there.

Oh you got it quickly the other way Odom they're going to get a block underneath the basket.

The official from way back near midcourt called that one underneath the hoop.

And I think that was the right call there Cyrus.

Real close there.

Here.

Late?

Yep.

Shifting his body to to the left.

Hey, listen, if you can't score from the field goal perspective, go to the free throw line.

Like, say, don't have numbers on Odom for the free throw line shooting just to get eight points a game.

He's played well today I think six two senior off the bench.

Right hander gets it up and good.

Finally off the schneid.

They got 20 points for the number.

So that goal I don't have to check at the break I need to go check the other one right.

Yeah.

Look real take a breather.

And the freshman AJ Johnson back in again.

Second one is no good.

The.

Nine point game 119 to go.

Drive by Perry kicks cross court games.

Extra pass to the corner.

They're going to take their time down low.

Good pass.

But he couldn't handle it right to Ashton.

Real good find by Gaines.

But try to catch with one hand.

And that's not the move.

Drive inside.

Jump stop.

Shot clock gains his lane for what he say.

Go ahead, young man.

You take it.

You take it inside.

They're watching it.

I will return to sender like Bobby Swofford face down there on the line.

Boy.

That's great.

I mean, he just saw it.

So that jump step goes up behind it.

Just swatted a kick to Neal.

Left wing back out under a minute to go 2920 crossover Neil spinning fadeaway.

No sir.

Trying to keep it alive.

Good effort by church.

Still good effort by church.

But Gaines comes out of there with it.

And then Neil tried to get out of the way and couldn't help but triple up.

It's going to be a foul right here.

That is his second.

That's his first second half fouls now two on these points at counter second.

Excuse me third period.

How about that.

Forget about quarters.

Call to college game three fouls on Tuckerman only combined 13 fouls between these two teams.

Yeah I mean that's the thing with the intensity he's been played with with the up and down factor, with the athleticism on both sides.

In fact there's only been a handful of fouls is pretty remarkable.

Jump stop for Gaines double team Whip cross court no good.

Corralled by Tyrus.

Real 11 on the shot clock up top.

There goes Perry down the lane.

Fader no air airball.

That ball tipped out.

Nice job though by Johnson.

Knock it off of the Bulldog and they'll get it back with five seconds remaining on the shot clock.

And looks like he's going to call a timeout here.

They've got five left.

So does Tucker.

But and so Coach Jackson's going to talk it over with his guys.

With 12.7 seconds left on the clock.

It's five on the shot clock here.

So we'll see if they draw something up okay.

Likely Gaines will probably have it in his hands.

And if he draws something you dare contact to go to the free throw line or collapse with the help defense, find the open shooter.

Get your live action photos from the game at my r pbs.org board slash photos.

Grab pre downloads.

Have prints, made these are a great championship keepsake.

JB Brazil Justin Avery 12.7 seconds left in this three A for two.

Excuse me.

State title.

Get back already starting to think about the nice seven.

Excited about these games tonight.

I think we're going to have some good matchups JB.

And again like I said expecting some really good crowds at Melbourne Osceola for the boys in the late night one.

And then at 6:00 in the earlier part of the late session, Lamar and Dover.

How about an undefeated Dover bunch.

Yeah.

Boy you going for an undefeated season.

That's a that's an exciting time right now.

Gains on the inbound shot up wildly and bailed out by Zeke Church as he was falling down.

And now gains and go to the free throw line for a couple of shots here.

That was well executed.

You wanted that out of the timeout.

Get it in game hands.

If he doesn't have an open shooter with the help defense get fouled, go to the line at the line.

Gains A61 the junior.

And that's the thing you look at this roster for Tuckerman.

Or excuse me for for APC rather you got Doug Reels a junior.

Perry's a sophomore.

Tyrus is a senior.

But Jacob Gaines junior Ashton's a sophomore or AJ Johnson's a freshman.

We've got a lot of dudes coming back.

Really all but one.

And thankfully the Nil and transfer era has not hit high school like it has in the collegiate ranks.

Is a free throw good by Gaines.

But you know they have a good shot.

You know for APC to get this group maybe make another deep title run next season.

Well you know they already lost two football championships right.

So so they win last year in basketball trying to win again.

They got a lot of these guys back for football as well.

Second one is good.

And Jacob Gaines kind of guy that looks like he played just like nine seconds left 11 point lead for the Warriors.

Ball kicked out of bounds there by Johnson.

Southern one's got a magnet on him.

But they want I give him credit earlier for the catch.

They got out of the way that time.

Orange ball chasing redheads over there on the sideline.

Redbeard Sutherland.

All right.

It's going to be bulldog ball 6.5 seconds left.

They desperately need a basket here.

Nails.

Got it.

Pull up at the buzzer.

Air ball.

And that will do it.

And that is the end of the third quarter 3120 East points at county leading big at the half.

And they've increased that lead after three quarters.

They've got an 11 point lead going into the fourth quarter.

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

This broadcast is underwritten in part by Centennial Bank, supports communities across Arkansas and is a proud supporter of the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas PBS sports, providing financial services since 1999.

Member FDIC.

More at my 100 banked com.

Three quarters down.

And how did we get here?

It was a great early start by Amari Neal the Georgia Southern commit seven early points leading the Bulldogs to an early lead.

Here's the defense though of these points the county coming to life.

Gaines with the block there on the drive by Watson.

And then how about the real family Ashton.

Real going to work inside and good sharing.

Sharing is caring Doug Friel with the finish inside.

And then there's Tyrus.

Got the whole family involved here today.

And that's how we got here to 3120 after the three one quarter to play in this two a state championship game for those tears of sadness over there for a little Tuckerman fan a fan over there.

Maybe she'll get a smile on her face with a big fourth quarter performance for the Bulldogs.

No need to cry just yet.

That's right.

But go get your offense going.

20 points in the first three quarters that that ain't going to cut it.

Tom Hanks is still crying at basketball 3120 there's always crying at state championship games.

He was like, yeah, either way.

All right, here we go.

EPC with the lead.

And you wondered like how much clock did they run.

And 35 second clock.

It's a lot.

Yeah.

And they are patient which they have been all day.

There's a feed inside.

Nice sharing Tyrus.

Real bucket.

Good.

Excellent pass from the first page right to the hoop.

He could have taken it up inside to feed his teammate.

Good shot.

Better shot.

Yeah.

And this 13 point lead feels awful big with only 20 points being scored for Tucker late in the fourth quarter of the game.

That's a great point.

Got to get to work quickly Neil.

Again, nowhere to going.

He's got the taller Gaines on him defensively.

Inside they go shot up.

And again you've seen a bunch of those good looks left short there by Hasley.

And the Warriors sprinting into the front court.

But good defensive retreat there by the Bulldogs.

Baseline kick out ball tip Neil with the steal into the front court down main Street.

Layup no batted out by Zeke Church.

And we're going the other way.

Goodness gracious another missed opportunity.

And I mean you're going to have to get into your toes to count on all the.

This is by Tucker to the right at point blank range.

Oh his last 12 is kneel.

Now look at Tucker.

And they've only forced four turnovers.

They haven't capitalized on any of zero points off those turnovers.

You got to score when you get downhill like that.

Now good active hands in the paint there should have led to points potentially.

But they could not get one to go high post out to Neil three on the way.

Nope.

And another rebound by Neil.

Oh but is the combined shooting percentage in this game baby.

Winning has to be some math here.

Sure pull up jumper for Neil.

Still can't get one.

And that ball goes out off of the Warriors.

No J.B. doing math 3320 baseline inbound.

It'll be Zach Church triggering 24.

Round up 9% 29% combined for the two teams.

So defense ruling the day here in this two AA boys state title.

Wild shot in the lane.

No.

Missed by Watson.

Rebound EPC.

They want to run Tyrus hanging.

Nope.

But a foul going to be called on Zeke.

Church on the other end.

And boy how many shots is Tuckerman taking.

Good shots mind you high percentage that just hit the very back of the rim.

Roll out I just cannot buy buckets.

Yeah sometimes it's like that right.

More personal 21% for the game.

The nine of 42 and Neal's three of 19 RPG and shot the cover off the ball.

Only 36%.

But they've made a few more.

And there's another one now it's a 14 point lead and almost feels insurmountable.

57 points a game this year for Tucker, 40% from the floor and 32% from three.

Worst day to go cold, right?

Yeah.

That's right.

There's no doubt, as we like to say, it's a bad day to have a bad day.

There's the second free throw.

No good.

But we've got an early entry into the lane that was King.

Got his foot in there.

Where's the.

You can't do that chant to Hawkins when I need him tonight.

That's a nice game, right.

There you go.

615 left.

So another crack at this one for the senior Tyrus.

Real.

This is his last go around.

He's the only one on that bunch.

I talked to coach Saxon.

Asked him, is it he?

11 dudes, one senior.

I mean, that's pretty remarkable.

I know a lot of guys back.

Like we said on the other side, Odom's a senior, King's a senior.

Neil's a senior.

Losing some key pieces.

Speaking of three on the way.

Nope.

Battle for the rebound.

What a job by Tyrus.

We'll go up and over to get it.

Then for his back gets it up to Gaines.

They've got numbers if they want him baseline up off the glass short tipped out of there off the miss by real.

And it's going to go back to the Bulldog play.

That's the inefficiency offensively on point blank shots.

Disappointing really I mean for both teams.

But maybe he start.

It almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Once you mist over and over again you start wondering, are we ever going to get one to go down?

It's the difference in the game right now, certainly for Tuckerman, I'd seen it as well.

But gosh, I just got to figure out a way to get to the free throw line or knock down something.

Warriors cruising right now by 15.

Into the corner.

Three on the way for church.

No.

Two strong hustled after that offensive rebound, but Ashton Real beat him to it.

He.

If you told me he had 35 points in the fourth quarter they feel like they're in trouble.

But in a game like this, they're a big it's hard to believe they've almost doubled up gains in the lane.

No.

And another clear by Braylen Odom.

Quick pulls in the other end Neal fouled on a three.

That's one way to get back in it.

And what are you thinking Tyrus.

Real I mean this guy has been ice cold.

And if they come out with a foul on a three pointer, they'll go to the free throw line.

Come from the number two.

The lone starter back from last year's Bulldog team.

And what a starter he is.

Three times all state.

Over 2000 career points and three big ones right here.

They're going to get back in it.

They better start soon.

And he gets the free throw to go.

There you go.

You saw a shot of the bench over there.

But whatever it takes t shirts I'll tell you what.

It takes us some points.

They need to get the offense going ASAP.

Second one rattles home.

Everything's tough today.

Everything's tough today.

Odom's going to sit.

Here comes Christian Ashley again.

Looking.

One more for nails.

That one's no good, but an offensive rebound.

Stick back.

That's the best case scenario a four point trip and Andrew Cake following it up with the bucket.

And it's still an 11 point deficit.

But anything will help if you're Tucker man got to get stops down APC needs to keep their foot on the pedal 3524 it's not out of reach yet, but they're going to have to be really good down the stretch.

Bulldogs don't have to be nearly perfect defensively.

There's a near steal.

That'll do it.

Jordan what's it going the other way.

Watson layup yes that's a six point run here for the Bulldogs.

And they're back with it nine.

First time the crowd had something to cheer about a long time for Tucker.

That baby stop crying.

Let's go.

Here we go.

Tuckerman still got half of the fourth quarter left Jordan Watson kick out.

No need to rush for EPC.

Still milking that nine point lead.

Still a three possession game with four minutes to go.

Tyrus real into the lane.

Stops and kicks baseline Ashton real bucket.

Good.

He didn't take a six since I know where you are without even seeing you.

It's good response for those six points though.

For Tuckerman the most even scored in the whole second or third quarter 3726 in the lane Neil shot no, that would have been a huge one, but he is getting a couple of free throws here with 355 to go.

We're going to take our media timeout though.

The final one of the game is a nine point margin.

Excuse me.

Make it 11 now for East Points and County.

Get it back to nine with some free throws here.

Big pick six a moment ago by Jordan Watson.

Take a timeout see if Tucker can find its way back in here.

It's the Centennial Bank state basketball championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

This broadcast is underwritten in part by Summer Woods Sports Complex in Bryant features four courts across two gyms located off Interstate 30, offering space for tournaments, practices and training.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas PBS.

More at Summer woods Sports.com this month on Arkansas PBS.

Whoever the editor of the magazine was mistakenly changed his name from War.

Hola to Warhol, and he decided to keep Warhol from bondage to battle.

What do you make of him?

It changes the game for my family.

Only on Arkansas PBS.

UAMs health for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Sports.

Athletic programs and events across Arkansas.

Clinics are located throughout central northwest Arkansas.

Learn more at UAMs health.com.

36% shooting from East Poinsett County with 355 to go and yet dominating a game, holding Tuckerman to 24%.

11 of 46 points to come.

Potential though for Amari Neal.

He's got nine points.

His team is down 11 and he will toe the line.

Free throw is good.

At two for three a moment ago and missed the third after being fouled on a three.

And Kings swooped in for the offensive rebound stick back Omar.

And it was scoreless in the second and third quarter.

So it's the front in the back end where he's making his money.

Second one is not money.

But again Boy King was swooping in for another opportunity at both falls out of bounds though tipped by Ashley Tucker and fans didn't like it.

But it will go back to the Warriors.

So it's a ten point game again.

It's going to take a significant offensive outburst for the Bulldogs to have a chance here.

And you know the Warriors with that championship pedigree, it's going to take care of that basketball and try to run some clock here before they put shots up.

I mean it becomes a math game at some point where you've only got so much time and you can't even get enough possessions.

Great feet inside.

What a Tyrus.

Real down to the post layup.

Good Ashton Real has had a phenomenal game 16 now for the big man.

They thread the needle and found him open rising up for a three from the corner.

Nope.

Another miss for the Bulldogs.

And another rebound for the Warriors.

Got to get a stop of your Tucker man.

That's not a foul around midcourt is just rebounds today.

And actually I think that 3929 edge free PC.

Maybe it was.

That was a great pass.

Great replay there.

Good shot guys.

And yeah that was a great play.

It's kind of the same angle we had was it can't get it.

You got 100 to 1.

Let's see.

It's invisible.

Cross court real drive in.

Kind of get hung up in the air there.

Not a good play.

And it'll be Odom with it now up to Neal 252 to go.

3927 Neal.

Crossover kick out baseline drive at the rim.

No.

And that is a microcosm of the game for these Bulldogs Warriors.

Won a run lost it on the other end Quincy Perry nearly fell down.

It's kind of slipped up.

Got two steps off and fumbled it out after the point.

Flying.

Missed the rim by.

So it stays 3927 with 238 to play.

It went two and a half left and still a lot of time typically in basketball.

But the way Tucker has struggled to score he almost got to go right.

Well you think about 35 second shot clock Tuesday baby.

Yeah.

You know you're going to get all five possessions maybe having it's a dozen points I mean if you score on all of it you're going to be lucky to be in this game.

That'll be a good start.

Deep three for Neal.

No batted out Neal with another rebound inside layup.

Good for Andrew King.

The left hand was good up and under.

Nice job letting the defender fly by him back within ten six.

Now for King.

And not dead yet.

Certainly on life support.

Five timeouts left for Tucker for for East points at County.

So if either coach gets a little uncomfortable stop it.

Chat over with their guys.

Oh boy.

You know gains one of that three.

Bad kick out the freshman for three.

That would have been a dagger rebound by Gaines.

And it's going to stay with these points that count.

They're battling in the paint inside.

That's a hustle energy play underneath to keep that play alive.

The writing's on the wall.

There's no doubt about it.

Inside layup good.

What a find basket.

Brilliant layup for Perry off of the feed by terrestrial.

And that may be the nail in the coffin.

That was a backbreaker.

You get you get on.

You're already struggling to score.

Giving up an easy bucket.

Three from the corner.

No good again.

Rebound again a run out if they wanted it.

But they going to trap in the back court in trouble.

Nice job there.

Heads up play and underneath layup good at number eight.

And two more for the big fella 88 for Ashton.

Real.

He's had no one picked him up in this game.

Backside easy two I don't know.

High at 240.

You can hide from anybody.

But they didn't see him that's for sure.

Pull up.

No real kept it alive.

Saved in but two real and with 109 left.

Here's a run out.

Tyrus is now on the clock here.

4329.

This one's just a matter.

What the final number is going to be is.

The writing's on the wall.

And everybody in here to tell.

EPC fans would love it.

And across the way Bulldog fans heartbreak.

But I ran into a bus on number seven is another foul on third against Tucker 4329 50s to play for.

The EPC credit.

They did a lot of things right defensively.

They've made it very difficult for Tucker in all game long and to hold his opponent the 22% for the game.

That's incredible.

Yeah.

At this point I mean for the Bulldogs you can foul but there's not much point mean this one's over.

So they're going to play it out.

It looks like about a 14 second differential between the shot clock and the game clock.

So EPC will have to take a violation or shoot it one more time.

And you know I will say it I don't call this giving up by any means.

So I mean again you got to look at the writing on the wall.

There's not any chance to pull this out now.

So I do kind of applaud opposing teams when you're down by such a margin that they don't foul the last shot here.

And that's no good at the buzzer by Tyrus Real.

And now the Bulldogs are trying to go get it.

Maybe a chippy at the other end and they will get a shot blocked.

Take a shot there by Gaines I thought they might dribble it out on the other end.

Official races in no house in kind of a hard foul.

But it's just trying to get his first pass almost blocked.

It as he turns.

Boy he's been great.

He's got a lot of role models and is like Hansel.

Amanda was one we already talked about.

He's got a little fan as well who has a similar condition is him, Garrison Freeman, who's ten year old.

His father is a head coach at Hector.

He and Zeke Church, both with the same condition.

One arm and they can play lights out.

Yeah.

I mean, it's, there's a great shot of those two together, and, you know, you have role models and then you become one.

And it's a great story.

I mean, he's a person.

That's a guy that should inspire anybody.

Second, free throws good.

But again, he and his team just ran into a little better bunch today.

And again they had a bad day.

Didn't shoot it well.

And you know just like we said some of it was the defensive zone was a mistake.

The Hawks back to back for the Warriors 43 to 30.

The final east points at County is you're back to back champions here in two way boys basketball.

All right.

We're going to take a timeout.

We'll come back.

We're going to visit with our winning head coach or MVP.

Stay with us.

We'll celebrate that on the other side on the Centennial Bank state basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

This broadcast is underwritten in part by Everett Buick.

GMC provides vehicles to Arkansas families and supports local organizations.

Community involvement has been part of our story for generations.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas PBS sports.

More at Everett, BJ Nme.com.

For more than 50 years, Arkansas PBS has been a trusted resource.

Our high quality programs are seen by viewers in every corner of our state, making on air sponsorship a solid investment.

Aligning your business with Arkansas PBS offers a powerful blend of community engagement, corporate philanthropy, and cause marketing.

And our viewers remember and appreciate businesses that support our programs.

Contact us today for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

Or find out what you are.

Heirlooms, antiques and unique collectibles are.

Oh, you're not the only artist, sweetheart.

For the filming of Arkansas Treasures.

Your contribution of your home.

The hunt is on.

Where is it?

Where is one?

Why are you wearing that fedora?

Arkansas Treasures is back for the second season.

Not going to miss it this time.

Well, I think it's back that.

It.

Oh.

What's in your attic?

Find out what your antiques and unique collectibles are worth.

Join us for the filming of Arkansas Treasures.

Guarantee your spot by calling now or visiting our website.

Your treasure may be worth more than you know.

Are you ready for Quiz Ball 2025?

It's the 40th year of the most exciting academic competition in Arkansas, and it is live right here on Arkansas PBS.

It's the Arkansas Governors academic competition, quiz bowl, state championship, schools from all over the state square off right here in this studio to see who will come out on top.

Don't miss a single question.

Tune in or stream on the PBS app.

Saturday, April 26th starting at 9 a.m. and you may be.

Head to.

The Warriors or Champions.

Once again, East points and County back to back taking it home a state title here today with a dominating performance 43 to 30 defense rules.

The day for the Warriors today.

They were oppressive early and hounded Tuckerman.

Even though the Bulldogs got good shots.

They did a really good job of making it difficult to score down the stretch, and that was the difference.

Let's go through our numbers here.

Number two visit with our winning coach and our MVP.

Go through some highlights from how they got to this one.

And here's the celebration.

And let's take a look at those numbers here to coach over here.

Can you hold the Bulldogs to 23% shooting.

They did not make a single three pointer in the game.

And the outrebounded 43 to 33.

Let's talk to our winning head coach JaMarcus Thaxton.

Coach, you got a quit mean like this.

You know what I mean?

Back to back years.

Congratulations.

How about it?

I'm, Thank you.

All glory to God.

First of all, love the season has been a strict new about face.

Just five days year, weathering the storm.

And these guys did an amazing job, no doubt.

Well, you win it with defense today.

Rebounding, toughness.

I mean they had a tough to shoot it.

Your team had a lot to do with them over the that's a pillar of our program playing hard playing soft, playing aggressive for our defense.

That's one thing walk on the most from I always tell them if they don't score and we score two points, we still win the ball game.

Yeah, I thought both superstars were kind of taken out of the game defensively strategy wise.

Neil got off to a good start.

What'd you guys do to kind of take him out of his rhythm?

We just switched off the defense and switched up because it's, made it tougher for him to find a team that made it tough for him getting around.

But the guys did an amazing job playing to go get points.

Playing is one.

Awesome.

Thanks so much coach.

Yeah coach thank you so much.

Graduations appreciate it.

Thank you.

All right.

So our winning head coach JaMarcus Jackson let's take a look at how he how he got it done here.

And again not a ton of offensive highlights, but Neil certainly got it going early on.

Great defensive adjustment I thought.

And it looked like he was going to wear some guys out.

But boy they adjusted defensively.

Saw block shot right there.

And then I'll tell you what pick it pick a real any real Tyrus was our BPP.

We'll talk to him in a second.

But I mean goodness yeah Ashton was phenomenal today too.

He was right place.

Good job of kind of whenever Gaines was cut off he was in the right spot to that high basketball IQ hanging on the baseline at Tyrus.

Real I think you go back to the one play that's all real that I love.

Was that little slipping it through the defense right to Ashton.

That was a big shot in the back breaker.

Tyrus I already picked out a headline for the hometown paper keeping it real.

What do you think for tomorrow.

It's pretty good.

Congratulations.

That was impressive.

I mean, look, the whole real family was great.

Your whole team was great defensively.

Tell me about the mindset coming in Neil got going a little bit, but it was over Neil today.

What did you guys do to adjust to hold him down a little bit I mean cute sophomore.

He started off on he had some tough bookings on them and coach told me to get on there and not, stepped up to the challenge.

Yeah.

He did.

He did a nice job.

Ashton I thought was phenomenal, too.

Scoring inside.

You guys have, like, a sixth sense.

I mean, been able to find each other.

He made a brilliant pass over here late in the game.

From up here on the wing down to the post.

You guys have a little extra sort of connection there?

Yeah.

At halftime, he just told me to just keep feeding him and just find him, so I did that.

How's the second one feel versus the first one?

The second one was harder or easier?

I mean the roll, it was harder.

But the state game, it was easier.

Yeah.

The semifinal game was quite, quite the game.

We had some, cedar reeds there in the paint.

So yeah.

Well, I got to ask you, you're the lone senior on the team.

They won it last year.

What does it mean to kind of go out on a high note like this?

I mean, it's really great.

I mean, everybody don't get the ball.

A the debate.

Oh, yeah.

Man, should we be looking for these dudes next year?

You think?

Yeah.

For sure I'm going to be back again.

Yeah.

So congratulations man I appreciate you.

All right.

That is our MVP.

And, Tyrus real great today.

And really, the whole the whole family was pretty darn good today.

Well, you got to experience the action all over again next week, right?

So watch all the championship games on the PBS at any time.

And this is one that you're going to want to go back and watch.

What a display of defense from epic.

Tuckerman unable to get the offense rolling.

All right.

Next up coming up at 6:00.

We got the three a girls game.

That'll be followed by the three boys Lamar and Dover with that perfect record on the line 6:00 tonight.

So come on back and join us then.

We're looking forward to bringing it to you.

Then we'll bring in the three boys game to wrap up day number one here at the state championships for JB Brazil.

I'm just an anchor.

I've been watching the Centennial Bank High School basketball state championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

For.