That is what is done.

Championship weekend has once again invaded Hot Springs, and the three girls are up next as the Lamar Lady Warriors take on the Dover Lady Pirates.

He's our Jayhawk.

I'm Bobby Swofford.

Welcome inside Bank Ozk arena as we are set for a matchup between two really good teams.

Only two losses combined.

Dover comes in undefeated crazy.

Only 20 miles separate to two.

But we'll talk about that matchup in just a little bit because we're going to recap what happened earlier today.

It was the two eight state championship games that took place here in Hot Springs.

First up it was the Izard County Lady Cougars that captured their first ever state championship in school history as they took down Barton 72 to 66 and then the Bowie side, having a back to back champion East.

Poinsett County outlasted Tuckerman as they held the Bulldogs to just 22% shooting.

And tonight we turn our attention to class three as Lamar and Dover going to get sets.

Melbourne and Osceola coming up.

And now we see the schedule for the rest of the weekend.

And you know that the Queen Pulaski Academy game ought to be a good one.

One that I'm looking forward to is that Friday, 7745 game Benton Maumelle I think a lot of people are.

But, you know, it's always fun when you pack out Banko zk arena.

And not only that game, but just all weekend.

We've got some high level basketball going, the Bryant Springdale game and really a girls game that I'm looking forward to seeing as a West Side early game.

That West Side team is a really, really good basketball team.

Looking forward to seeing that one.

Two games are down ten to go.

We're going to get you ready for the three eight girls championship coming up in mere moments as you're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

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For just a few minutes from tip off here in Hot Springs as Dover's taking on Lamar, let's see how the Lady Pirates reached the state championship game.

They are undefeated on the season.

They opened it up to three AA state turn with a rout of center points in the opening round, and team had 12 points.

Victory over Melbourne.

And then they were actually down in the fourth quarter to Mountain View in the semifinals.

But the pull out and then Vance for 34.

And oh, and a big reason why as the facilitator has Katie Keys.

Yeah Katie keys to the all time assists leader in the state for single season and career.

Averaging 11 points a game, nine assists, five rebounds.

She's had 13 double doubles this year and one triple double.

The girl is a beast for this Dover team.

That's called stacking and filling the stat sheets.

And on the other side for Lamar excuse me the keys to the game we'll get to in just a little bit.

But for Lamar, they they ran through the three AA state term as well.

Tough seven point victory over Bergman in the opening round.

But they handled business from that point out a 16 point victory over foul.

And then they handle the Harding Academy in the other semifinal.

That sets up this matchup.

And we'll take a look.

The other point guard in this one Lamar has a good one in Corey Sanders.

Yeah the commit to Harding averaging 18 points a game four rebounds a game.

But at the free throw line she's 80% on the year.

Harding is getting a great one with Corey Sanders.

When you look at the keys to the game for Lamar you got to let Sanders cook.

You got to let her a facility get to the lane.

And they often limit Logan Young on the other side.

Now let's take a look at the starting lineups tonight.

First for Dover brought to you by wind Rock automotive 80 keister Logan Young, Kenzie McCarty.

All thousand points scores in their career Madison Spradling and Lily Jo tits worth that.

Your starting five for Dover on the other shots to Lamar Corey Sanders, the Harding Comets, Madison Davidson, Emma Bailey, Kaylee Long and Shane B Mayfield.

That's your starting five for each side as we're getting ready for tipoff here at Hot Springs.

Love this time of year Bobby.

And you know what I love seeing great two great teams.

And we've got them right here in Hot Springs.

Tip off goes out of bounds.

They're going to say it touched by Lamar and Dover wearing the black unis trimmed out.

And maroon is going to get possession first Lamar wearing the whole white uniforms.

They're going to be home on the scoreboard here in the orange and black trim.

This is Logan Young with the basketball.

Gives it down low.

Deflected and taken away.

Nice job defensively from Emma Bailey.

Now watch Corey Sanders.

She's really going to take possession and she'll work it inside.

Now throughout the ball game they're going to try to find Erwin off.

And they gotta find a way to keep her out of the lane.

Can't do it.

Their floater won't go battle for the rebound.

Sanders almost had it.

Now we got a tie possession.

We'll keep it on this into the floor.

Now once again you see why Corey Sanders is so good.

She puts up the shot and then she misses but then comes up to get another rebound.

She's always around the ball for this.

Look this Lamar team 18 points four and a half rebounds four assists per game.

That's the average for Corey Sanders this year.

They are working it around the perimeter.

Is Mayfield now.

Deep three right wings off the mark A nice offensive rebound pulled in by Davidson.

Second chance look no good.

And now Davidson goes to Logan Young.

First personal foul the contest.

But you're starting to see a size differential right here for Lamar.

Because you've got Madison Davidson who's the post player.

She is towering over some of these Dover players.

And she just went up and got the rebound that time.

That's our first look at Logan Young 20 points per game 2100 points in her career to go along with a thousand rebounds with a steal Lamar one on one layup won't go though.

Offensive rebound by Sanders and has it take it away.

Anarchy in the back court now.

And Lamar forces another turnover.

Logan Young with the steal almost turned it over.

But McRaney rallies the loose ball and tries to get him into the offense.

Keister for three.

That's long the rebound hauled in by Bayley.

You know one thing about the state championships, Bobby?

You know early in that first quarter you've got a lot of emotions.

You got a lot of nerves going.

You've got to see that with both these two teams early on.

This is not the easiest arena to shoot in.

And their offensive foul fall away from the basketball.

And you know back 1015 years ago we always say is the depth an issue here.

Because not a lot of teams play in arenas that that don't have really deep back ins behind the basket.

But now with high school basketball in Arkansas, everybody's got nice gyms and they're playing in these big arenas.

Sanders picks up her first foul.

She's called with the push off.

It's Brandon Schluter from Lamar.

Did not enjoy the call.

Over in the final on this possession.

Get it to young McCraney now down low.

Hooks the defender and now throws it back to her.

Ten on the shot clock.

Katie Feaster drives in the lane.

Nice pass inside Logan Young though.

Can't finish.

Pulls down the rebound.

And another time.

Possession.

But you got to really like how both these two coaches they've worked on defense.

You see girls with their hands in the air.

They're always moving towards the basketball.

A lot of deflections so far here in the early going.

Shot clock violation as young can't get the shot off.

And we're still scoreless more than two minutes into this contest.

Even though they didn't stop the clock from that position.

Mid ball single greatest thing to ever happen in college in high school basketball was the shot clock.

No doubt we're lucky in the state of Arkansas.

Not every state has that.

We saw coach Kristen Williams for Dover.

She won a state championship four years ago as a head coach at Harrison.

She knows how to get it done in this arena.

Runner in the lane Bailey the five six senior gets them on the board for Lamar.

Maybe.

Lamar in the state championship game for the third time in the last four years.

But that title has eluded the backdoor cut from young.

She goes off the window good.

That's a great ten minutes and no points at the back buckets.

Yeah that's a great cut.

That time really had a difficult job because she took the pass and was already underneath the bucket.

Had to make a difficult shot on Sanders.

Look at him.

One on one kicks out.

Bailey in the corner for three.

Two strong young couldn't corral the rebound.

That one got nothing but air.

And Brandon Schluter man has put together an impressive run.

How about 27 victories in each of the last four years a combined record of 122 and 17.

It's pretty good.

Yeah he and he's been a staple.

And you talking about hot springs and being down here.

He's been down here a lot.

Sanders stepping.

I think if you're Dover you let Sanders take that shot.

But if she shows she's going to knock it down on a consistent basis, you have to change the game plan.

Yeah.

McCraney 15 footer.

Pull up.

Gets the roll that's supposed to get that away from home.

McCraney got her first two points.

It touched about every piece that left side of the bucket before finally going in five four.

Dover's got a lead as we're halfway home here in the opening quarter.

Feeling out process.

Sanders has got it.

Kick to the corner.

Bailey again.

That one again.

Too strong and box out.

Nicely done by young.

And Dover's got the rebound.

Baby it has been a frantic pace to start this first quarter.

And you're starting to see it slow down as we get towards the end of the quarter.

Next dead ball will be a timeout for the builders hoping to go into that media timeout with the lead.

Hester gives it up 12 on the shot clock.

Now.

Hits worth.

She drives off the left side up and go.

And the Lady Pirates have their first lead.

Just really methodically trying to work the ball around the perimeter to find that open person.

As they worked it down on the shot clock.

Sanders this time right wing.

Now another triple in the point guard for Omar.

Back to back threes up.

Keisha's got it.

We're under three minutes to play now Logan Young working left side 15 footer.

That's her game.

Nothing but net block that that is a nice.

Just stop and pop right there at the free throw line to knock it down.

And you know if she can get that all day they're going to be in a really good position as this game goes on.

Logan Young listed at five foot ten.

That three pointer might have been deflected in short, gets the own rebound though.

Does Kaylie Long for the arc?

Sanders one more?

You betcha.

Three three pointers and slots for Mama and Corey Sanders.

She is having a night and it's only the first quarter so far.

Corey Sanders with nine.

She's leading Dover by herself at this point.

We talked about at the top of the broadcast RJ that you got to keep Corey Sanders out of the lane.

And maybe that's not the game plan now.

Right now you don't want to.

And if you look at every one of her three point shots, it's been on that right side of the of the perimeter.

15 footer from young won't go.

The rebound pulled in from Mayfield.

She's going coast to coast.

But young little Elvis return to center on the jukebox the entire Lamar out and run it.

And Corey Sanders is on fire from the three point line.

Lady Warriors lead it 11 eight as you're watching the three state championship on Arkansas PBS sports.

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Lamar's got an 11 eight lead as we got less than two minutes to play here in the first over, four seven from the floor.

Lamar is four of 12, but three of those have come from behind the three point line by the player who has the basketball in her hands right now for his hands for Sanders has been really good.

Nine points three of four, three of three from three.

Make it four four.

She has got a smile from ear to ear is Corey Sanders is unconscious in this first quarter.

All of her three point shots have come from that side.

And roughly in that area Morrow right off the bench.

The freshman her threes off the mark McCarty gets the put back.

She's a thousand points gorgeous a job done in the lane.

You know Cole talking about Corey Sanders.

She averages 18 points a game.

She's already got 12 is we just we're not even through with the first quarter yet that step backs working for comes off the screen crossover.

Another step back 15 footer.

That one's off.

The mark finally misses one.

And Dover pulls down the rebound with Kimber Cox for the Lady Pirates going to the bench.

Kimber Cox 12 out there 22 Ellie Morrow's a freshman.

Logan Young and going to work.

Tries to thread the needle down low.

The cox going to take it away.

Sanders cut off bumped and throws it out of bounds.

Well, I tell you what there's that last three point shot.

But on that out of bounds, I thought she got a little bump too.

There.

Could have from been a foul call right there as the ball went out of bounds at the turnover.

But I like the officials let them play a little bit.

I mean it wasn't a malicious bump, but it was just a touch that a normal fan, Mike, might call the foul.

McCraney in the corner for three.

The Lady Pirates finally knock one down from distance.

Shot clock is off the mark at home for the final possession.

If they choose, they do lead it by one 1413 and a pretty entertaining first quarter, especially considering neither team scored for 2.5 minutes to get this game going.

That one's an airball.

Now Dover's got it.

Hester up tomorrow.

Nice hesitation.

The bucket and the Lady Pirates grab the lead as the first eight minutes of play.

Dover 15, Lamar 14.

We have got a good one brewing in the Spa City.

Don't go anywhere.

You're watching this at ten.

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It's quiz bowl time, Bobby.

All right.

We have holds the single season assist record in Arkansas girls basketball.

Single season assist record.

We'll get you the answer in just a moment, but I think you might know one of the players in the top ten, but who holds the all time record for single season assists?

We'll talk about her life over head coach Kristen Williams, the former first contestant.

She's in the top ten.

Her time of that three, Groves.

She was a heck of a player back in in her day.

Wasn't that long ago.

I'm not going to say she's that old, Bobby.

You know, this is my 17th year calling high school basketball in Arkansas, and I'm starting to see players at the at the function.

But I'm starting to see players coaching now.

That's right Logan Young and won the transition game.

Starting to work for Dover.

She beats Lamar down the floor.

Takes the contact chance to score three point play.

It's hard to believe a finish what you're talking about RJ I've covered my first sporting event in Arkansas in 2004.

They had 21 years ago.

That's crazy in it.

I mean, we're getting old.

Oh, well, I mean, but you know what?

What I, what I love is that the game has evolved.

And players that were playing in these state championship games are giving back to these communities in Arkansas to be set.

And that's what I love you still we see same the same faces over and over here in Hot Springs.

But that's a good thing.

Yeah.

You got a whistle and maybe a shot clock didn't start as the clock did, so we have to do a little work over there.

You're exactly right.

Whether they can give back, whether it's coaching, officiating, any way you can give back, we're all about it.

Broadcasting.

You know, just throwing it out there.

Arkansas won us over.

You're from the state of Texas.

I'm from Oklahoma.

And we had left and left.

I was just telling.

I was telling you and some folks, the PBS.

There can't be many states that have this type of broadcast for the for the finals.

And we got to thank folks, the PBS standards again with the step back hits the three.

And now we've got a whistle and a foul underneath.

Oh you know that Corey Sanders she was looking forward to it.

And she heard the whistle when she thought she got fouled.

Possibly somehow another three and possession.

So all the momentum that was going Dover's way.

To swing back the other direction one point games 1817.

Lady powers have a lead turnover in the lane as Mayfield lost their footing in the paint.

Pick and roll.

Morrow looking for young.

Are they working around the perimeter?

Keister we've already mentioned set the all time state record for assists in a career that she can distribute.

Cox drives the lane a little contact there.

Can't get the shot to fall.

Nice strong rebound.

Has it almost taken away but deflected out of bounds.

Lady waters will keep it.

Hey Bobby I want to give you the answer to this trivia question.

Who holds the single season assist record in Arkansas girls basketball?

David Dickerson from Clarksville, 12 per game in 1979 1980.

That's not bad.

We got two teams right in the River Valley Dover, Lamar and Clarksville.

Just like to play it at that.

Personal foul.

It's the first of the five to make it five.

It was worth checks back in for Dover in the Bailey back in for Lamar.

That feeling out process is finally worn off.

And these two teams starting to go to work.

Get it into Sanders.

Sanders.

Got to get my tips worth.

First shot clock for the Lady Warriors.

Taken away Katie Keister trying to get some transition game going.

Nice pass underneath.

Rejected Logan Young's putback.

Loco tracked down by McCarty.

Deflected out of bounds.

Will keep it on this end of the floor with the Lady Pirates.

I'll tell you both these two teams do a great job in transition defense when it when when they're making it back I mean that you would have thought it would have been easy and they were able to bounce it underneath.

And and just the defense that was played on the transition was really good.

Dover's clinging to that one point lead.

Only two minutes into the second quarter drive was wide open but can't finish with the left hand.

Miss the money.

Sometimes you're two wide open.

Sanders kicks out.

That's working on the drive and the dish and Bailey knocks down another three.

Okay Dover looking to answer these two teams trading leads.

This is Cox.

Gets it down low to young.

She's hit.

Ball deflected out of bounds by Sanders to Dover.

Keeps it 21 on the shot clock.

No I was just looking Bobby Lamarr on the season only a 32% three point shooting team.

And they so far in this game you would have never thought it lighten up from distance early on six of 11 I'm not a math guy but that's 54%.

Nice inbounds play.

But again Dover misses a point blank shot at the lane.

But a wonder if that hot shooting is going to continue for Lamarr.

If it is Dover is in trouble.

Some contact there going to say it happened on the floor.

That was impressive so far in this game.

Bobby Dover shooting 47% from the field.

Lamar 39%.

But it's set three point shooting I mean six of 11 for Lamar one of three for Dover.

Dover is not a team that lives and dies by the three.

Lamar is certainly living well right now.

Drive that one deflected and Feaster three almost created the turnover.

And wide open three attempt from the left wing.

Shorts for the nice hustle play there.

And obviously a loose ball.

Foul's going to be called on McCarty.

And that's just a hustle play.

Will having a Lamar player come on the baseline jumper but essentially out of bounds without her, without her feet touching to then deflected off of the Dover player that that is just that's just all hustle.

For a shot clock for Lamar that would almost take it away.

You see Dover's doing a nice job of getting the passing lane.

Nice play circle cut there and an easy lay in for Macy Vinson.

The things to 2218.

The lead lady Warriors.

35 and two this season.

Only one loss to a school from the state of Arkansas.

Wide open, three right wings short from Cox and Sanders.

And that was it.

Two on two.

Sanders tries to finish.

Can't get the friendly roll but draws the foul.

You know what's crazy about Sanders is the fact that she's not he's not like she's just overly big.

I mean, she's one of the smaller girls on the court.

And just look at her.

She stays at five four and she is.

You would think she was six foot tall.

The way she's just going up and battling people down low.

Sanders misses the first.

Six for 12.

80% Free-Throw shooter on the season with Sanders.

He gets 1 or 2 to go.

Pushes that lead to five.

It's the largest lead for either team.

Mama led it by six.

Dover's led it by four.

She gets in the lane wide open.

McBride has rejected that one.

Sit back into the bench as tally long closes in a hurry.

That is the fifth block of the game between these two teams.

That's two for Lamar, three for Dover.

So far.

Here for.

A whistle and a foul called underneath Thomas Jefferson.

Dover has already committed five fouls in this quarter.

So that means Lamar is in the bonus.

If you haven't watched a lot of high school basketball the last year or two, there's no more one on ones.

Any stretch to the double bonus like women's college basketball.

The 5000 each quarter.

Young drives the lane.

Her shot holes.

Sanders trying to draw the charge.

No call, but Young's got the Lady Pirates back on the board.

And really, you know, we've talked a lot about Sanders, but Young's got nine points having a good game herself for big shooting drive in the lane.

Pull up jumpers.

Well short from long I thought she's probably surprised that open now got a whistle a foul called in the backcourt is young was knocked to the deck.

These two teams only 20 miles apart did not play at all this season.

And they're certainly trading blows here inside hot Springs Bank Ozk arena.

Lady Warriors lead it by three.

We step aside as you're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball championships on Arkansas PBS.

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Arkansas PBS student all star for this contest Brittany Collins of Bergman, sophomore guard, has a 4.03. average in college play basketball.

It's a good start.

Graduations of Remy Collins, the Arkansas PBS student stuff I only ever dreamed of a 4.0.

I had a four point college.

I think, when I had my two semesters together.

I was a good student, I think.

I think I got to like a 3.4, maybe three, three in it.

Yeah, I graduated, so that's all.

That's all that matters.

Help.

And that's about us.

Lamar leading Dover 23 23.5 to play here in the first half.

We set the offense.

Keystone has got a near half.

Court 17 on the shot clock.

Work it around McBride.

He's got it now.

Gets a young down low immediately.

Double team shot off the window.

No good offensive rebound pulled in by tips.

Worst and now was winging around Macrons threes long.

And that was deflected out of bounds.

And as he last touched by the Lady Pirates.

You you're seeing down low.

You've got not one not two but three pirates right there swarming around the person with the basketball going up for rebounds.

Just doing a real good job down low.

Dover.

Excuse me Lamar.

Two of ten from inside the three point line for six of 12 from beyond.

That's pretty good I Sanders has got four of those three pointers.

Look at around three.

Top of the key.

That one short.

But an offensive rebound by Sanders comes right to her.

Once again the smallest kid on the court was down there getting the rebound.

This is long.

She drives kicks it out Bailey she's trying to left wing.

That's two strong offense off of the rebound attempt.

She's shut sensing by Davidson's thwarted by young.

Another point blank miss for Dover as Madison Spradlin misses the layup on the other end Lamar answers back.

Sally Mayfield.

The five seven senior pushes the lead back to five for the Lady Warriors.

That's a great job stopping in the lane, readjusting your shot and being able to knock it down over nine of 24.

Now from the field.

Pretty thought about a three defense close to her in a hurry.

It's worth.

She's got a 12 on the shot clock.

McCraney.

Gives it back.

Another runner in the lane won't go, but McCraney again.

An offensive rebound.

That's twice for crown.

He's been left all alone and gets the easy put back.

That's two players now for Dover who have nine points in this one.

Crotty and young combined for 18.

Another three point attempts from long and short.

And Dover's got it.

Try to get out in front tits worth her shot off the window is good.

You're starting to see what's a recipe for success is for the lady Pirates beaten Lamar down the floor with pirates.

Slowed things down a little bit.

I mean, they're just not in a big hurry.

And they worked it around and they're just finding open shots.

Long tough runner there.

What an angle.

Uses the window for two.

The opposite can be said for Lamar.

They want to get the ball down and try to score as quickly as possible over an ill advised pass.

Throws it away, but Logan Young makes up for it.

Picks the pocket, the back court.

Battle for second district.

Actually, they didn't start the shot clock there, so they don't have to go back and do the math.

One possession game in the final 40s of this first half has had a chance to be a good one, and it's not disappointing so far.

No.

And I think that Dover was a little bit shellshocked.

The way that Lamar came out was knocking down three point attempts and just have not seen that kind of adversity really all season long.

Not early in the ball game anyways.

Three pointer for McCarty short.

She gets her own rebound though.

Here's Morrow.

Shot clock and game clock here about a second differential so Dover can hold for the final possession.

It looks like Katie Keister is content with doing so.

Brewster guarded by Sanders.

She gets all the way to the lane, draws a foul.

Katie Feaster gets into the paint, headed to the foul line.

That's a great job.

Impatient driving the lane and and really went against the best player for Lamar.

And Corey Sanders drew the foul on her.

And you've got good players.

It's easy to not be selfish, but they're watching a few games from the state tournament and this season from Dover, you almost feel like she needs to be a little more selfish when she gets in the lane, she looks to dish it off a little more than she probably should.

Can't call that a bad teammate.

Obviously trying to get them involved misses the first though.

545 on the game clock.

So second free throws also off the mark.

Sanders has got the rebound.

She's looking to push Corey Sanders.

And we'll have to let one go before the horn is a count.

Count it.

What a pass from Sanders.

Macy Davidson before the horn.

And Lamar takes a five point lead into the break.

They lead it 2924.

Coast to coast with just five seconds left.

I tell you what.

Look at this last shot.

You can see it was really, really close.

I, I, you know, I don't know if she got it off, but the official said that she did.

And as we head to the break, it's a five point game.

Lamar 29 over 24.

We step aside.

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

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Hey, everybody.

Steve Sullivan here live with Christina munoz.

It's halftime at Bank Oak Arena in Hot Springs.

But don't go anywhere because we've got a lot in store for you.

In the early 1990s, a remarkable chapter in Arkansas basketball history was about to unfold at Arkansas Tech University.

Under the leadership of Coach Jo Foley, the Golden Suns weren't just chasing victories, they were building a program that would inspire generations.

This is the story of Back-To-Back national championships that did more than fill trophy cases.

It created a legacy of excellence that continues to shape Arkansas basketball today.

We had great team chemistry.

He was a great coach and we won back to back national championships.

They were really successful before we got there.

Jimmy Edgar I think pretty well started the program.

And Jim Dickson Toccoa Atlanta is a very successful program and I got to take over.

There was an assumption, a false assumption that women couldn't do what the men were doing.

Their first experience of playing full court basketball was when they came to college.

But when Coach Foley came, he really put the misconception aside.

Especially this team wanted to do something nobody thought they could do and nobody expected them to do except themselves when it came to recruiting.

He was very honest, frank about what his expectations were going to be.

You know, everybody wants to win, but not everybody wants to prepare the way that and this team understood the preparation, how hard it was.

He was very detail oriented in his motion offense.

We would repeat the same drills over and over and over.

When you believe in something, you got to really give yourself to him.

And then those kids were just going to get better each day.

As a coach, I had to get better each day.

And it all kind of accumulated at the end.

And they ended up being an unbelievable basketball team.

Things just kind of flowed kind of easily that year, and I kind of sat there after it was over when the final, horn said.

We won by 15 to 16, and I thought, this is all there is to it, because, I mean, we just blew everybody up.

There were times glasses and and they were mentally challenging to play against.

And by the end of the game they had won the game not only physically but mentally.

The practices were actually tougher than the games.

That's what separates us from a lot of teams is is the preparation.

We just screened, ran screens, pass cut.

That's just the motion offense.

We had a target on our back.

We were all returning and we knew that.

So it was way more difficult.

He did not call a timeout.

He told us he trusted us.

Hey, you know how to play basketball?

Just go make a play.

We've worked on this.

The defense kind of spread because they knew that he was going to all the to.

And all of a sudden he sees of case.

He's got great awareness as he sees where they're all coming.

Go back.

They made a great pass and there was nobody guarding.

It was kind of lucky.

It wasn't like it was a tough shot and played in a layup as the shot clock.

You know, when we were at the wall and I was just blessed to be able to make it.

Have been successful.

They were on a finals team last year.

We're all close and know each other really well.

It's just a good bond and I think it helps us during the game.

Sometimes he's very strict sometimes, but like that just makes us better with our team.

Last year we got to a very high position like where nobody else was.

Instead of hammering him to do something, you've got to encourage them to believe in themselves.

Gets her point across.

I like the way she coaches because she knows what's best for us, and I learned why he did what he did.

He pushed us to be the best we could be to get outside of our own comfort zone.

If you set your high expectations, high, you're going to get to get up there pretty good.

Winning is not the ultimate.

It wasn't about the X's and O's.

It was about the people.

You know, we don't just teach them basketball.

We teach them life skills.

I just want them to be good people.

These kids need to know all the time that I love them that I'll do anything for them.

But once we cross those lines, there's going to be a high expectation and a high standard that I'm going to expect them to play and I'm going to be on them.

But when I walk off the court, I'm going to hug them, tell them I love them, and we're going to move on to the next day.

Pulling the pieces together each year, trying to figure out the best way for that team to play, the best way to help those kids become a great team.

That's the job.

Winning's great, but ultimately the relationships you have with these kids when they go off.

I would tell players all the time, do you make me a better coach?

And they look at me and say, why?

And I'd say, because I don't want to let you down.

And you didn't fail them.

And when you had great players, they gave you everything.

You keep going on there.

You got to go.

You got to figure it out.

From those unforgettable championship seasons in 1992 and 93, the Golden Suns impact resonates far beyond the court.

Through coaches like Karen Pinion, McNabb, the spirit of excellence and determination that Joe Foley instilled lives on in gyms across Arkansas.

Here at Arkansas PBS, we celebrate these champions who showed us that true greatness isn't just about winning titles, but passing the torch to future generations.

Now let's toss it over to Christina.

She's going to introduce you to some very talented athletes.

Christina.

That's right.

Thanks, 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 to.

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 eight boys.

We have Jonah Walker, a senior center for 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've got Amari Neal.

Amari has a GPA of 3.6 and wants to be a pediatric dentist, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.

Some of the ways he spends his spare time.

The Bergman Lady Panthers Brinley Collins is the three AA 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 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.

All right.

Yes it is.

Christina.

Let's get back to the bank arena for the second half.

That's 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.

Second half.

Just moments away here in Hot Springs is Lamar leads it 2924.

Take a look at the first half stats real quickly.

And what's got to jump off to start seeing the RJ is a field goal percentage from the three point line.

40% for Lamar, including five of five from Corey Sanders.

Yeah, and I think really the big thing is you've got her at five for five and then everybody else is one of ten.

I mean, she's really just done a heck of a job up from the three point line.

And, you know, look give it up to both these teams.

They're they're playing great defense really are 2924 is her score at the half.

And here's how we got here.

McCraney knocks down the midrange jumper.

But it really was all around effort from Dover.

Nine points in that first half for young nine points for McCraney.

There's Logan Young with a three point play.

But on the other end there's too much.

Corey Sanders five of five from the three point line did it from all around the arc to step back.

Coming off screens.

We'll see if that production can continue.

And one thing looking at the notes, Lamar's got 29 points at the half.

Dover gives it 31 points per game.

So they're certainly having a tougher test here in the state championship game.

As you might well expect.

I don't think this one's over yet.

We've got 16 minutes left to play at minimum.

By the way, those last three highlights that you saw Corey Sanders at the three I promise those weren't the same highlight.

It was the same position on the floor but different highlights.

He's our Jayhawk I'm Bobby Swofford.

Thanks for tuning in to this three day girls championship game.

Osceola and Melbourne coming up tonight in the boys contest Logan Young gets in the lane.

Can't get the shot to go.

Didn't use the window and can't convert.

See if the game plan changes.

Now guarding Sanders turnover.

They let her two continue to go one on one and start running extra bodies at you.

It opens up things for her teammates.

You got to think they're going to try to double her at some point.

Kick it out to Sanders again.

Now they'll reset the offense with ten to shoot.

Another step back three right wing.

That one's well off the mark.

So the first misfire from the three point line from Sanders and the opening of the third quarter.

But she picks the pocket one on one with Feaster.

Sanders has her shot deflected.

Great job getting back defensively.

Yeah.

And you know I was wondering if it fell out of her hand or if it got blocked.

And it was just a great job by the defense to come in.

And you'll see it right here.

She went up and she's had it knocked away before she went up for the shot.

It's great job defensively on both ends of the floor.

Sanders to pick the pocket and then Keysto They will hand off to Sanders back to Bailey in the corner and get the pin down low one on one.

That's a tough shot there over Logan Young might have been forced a little bit from Davidson.

They go too young.

She's got it down low.

Saves it.

The errant pass.

Mid-range jumpers two strong.

Young gets the rebound.

Her second chance opportunity will go a third opportunity draws the foul.

Lilly Joe hits worse and head to the foul line.

Well.

And just a great job.

You know not giving up on the shot you miss.

You just keep going.

After 10 or 11 offensive rebounds so far for Dover in this game.

Shots are missed.

Not going down for the Lady Pirates.

But they're playing work on the foul lines.

Not being nice to them either.

Decision shots so far on the day from the free throw line.

The Pirates one of seven.

Going to get the job done.

Nifty trip.

There's tip first.

Misses them both but they're going to get that one back as a lane violation has been called on the mark.

So it's worth will get a second shot at the second free throw that one in and out also.

So an empty trip to the foul line.

Still a five point lead for the Lady Warriors driving to the lane off the window.

Goods kind of looked like that.

She was looking to pass it, but off the glass.

And good.

Now Dover trying to pick up the pace and turns it over and commits a foul 75ft from their own basket.

Yeah, that's just a hustle move.

Heighten your what you.

If you could put up a scoreboard for hustle points right now Lamar's winning that game.

Dover is going to take a timeout just less than two minutes into the contest.

And the Lady Warriors have the largest lead of the contest at seven.

Here, coach Kristen Williams, what do you tell your squad in this huddle?

Well, I mean, I think you just got to you got to value the basketball.

I think that's the biggest thing is you've got to be able to, not have these lazy turnovers and really just go in and play the defense.

She played in the first half, but it's been real quick, rather sloppy here to start the second half.

And they're just struggling from the floor 11 from three for 31.

Just 35% one of seven from the three point line one of five from the foul line does nothing.

Going the way of the Lady Pirates.

Hey, get your live action photos from the game at my R PBS.org backslash photos, grab free downloads, have prints made.

These are great championship keepsakes.

Mama hoping it's a championship day and they've got a seven point lead here in the third quarter.

That one deflected.

Young keeps it.

Shot short.

Deflected out of bounds but saved again by Riley Long.

The Dover takes it away.

Lady Pirates 34 and zero on the season.

17 footer is good.

All the long range jumper from low.

Medium gets Dover going in the offensive category here in the second half.

Yeah that's a great job.

Just posting up making the shot.

Bailey's left open in the corner.

That was too strong.

McCraney is there for the rebound there.

You can see the dribble drive and the defense converges.

Leaves a three point shooter wide open.

And keister goes directly to the rack and draws the foul.

She's getting two shots and literally threw it behind her head.

I mean, I get it, it's a shooting foul.

But she was balling down and threw it behind her head and going to the line of shoot to like the aggressiveness there from Kester going right at Corey Sanders who oh by the way has picked up her third personal foul.

So we'll see if coach Brandon Lederman leads his leading scorer on the floor.

515 left in the third to make a mental note of that.

If you're at home, jot it down on the sticky notes.

Read.

Feaster knocks them both down.

Back to a one possession game.

Just more than five minutes to play here in the third.

Longs got it.

Trying to get it back to Sanders had almost has it taken away.

Sanders able to track down the loose ball.

Enters the lane.

Kicks it out.

12 on the shot clock.

Bailey's left open.

Right wing's got it.

Three quarters.

Remember, Bailey.

That's her second three pointer of the ball game.

And both times she was wide open.

When she made it, she was just able to set up and knock it down.

She's not afraid to let it fly.

Two of seven from the three point line.

And that one's big leads back to six.

Young has that shot deflected off with the rebound put back and one and it away for the bucket Logan Young uses the window.

And a chance for another three point play today.

They call that foul on okay.

So it the foul that time.

Looks like they're going to call it on Davidson.

Because I think Sanders thought that they called it on her because she she got a thumbs up Madison Davidson looked like she might have lost her footing there.

Fell into the midsection of young.

That was the word.

The foul was called.

Logan found some way to get the shot to go from the tough angle.

She gets the free throw the foul.

She's going to play at Arkansas Tech next season.

Three on this and three point play on the other.

Still a three point game.

Drive to the lane.

Bailey's got it.

Left hander of the hand.

Check.

They're going to say no basket.

This happens on the floor.

It's a great move with one hand to throw it up and knock it down.

That was that's what Denver's going to have to do now.

Bailey's knocked down a couple three point shots are going to have to start closing out on her which of course is going to allow the option or the opportunity for the dribble drive.

Oh, you get it right inside the long and she can't get the shot to go.

But the long arms they look at the offensive rebound.

Get it to Sanders coming off the ball screen.

Step back another three.

How about Corey Sanders six of seven from the three point line.

She is making it look easy.

Once again right side of the perimeter.

So the leads back to six for the Lady Warriors.

Next dead ball with the media timeout.

Young muscles up.

Can't get the contact.

Doesn't draw the foul.

Can't get the shot to go.

Sanders.

She's looking to push.

Bailey three right wing.

Too strong.

That would have blown the roof off of it for this Lamar crowd.

Kimber Cox has got it underneath but swatted from behind.

Davidson with the rejection.

And a frustration foul happens in the back court.

So the Lamar fans are feeling it.

They've got a six point lead.

We're going to step aside as you're watching this Centennial.

Make state basketball championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

This month on Arkansas PBS.

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In case you forgotten, I'm the detective around here, and he needs help to read the victim's lewd novel for clues.

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A woman is murdered, eight or more blows shattered the skull, and the weapon used was unusual.

The spider could have been deliberately placed in Constance's shoe.

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To the health of Lamar's long game is pretty good right now, especially from Corey Sanders.

Six of seven from the three point line.

She has 19 points that leads all scorers.

Her Lady Warriors have a six point lead.

As we inching towards the three minute mark of this third quarter.

Long drive tries to dish it down, blocked the blocker, turns it over.

Feaster hasn't run in the offense for over three.

He's still young.

McCraney.

Don't leave the floor too often for this Nova squad.

Morales back there.

The freshman.

Nice look down low to Pitts.

Worth her shots off the mark but knocked on the arm.

She's headed to the foul line.

Hack attack going on down low and she'll head to the Free-Throw line.

Now here's the thing.

This has been the Kiwis hill for Dover really is at the free throw line there 50%.

But they have not been good so far at the line.

They have struggled at the stripe, but the reverse announcers jinx there.

Works as RJ wills that one home for Lilah Jones.

It's worth.

You're welcome all Dover fans.

You can't guess.

From our sarcasm, we are not believers of the announcer.

No, not at all.

Second one's off the mark.

So one of two for tits horse, but McCraney right there for the put back.

No, second opportunity is not there is is taken away.

As Sanders rips it away and she's fouled.

Dover fans are not liking that one personal foul.

Another point blank opportunity missed.

Another free throw a miss for Dover.

The Lady Pirates not doing themselves any favors to this point.

They're still within striking distance.

Trailed by only five is that one goes into the front row.

Well out of control was Bailey and the turnover Britney.

Pretty clean contest as far as fouls concern an eighth turnover of the game for Lamar Dover has eight as well.

Young offensive rebound.

And she's found on the second chance opportunity.

Starting to see the Lady Pirates really crushed the glass RJ yeah and you know they're really attacking Davidson right now.

Davidson down low has really been a thorn in the side of these Dover Pirates because of how big she is.

She's doing a great job underneath the bucket.

But the other thorn is the free throw line because Dover is just not doing well at the charity stripe so far.

Really struggling from the stripe.

And that's cost themselves valuable points.

Five of 12 now from the foul line is Dover.

Young another one off the mark five of 13.

Very uncharacteristic of a team that has not lost this season including a victory over six a Bentonville in a holiday tournament.

Young the deflection there and now a battle for the loose ball who was the last touch by I will say last touched by the Lady Pirates.

So possession will stay with Lamar.

And of course as you expect for Dover fans now huge fan of the court.

Yeah.

And Dover's coaching staff is going.

Wait a minute, how did that happen?

And you had two officials.

You had one.

The midcourt stripe official came out and he was pointing the other way.

And that the lead official, he also said the same thing inside.

Two minutes to play.

Now Dover there's about five point lead.

Kettle cold from the field.

Bailey tough shot.

Left hand runner will go young with another rebound.

Moreau and some extended run here in the title game as a freshman.

This was working on Bailey.

Off the window is good.

Nicely done by Lily Jo.

Tips worth the five six junior looked over there hanging around.

I mean, they're doing just enough to hang around and you just got to guard this girl.

Sanders tries to go down low the air.

Logan Young rejects it.

Defense showing up for Dover Logan Young.

Third block shot of the contest.

Finally do get it in.

Does Lamar Sanders 18 footers off the mark.

The point guard keister gets in the lane for the rebound.

Out of control.

Play there a battle for the loose ball Lamar has got it.

Now they're looking to push the tempo.

Young gets it down low.

Nice move.

Can't get it.

The finish that was deflected out of bounds.

Last touch by Lamar.

Well just not good shot so far.

Just down the last two stretches for them are they.

They really for some shots and didn't work it around.

And you can see the patience level of Dover versus Lamar right now because Dover just nonchalantly bringing the ball up every time Lamar gets it.

There it is.

Just let's fly down the floor and try to score.

Another issue with the shot clock.

Not starting with the game clock over there.

So they're going to have to converse.

Now take a few ticks off of 31 on the shot clock, 48.7 on the game clock here in quarter number three Chris Poli as we've talked about Dover is shot from the floor.

The three point line the free throw line.

This is a one possession game.

Yeah I mean it's been it's been competitive that's for sure.

He's got it.

He's working a one on one and dribbles it off for a leg.

Loses it.

Turnover number nine against the Lady Pirates.

You've got about two seconds between the shot clock in the game clock and I mean, if you're Lamar I think you just hold it all the way down.

Then get your shot.

Don't allow for Dover to to get up there and and try to get one last bucket.

Put it in.

The quarter is a really big possession I really believe from both ends.

If you're Dover as poorly as you shot it, you can go to the fourth quarter only down one bucket pick.

You like your chances best for Lamar.

Letting Dover hang around a bucket here in the final 15 would be huge.

Corey Sanders has got it.

She's guarded by tits work.

Six to shoot step back three from Sanders is short.

Keisha's got the rebound.

She's going to let one go from 75.

And that one short.

We are through three quarters.

This one's still a three point contest.

Lamar leads Dover 3734.

The final eight is going to decide the three eight state championships.

Stick and stay.

Somebody's going to take all the trophy.

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.

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LeVar leads at 3734 Logan Young willing.

The lady Pirates trying to cap off a perfect season does it on the offensive end.

The defensive end as well.

But Corey Sanders has been a stud on the other end for Lamar as she is knocked down not one, but six three pointers in this contest and the margin is slim.

The three point lead for the Lady Warriors trying to clinch their first state championship since the 1990s.

They've come up on the short end the last two trips, two years ago and three years ago.

They're trying to exorcize some demons for Dover.

They're looking at wearing their second state championship, the first since 1999.

He's our Jayhawk I'm Bobby Swofford.

Thanks for tuning in.

Final eight minutes of this one.

I'll be interested to see if Lamar slows things down and uses as much time off that clock as they can.

Sanders tries to go baseline that one deflected out of bounds as Madison Spradlin got a hand on it.

And I'm not trying to say that they need to sit on the lead.

I mean it's only a three point lead, but just about how fast that they've they worked in transition and work the ball up.

They don't take much time off that shot clock.

Sanders going to dribble out near the halfcourt circle.

Reset the offense.

Get it back to her now ten on the shot clock.

Here's long Bailey.

Shot clock winding down.

Throws up a shot and bailed out by Cole Corey Sanders little out of control.

Shot clock was winding down.

And Stover commits the foul late on the shot clock.

And you know as a coach, if you can't love that now.

I mean that he had one second left on the shot clock and she was just throwing up a prayer and he's bailed her out right there.

Bernie Sanders, the 80% free throw shooter, misses the first.

You know, there's something and I'm not saying it's because the depth or anything like that.

But shooting free throws on these I mean I'm a pretty good free throw shooter, right.

And I went out there earlier in the strike and it's a little bit different throw for whatever reason that what that is, it's just a little bit different shooting on this court.

One of two for Sanders.

She's got 20 points now 20 of the 38 for Lamar.

McCraney now in the corner 15 footer now it's too strong Logan Young battling the rebound.

But her own teammate takes it away and McCraney can't make the layup.

McCarty again throws one up another chance and that one's blocked.

And now a loose ball foul by Logan Young in the back court boy listen this Dover crowd they're not happy that there was not a call underneath a lot of clean blocks down low.

And then you had the foul right in front of the Dover bench.

That time.

So many opportunities down low on that possession for Dover.

Couldn't get it to fall young.

She takes it away in the lane.

The giving right back two teams trade possession.

No reset of the shot clock though.

So it's 20 to work for Lamar.

And now we're going to stop play there.

We're going to discuss to see if they did have a change of possession on each side.

And the three lips they're going to put 29 on the shot clock does not ignore I said that 2329.

You're pretty good at this illegal little over here.

And now.

Lamar 38 and 34 lead over Dover.

These two teams met four times last season.

Lady Warriors won three of those.

They have not met this year until today.

Emma Bailey, a huge three pointer.

What a shot from Bailey on the right wing.

She's got three three pointers in the league now.

Seven.

On a Friday she's going to try to answer from the corner.

That's off the mark.

Offensive rebound.

Reset.

Here's keister 15 footer from the elbow.

That's too strong.

And a rebound cleared by Madison Davidson and Lamar.

For the Lady Warriors.

Bailey drive and run.

Emma Bailey starting to take over in the fourth.

But I tell you what, Bobby.

You can feel the energy of this Lamar team.

They know it's been a long, long time since the state championship has come their way.

And they're getting loud in here now.

We got a timeout.

Charge Dover Dover is going to take a timeout before the free throw is the largest lead of the contest has been taken by the Lady Warriors.

A three point play if it gets converted is going to push it to double digits.

Now what a start to this fourth quarter.

It has been for long and I mean think about this.

Dover has not been in this situation all season long that they really haven't.

And here's some some highlights from there.

There's the three point shot that we just saw a moment ago.

I mean they have just really kind of taken over and watched Lamar got the lead.

You could feel the confidence debate that they had.

You saw the confidence of them just driving the basketball.

They were fearless underneath the ball, underneath the basket.

And look man I, I think that they knew what was on the line.

That being Lamar being the how good Dover's been all year.

I think having these two towns separated by 20 miles, that might have something to do with it as well.

But there's just an energy right now with this Lamar team, but I will I'm not going to take anything away from Dover because this is a this is a really good basketball team that has found ways to win all season long.

So Bailey's going to be at the foul line a chance to convert the three point play.

She's got 13 points.

Sanders has 20 behind in the mask 33 of the 43.

So Lamar from those two players he throws too strong across.

He's got the rebound.

So it's still single digits.

Dover did trailed by nine against Mountain View in the semifinals.

Albeit that was early in the contest.

They were tied in the fourth quarter.

Backdoor cut tomorrow.

Reverse layup is good for the freshman Ellie Moreau.

What a finish.

Hey you know what.

She's going to be the future of this Dover team the way she's played as a freshman in this game.

That was a heck of a back door put here for Sanders working on Kent's worth.

She steps back for three again for Sanders, 7 to 9 from deep.

I think she's having fun.

Ten point lead.

And a turnover that can't be handled in the corner.

You keep thinking that maybe Sanders is going to cool down from distance, and she just continues to knock down shot after shot.

She's got 23.

Sanders working on one on one again.

What works into the lane.

Tough pass there.

Turns it over.

Lisa's got it right down the middle of the lane.

Her left hand finish was short.

And now another whistle and a foul ball against Dover.

Look at this.

This three point from Sanders I mean this is the first time she's not been on the right side on the right wing.

And she is that step back every time.

She'll she'll look like she's going to go in and just goes with the step back and knocks it down from the arc.

Pretty impressive to watch Corey Sanders play in this championship game.

She missed the title game a few years ago with a knee injury.

She's not missing this opportunity to show the state what she can do.

Four and a half to play.

Sanders nice pass down low and the easy finish.

Madison Davidson doesn't.

Feaster gets it down low to Logan Young.

She's hit on the arm.

Going up.

Headed back to the foul line.

And you know I thought that Lamar might try to slow the pace just a little bit just because they had the lead.

It keeps growing but they haven't slowed down.

I mean that pace that they started the ball game with has been the pace the entire ball game.

It's working.

That's the recipe that got them to this point.

That's why they're 35 and two.

That's why they won 122 games the last four years.

And their four minutes and some change away from winning the title for the first time since the 90s.

On the basketball left to be played.

Logan Young set for two at the foul line.

We will call.

You.

Know this is the second finals appearance in school history for Dover.

They won that title in 1999.

Lamar been here a little more frequently.

This is trip number seven.

Seven titles in 88 and 91.

34 years.

It's the last time the Lady Warriors were on top of basketball at Arkansas.

1 or 2 on that trip for young leads.

11 now for Lamar.

Five of 13 from the foul line are the Lady Pirates and six of 14.

Now.

Sanders has it in the corner.

Now.

This is what you're talking about, RJ being a little more methodical, slowing it down.

Work on the shot clock.

Yeah, I mean, this is I think over the second time this game, they've worked it down.

And that's a nice drive.

Left side with the left hand and the Bayley's having herself a day finishes with the left hand.

She's got 15.

13 point.

That's the largest lead of the contest.

Morrow screen from young loses her footing though and has it taken away.

Just left it out of bounds.

But Dover is going to keep possession as we hit the media timeouts here in the fourth quarter.

The Lamar Lady Warriors three minutes, 25 seconds away from a title, but undefeated Dover stands in their way.

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Dover's got some work to do.

The down 13 with and possession of the basketball hits.

We're trying to go baseline McCraney ten footer that was partially blocked and she gets her own rebound Keyser got it underneath off the window.

Good.

Katie Kistner finishes in the lane.

And another quick timeout for Dover.

So I mean I think that and they got the points.

But Dover could have made a case for a couple fouls down underneath the basket.

Right.

But either way you gotta love the hustle.

They're not giving up.

They're down 11 right now.

And they're not giving up.

And they're they're really fight for every loose ball and the dribble drive to the lane.

That is what that has been too strong for this Dover team compared to Lamar is how well they work the ball down low.

They've used their size, they box out.

They just have been able to get shots to go.

Dover is now 15 of 47 from the floor.

That's just less than 32%.

And kind of a microcosm what today's van.

We'll see if Dover is now going to extend the full court pressure and force Lamar to work a little block and maybe turn the basketball over, and you've got Corey Sanders running the point.

It's tough to pressure her.

Sanders pull up jumper is off the mark here Logan Young has got the rebound and a start to fast break.

But she throws it away.

Did Suarez couldn't track down the outlet pass but Lamar gives it right back to him Katie Keisha's got it.

Three on two opportunity Keyser right to the rack against long no good young offensive rebound.

She hits the floor and now she's headed to the foul line.

Coach Slenderman.

He literally said slow it down.

He looked at him after that that last turnover put his hands on his head to slow it down.

The clock is the friend of Lamar.

And this is what the Lady Warriors really can't afford to happen.

Is Dover scoring points with the clock not moving, young hits the first.

Now it's ten point game.

Second free throw is also good.

So Logan Young knocks down a pair.

She's got 17 points to lead the way for the Lady Pirates.

Sanders drives the lane.

The short shot won't go.

Young erases the second chance opportunity.

So that chance again Lamar goes quickly.

Keyser all the way to the rack.

Good.

Back to back buckets in the lane.

And coach Slenderman gonna take the first time out for one more in this contest.

And he know he's to be on his squad.

Slow it down.

Clock is on our side.

I was looking at the shot clock on that last one.

They took three seconds off the shot clock and they put up the shot.

I mean, you made the point a minute ago.

Dover is scoring points with the clock stopped right now.

And that has been to their advantage.

They've got you.

If Lamar wants to win this thing they have got to slow this thing down.

You can't argue with the shot selection.

You point blank opportunity in the lane just short.

Can't convert.

Well now Lamar who led by as much as 13, is seeing their lead dwindle to just seven.

And all of a sudden she got herself a contest again.

The ups and downs of this ball game Bobby have just I mean think about the first quarter.

We're going back Lamar kind of led the thing.

And then as we closed out the first quarter, Dover took the lead.

Then it was back and forth, back and forth.

Lamar took the lead going into halftime.

They retain that lead.

But now you see Dover start to make that comeback here in the fourth quarter.

You see what the pressure of Dover does in the back court.

Obviously Sanders was a better point guard in the state candle for the last time out.

They do get it in to Sanders guarded by ticks with one on one and a ball by Sanders quickly into the lane was swinging around.

Now Lamar is going to set up the offense.

That one deflected by Wirth worth.

And now Lamar not very comfortable looking on this possession Marty 18 on the shot.

Sanders got it.

Almost threw it away ten to shoot trying to get it back to Sanders.

Finally gets it to long.

Bailey left wing for three.

He's got it Emma Bailey with the dagger.

Well you know Emma Bailey has only gotten better as the game has gone on for three four of the contest for Bailey up and under her Katie Keister.

Taster almost took it away.

And I think we're going to get a line violation and say that Keystone was over the inbounds line.

So probably going to be a warning here in.

It go over that imaginary line that is the out of bounds line.

And we'll have a 32nd timeout taken by Lamar.

That was a big, big call there as Keyser looked like she stole the inbounds pass.

Was going to have a wide open layup.

But it was a good look.

By the official I mean he was standing literally.

He was straddling the line and watching for that exact play.

And it was a good call.

And and even the Dover coaches, they they kind of nodded their head when they, when they saw that because he, he didn't have the best view in the house of it.

11 of 19 from the three point line is Emma Bailey and Corey Sanders combined for Lamar you can do the point.

The math there.

That's 33 points from the three point line from number 30 and 44 combined.

That's why Lamar's 94 seconds away from a state title.

But again Dover's not going away.

Cheney to hang around trailing by eight.

And I'll say this, Bobby, with the backcourt pressure that Dover has provided so far, it makes you push the ball into the frontcourt fast and you get that momentum, but you just got to know, don't take the shot and keep working that thing around.

Next foul is going to put Lamar at the line in the bonus.

Just two fouls in this fourth quarter called against Lamar.

Now we've got a whistle down on the far end.

And believe a lady Pirates are going to be called for a foul and tried to foul.

24 Madison Davidson.

At the line you ask yourself okay why is that happening?

Of course you got to look at the numbers.

Davidson shoots 68% from the foul line on the season.

A lot better option.

The foul her than it did will be an 80% shooter.

And Corey Sanders first one's good.

The unlikeliest of unlikely happen.

You Corey Sanders comes out and she's hitting threes all game.

And then you know a team in Dover who's been pretty good at the free throw line.

They haven't been so good at the line.

And now you hit one of two right here.

And it has to play Dover trailing by nine.

They've got possession.

Moreau in the corner back to her.

Moreau is going to let one fly.

That's too strong.

Battle for the rebound.

Of course Bailey's there and she's fouled Emma Bailey is this made play after play in this second half.

Run the ball.

Yeah she I would say I mean if you if you have an MVP in the first half.

In the second half I almost say Corey Sanders at the MVP at the first half and that she's had it here in the second half.

I disagree with that one.

Bailey set us for two at the foul on that one.

Short so far.

Sanders with 23 points Emma Bailey 18 points also, both of which have six rebounds.

That's getting it done.

Second from Bailey's good.

So the leads back to 1070 five seconds to play.

Overs got to go in a hurry here is Moreau.

She has it.

Take it away Corey Sanders picks the pocket finishes on the other end Corey Sanders with the exclamation points.

Young 15 footer for Dover off the mark.

Whistle underneath.

And it's going to go against the Lady Pirates.

So we're going to walk to the other end for free throw while we watch the steal I mean just pick your pocket.

She was staying there in a defensive position.

Saw an open way to get the ball over.

They will take it in for the layin Kitts which is fouled out of the contest.

She's just a junior.

She'll be back for this talented Dover squad number.

Double team.

And this is Allison Davidson.

Now back on the foul line.

She just went one of two.

She's got three points.

Make it four.

They just had an answer for everything that Dover threw at them.

And I think the lady Pirates are going to go back and and watch this one and say what is.

Yeah, a lot of missed opportunities in the running across the free throws.

Eight of 16 from the stripe.

Palomar clearly a better team on this day.

Yum.

Underneath she's fouled.

She's going to head to the stripe.

You know Bobby you and I talked earlier about how long we've been doing these games.

And you know I think that there's just something that happens when you come and you're on this floor.

We've seen teams that have just been world beaters throughout the regular season in the state tournament, but then they show up here and you just all bets are off and you got one final game to figure it out for both teams.

And the one that does it is the state champion course there.

The stage has a lot to do with that.

The opponent obviously has a lot to do with that.

And look, I don't want to take anything away from Dover.

I mean this is a talented basketball team.

Just just had a bad day shooting.

I mean it happens.

And sometimes you play a team that spread hot.

And obviously Lamar has made the shots today.

And I think we've said it enough.

What Bailey and Sanders have done well, you've got Davidson, the six rebounds.

She's knocked down 3 or 4 free throws here in the fourth quarter.

You know Lamar has been the Cinderella the last couple times but haven't been the the queen of the ball if you will.

The third trip to the finals the last four years.

And they're finally about to get their crown.

Well and you know, it's fitting though, a lot of times you'll see a four seed or five seed sneaking into the state champion.

These two teams have been one and two all year long.

Any any publication that does rankings of high school basketball they've had these two teams is number one, number two.

And so you had the matchup that you were expecting from the preseason to be in the finals.

And you couldn't ask for anything more.

Exactly.

Right.

Sanders has got it in the back court.

Hounded by young and just asking for a push off.

But she's called for the foul.

Is Logan Young.

Second young six of 17 from the floor.

Seven of ten from the foul line 15 rebounds for Logan Young.

Go along with 19 points for the pretty impressive performance for the future Arkansas Tech Golden Sun came into this contest with more than 2100 points, 1000 rebounds for her last high school game that ended in the heat.

Knocks out one.

I think you can say enough superlatives about what Lamar has been able to build the last couple years.

This is going to be win number 123.

And for this senior class, we're going back to their freshman year.

That's that's a pretty impressive four year run three pointer from Jones off the mark.

Another rebound pulled in for Davidson and a foul in the back court.

So this free throws are going to make the margin of this one a whole lot more than the game actually was.

You know I was just looking at the numbers Corey Sanders has played 31 minutes.

She's been in there the entire game.

Bayley's only been off the floor for one minute.

Yeah Logan Jones played every minute of the contest.

So was McCraney.

So his keister longs played 30 minutes, Mayfield 30 minutes.

That's what you get at the smaller school level and may not be as deep as what you're going to see throughout the rest of the week.

In the five and six a this is a really good team for Dover, a really good team from Lamar.

And again, we got clock issue.

And a lot of those today hopefully get that cleaned up going into the three a boys contest later tonight Osceola and Melbourne.

That will be a good one two rematch of the regional championship game.

Young college threes good Logan Young knocks down a triple.

Cuts the gap to 13.

And they foul Sanders in the back court.

Logan Young's got 22 points.

Now.

To go along with those 15 rebounds.

But Sanders you got to believe the likely candidate for the most valuable player of the state tournament.

Member remember the MVP awards not just for today.

It is for the entire state tournament.

Sanders.

Whether it's today or the entire state tournament, he's likely your MVP 28 make it 29 points for the future Harding bison on the road.

Well he's going to let another three go.

That one short.

And we'll see if Dover will say that he stepped on the line.

The only mistake that she's made really all day.

And the Bayley is playing really, really well 21 points seven rebounds young tough shot and get it to go.

And that's going to do it.

As Lamar finishes on top.

Go.

Lady Warriors are state champs.

Now you see coach Slenderman.

He came out and gave a big Tiger Woods fist bump whenever he came off the bench.

You know what this means for him and and this entire community.

Boy.

The Lady Warriors hit 11 three pointers.

They only made ten from inside the arc.

And they made the big ones when Dover was trying to make a run.

We're going to step aside trophies to hand out.

Find out who your MVP is as Lamar wins the three AA girls state championship.

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Well, there are your three state champions and girls basketball for a more look.

Look at them.

They're just excited.

I'm telling you what, seeing coach, seeing Coach Slaughter just roll out had tears in his eyes.

Memories champion since the 90s.

That is a that is an awesome sight to see right there here in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

I'm RJ Hawk along with Bobby Swofford.

We're awaiting coach Slenderman and lights MVP Corey Sanders says they just named her the MVP.

Let's go ahead and take a look at the stats for this one.

And you see right there just the three point shooting alone 45% for Lamar.

Just 16 for Dover.

From the field 41%.

Total rebounds went in favor of Dover.

They did a great job down low.

But really I think overall just the shooting there from the three point line is where Lamar just really own this ball game.

And now we're being joined by the head basketball coach, self coach swordsman for Lamar and coach as I saw you give a big Tiger Woods like fist pump whenever you guys won.

This meant a lot to you didn't it.

Absolutely have a lot.

So proud of those kids.

Like unbelievable performance tonight.

Emma Bailey played out of the mind Corey just the whole team defensively was really, really good.

Those kids have been guarding each other since they were in the third grade.

So tonight just to come out on this stage and finally get it done.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

You mentioned, you know, finally get it done on this stage.

Obviously coming up short two times the last three years to finally get it done and get somebody.

One of your neighbors obviously didn't play in this year.

Played them a lot last year.

What's the mean the win mean for your program and for your town?

I know in our town it's going to be big.

Like I said, growing up through the years over Lamar played each other and everything.

So we can always have this one for sure.

So that's going to be special.

I'm just so proud of those kids again.

They did it the right way there, you know, as sophomores, they were here.

Some of them got to play, some of them didn't.

The rest of them just went to work.

And now you see what they did.

And for them to step up on this stage is absolutely amazing.

Coach, I think Dover knew that Corey Sanders was going well.

She was gonna get her points, but I don't think that they realized the three point shooting threat she was going to be in this game.

Yeah.

You know one of those things all year long Corey gets hers.

And we're really, really, really good when the other ones get some as well.

And tonight Emma Corey step back threes when she's filling it early when she's just throwing a little bit like she's feeling good about it.

So we've seen that a couple times all year.

I told her yesterday or this morning like I'd really like to watch it one more time.

And but we got to 50 points combined from Corey Sanders and Emma Bailey.

And that's why Lamar is your three state champs coach congratulations guys.

Appreciate it.

Thanks for well take a look at the highlights as Coach Lederman goes over to the radio.

And we'll get Corey Sanders in just a minute.

These two teams are back and forth.

But Emma Bailey Corey Sanders too big for this one.

Yeah I tell you what Bobby.

You know you don't.

You look at him and Bailey and we talked about this in the first half.

It was the Corey Sanders show.

But this was a second half highlight another step back three right there.

And really Emma Bailey just complimented what Corey did from the first half.

She was just lighten it up in the second half.

It.

And as I said earlier Bobby you had you had the Corey Sanders show in the first half of a Bailey show in the second half, now joined by our MVP Corey Sanders and Corey I, we were just talking to your coach that coming into this ball game, everybody knew you were gonna get your points.

You were really feeling it from three point range today.

Yes, sir.

It was a great feeling.

Starting the game off, my shots were hitting.

This is a crazy environment to play in and just be able to hit shots and get yourself going.

And hearing the fans just, like, go crazy.

It just.

It's amazing.

Like, I'm so blessed to be able to be in this atmosphere.

You've seen all kinds of game plans against you.

Sometimes teams will sag off on you, sometimes they allow you to drive and open up lanes.

Tonight, a little bit of both.

But what the what can you say about Emma Bailey the way that she played tonight 21 points man she's amazing.

My teammates are amazing.

But she really really stepped up and you know hit key shots like crazy shots.

And I mean she she's amazing.

She's really stepped it up tonight.

Had incredible an incredible incredible game.

You guys are only 20 miles apart.

You guys in Dover.

It's our little bragging rights.

Now when you guys head back home Ryan I'm not going to be there.

A great team, but no, no bragging to them.

They're a great team.

They just.

We're better tonight to fall short twice the last couple of years and to finally get it done.

What's it mean for you?

What's it mean for your town?

You know, it means the world.

The first time I played as a freshman and we we got beat.

Then we came back my sophomore year.

But I was hurt, so I didn't get to play, and, kind of stung a little bit.

Not stung a little.

It took a lot having to sit on the sidelines and, not be able to help my team, but being able to help my team on the floor tonight and just get it done and have a great game tonight, which is amazing.

It's a wonderful feeling.

Corey Sanders, your state tournament MVP.

Congratulations.

Go celebrate with your team.

Thank you sir thank y'all.

Really impressive performance from Corey Sanders tonight 29 points and an MVP trophy.

Hey don't forget to get your championship gear through.

Image one.

And all you have to do is go to Arkansas high school sports.com.

And you can get that state championship gear today by visiting that website.

Bottom of your screen.

We are not done yet.

Tonight the three girls are in the books.

Three boys are on the floor warming up.

Tip off in about 15 minutes from now as Melbourne and a take on Osceola with a championship on the line for my partner RJ Jayhawk, I'm Bobby Swofford.

Thanks for tuning in.

We have got three championship basketball coming your way just a little bit as you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS sports.