We are off and running in the one state title game.

Earl and Clarendon right out the gate in the Lions with the opening tip.

Their drives not going to go and Earls having the other way quickly.

Who can settle in first is going to be big as well.

Turnover on one side missed the bunny on the other JB.

We've seen this this venue cause havoc to a lot of teams.

Sure enough three misses in a row.

Go for Earl.

Make it four.

My goodness.

And and Clarendon finally pulls it down.

It's the nerves.

You don't think they're going to be as big as they are.

But you get to the championship moment as we have another turnover going the other way.

It's a lot of times who can settle in first and take the lid off the basket.

For Clarendon, in terms of keys to the game, what's it going to take for them to pick up a big win?

I think one thing they got to do is they've got to find a way to limit Hurst, no matter what the court, and you got to take care of the small things, the free throws, the layups have we seen we can't sunset them turn the basketball over as they've done now twice in the first 30s for Earl their their emphasis was defense has got to come first.

Got to figure out a way to shut down Clarendon to the jumper for him to Ron Hurst right out the gate.

That's the first scoring of the game.

Cannot let get Hurst involved early.

Averages 23 points per contest.

The lefty knocks down the jumper early.

That little spin around shot wouldn't go for Hampton.

And quickly the other way Earl lay up make it another Aiden Davis.

It is four nothing Earl credit don't bail on that one.

He seal it off the Clarendon defender and allowed the wide open path to the lane trying to force a turnover there in the back court.

Clarendon beats the pressure.

Got two on one.

Nice up and under.

And the reverse layup is good for Brennan Hampton.

That's good for clearance him to beat that press and get an easy bucket.

Maybe try to calm the nerves of the Lions.

Anytime they get that first bucket.

That's always big.

Get the first one.

That's what Clarendon did.

Now on the other side Hurst launches a three.

No good.

The old board back up.

No looking for a third try on this trip.

Hurst goes up, the three in and out.

No bodies.

Hit the deck.

No call.

My goodness, that was a hard fall.

It's a physical.

We have we've seen Grant.

It's only been one game in two minutes of this contest.

And the officials are going to let them play in the state championship.

They are content with letting the players decided on the floor.

One thing for certain, they got to get the rebound at your Clarendon.

That's certainly something Earl's dominating right now.

Too many second chance and third chance opportunities.

You're exactly right, J.B.. That is one thing that will kill a championship jumper for Clarendon.

No, but he stout on the try.

Cortez Gould will head to the free throw line.

That's his first team.

Coach Hudson talked about Gould.

They got it back at semester.

And boy he's come on strong as a leader as a scrappy player.

Empties the tank.

And you got to have those type of guys on your team.

If you're going to make a deep postseason run, it's always important to be at full strength at the right time of the year.

You know, how many times have you and I have seen teams go through a state tournament?

They're not playing their best ball.

The year and they fall short.

But in basketball, you got to be good.

Sometimes you got to be a little lucky to like we talked about that with a lot of different coaches.

There are some legendary coaches that have never made it to a championship game or maybe never won one.

Then you've got a few that have won a ton.

It does take a little bit of luck.

You got to catch some breaks, you got to have talent, you got to coach, but certainly got to catch some breaks.

Earl with a one point lead drive floats it up.

No but a foul.

Free throws up coming.

Nice drive from Derrick lately.

Lately 17 points nine rebounds eight assists per contest.

But I feel like Earl's getting into the lane a little too easy right now against this player at the defense.

They're going to have to pack the paint and try to force Earl to settle for jump shots.

Earl already with three offensive rebounds.

They've also had a few turnovers, forced free throw jump and good for lately.

His first points of the contest.

Three different players in the scores column for Earl.

Certainly coach Karl Miller would love that.

Both free throws are good for Derrick lately.

And at six three, the advantage for Earl.

How much is this full-court pressure going to affect Clarendon before they can settle down?

Able to get it rid of it was Cortez Gould.

They'll swing it into the corner now and Hampton is guarded out home by Clifton here in Hampton.

Floats it up.

No battle for the rebound.

Will have it over the back call.

That's going to go against Earls Dante Bell.

The junior might have got a little too physical.

The bell was just trying to tip that out.

And in the process he swiped right across Hampton's head.

That's his second team foul against Earl Clarendon.

Only got one.

Just turned away from Benkovic corner three.

No good a chance to time from Titus Lee.

And here comes Earl lately.

Warren into the other lay up.

No, but he's hot and he'll head to the free throw line.

What a luxury to have a player like lately who averages nine rebounds a contest to be able to take it off the rim, put it on the floor and go coast to coast.

Defense doesn't have time to get set, doesn't hit the shot.

But he got a chance to earn him from the foul line.

That is a head of steam from Derrick lately.

You're going to see that from Earl.

They like to go.

Clarendon does also.

It's going to be a fast paced game.

So buckle up.

We're just getting started.

523 in the opening quarter six three.

The advantage from Earl.

They're trying to make it a two possession game.

Second one from lately is good minutes seven three.

And here comes that pressure again.

Oh.

Dangerous pass causing problems Earl gets the turnover force.

And there's that pressure for the Bulldogs.

That pass was between two Clarendon players.

And the other thought the other was going to get the basketball.

And that one sails into Troy Mitchell on the stat crew.

Well they do a wonderful job in these state championships don't they.

It's a luxury that we are lucky to have.

Nice spin move on the baseline.

Left it short though.

Here comes Clarendon.

Lions three on three.

Tied his lead trying to go up.

Lost the handle Earl.

Another turnover lately.

Leads the pack left handed.

He got it.

The great job to recognize the defense was going to go for the swipe of the steal.

As Clarendon takes a timeout he gathers himself slows down and Earl has jumped out to A93 lead.

Coach Kendrick Hudson wants to talk things over with his Lions.

They trail 9 to 3.

Earl a very hot start and that's an advantage when you played in this environment before.

Earl has done that certainly calming the nerves early and they got a six point lead.

Well three turnovers already for Clarendon.

You're looking at the numbers.

Of course the score is what it is.

But Earl's already attempted five more shots.

You mentioned the offensive rebounds already an issue that Clarendon has given up.

And now you're talking about turning the basketball over.

Settle the nerves I know I've said it a couple times now JB, but Clarendon is in a spot.

They're not used to being in Earl place for championships.

It seems like almost every other season they're used to playing in this kind of venue.

Clearing has got to settle in.

Coach Hudson talked about how they actually scheduled to play Earl back near December, but it got snowed out.

So these two teams, first time they faced each other all year.

Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

Frankly, I think you would have seen good basketball either way.

Clarendon trying to come with a response.

There's the aggressive nature of Earl.

It's paid off time and time again.

But that time that's the team foul against the Bulldogs not playing each other during that.

So right after that snowstorm, probably a good thing for Earl though.

They had to go through a stretch.

Well, they played eight games in 11 days because of makeups of the snow storms.

Oh, by the way, they went eight.

No, during that stretch.

I don't doubt it.

This is a very good old bulldog team.

But you can't sleep on Clarendon either.

There's a reason both of these teams got here.

The best of one, a on display.

Nice drive to the lane.

Won't go, but a nice take from Titus Lee, and he'll head to the charity stripe.

Yeah.

Way to be aggressive by Titus Lee.

Get in the lane.

A little bit of their own medicine of what Earl's been able to do in the first 3.5 minutes of this contest in the lane.

Try to create something for yourself or a trip to the charity stripe.

You could tell also for Earl, they're trying to figure out a way to slow down Kimani Fluker.

Both Fluker and Lee can go, but if you're Earl, you want to make sure Fluker is not the guy that beat you.

Earl's got plenty of weapons to beat.

You know, they've got guys who are filling up the stat sheet up and down the lineup for players averaging double figures.

Well, that's the luxury of having the depth right there, being able to have four different guys that can go and get a bucket.

Second free throw from Lee was good.

It's now 9 to 5 Tyrone Hurst pull up Jay and it's money.

The start of the mid range jumper from 16.

That was silky smooth from Tyrone Hurst.

He's got four points in the contest now.

Looking to drive.

Is Cornelius lucky to kick out Titus Lee.

Triple tried no Earl the board and here they go lately.

Kicks it out.

Hurst right wing three off the front rim.

But another oh boy lately throws it up.

Second try.

Yes.

And a third time's a charm.

Too many second chance and third chance opportunities is crashing the offensive glass and getting second chance points because of it.

Clarendon just trying to figure out a way to respond in the end.

But too strong.

They'll go the rebound second try.

No throwing that one up was Kylan James.

And the whistle blows.

It'll be Earl basketball.

13 five our score Earl up eight on Clarendon.

Just half way through the first quarter.

We'll be right back.

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There's so much going on in agriculture right now.

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So we said, let's put a concert together and let's have it for, to raise awareness of a topic that not a lot of farmers want to talk about.

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This is unanimous.

Welcome back to Banko Zeke Arena.

Glad you're with us Jamie Brazil alongside Bobby Swofford.

All kinds of fans in the arena from young to old.

Does it matter?

Earl and Clarendon in fact, this thing out.

But it's only getting started this weekend.

Bobby.

Yeah, we got ten more games after this one, so buckle up.

Nice turnout from Earl as well.

They've already made one championship celebration today.

They're going for the the old double dip.

Double dip in the sweep of the podium if you will, to Ron Hurst with the basketball.

Nice pump fake.

Puts it up second on the rebound.

That time was tied.

It's lead cleared against.

The more they got to figure out a way to get some points.

Nice drive to the basket.

Count it on the drive from Titus Lee.

Oh wave it off.

They're going to say the offensive foul.

Of course the restricted circle doesn't come into effect at the high school level.

You know it's on the floor.

That was a 5050 call that goes way at the Bulldogs.

It originally the referee at whistled the count at but then ends up waving that off.

That's a big call that goes the way of Earl early 13 at five.

The advantage Bulldogs trying to add to it make it double digits on this trip.

Lots of bodies in the paint lately with it trying to find the way down.

Loyola.

The three ball off the side rim.

Earl, another scramble for the board.

It'll end up being a jump ball, but Clarendon basketball.

Earl is certainly crashing the boards.

They are.

I mean, this is something that Clarendon is going to have to do is get more bodies in the lane, but also make sure you're boxing someone out.

Just because you're there doesn't mean you're being productive.

On the other end, Clarendon can't get the shot to go.

They get an offensive rebound.

James kicks it out to Booker.

Gets the friendly oh what a big time triple.

That one just died on the front of the rim.

And it's dove straight in a big shot for Clarendon.

And all of a sudden they're back within five.

First bucket of the game for Kimani Pflueger.

Expect more from that young man Tyrone Hurst his shot.

No Fluker on the board got a chance to go in the end Lee oh it's knocked away.

Earl was the last to touch it.

But how about that transition D from Derrick lately.

It's a great job of not only to get back, get a hand on the basketball and do it without fouling.

It also prevents the easy lane picture perfect defense for that.

Big three from Clarendon made it a five point game.

Pflueger wanted another no good.

But man, that makes this game a lot closer.

I know it's early, but 13 five earlier they were trying to run away with him.

That's a big shot.

And sometimes you need that friendly roll to get the nerves settled and the offense going.

Now Clarendon trying to show up some big time defense.

They've stopped Earl the last few of trips lately trying to make something happen.

Left hand floats it in and out.

No offensive rebound, but a step out of bounds from Earl.

Once again.

Bobby's there for the Bulldogs.

They had a chance for the offensive rebound, but it was out of bounds already.

Six offensive rebounds for Earl that time.

They can't corral it.

And Clarendon chance to make this a one possession game.

Oh.

That door the feed the finish Cornelius lucky do.

And it's a one possession game.

The sophomore snuck behind the defense and lucky to with the easy land.

How about that name too right.

That's got to be a part of the all name team Cornelius lucky do.

He is one heck of a sophomore.

Coach Hudson said he's really grown up big time and certainly the postseason.

How about that take from Jordan Williams?

And it's back to a five point game.

Williams one of those role players for Earls.

They force another turnover.

Williams does an average in double figures but making an impact early trying to go back to back floats it up.

No but a charge and it's going the other way.

And that one was obvious.

Clarendon got back defensively and tied.

Lee got the feet set an easy call to force the turnover.

But he was planted like a statue.

And Williams runs in.

That's the fifth team foul against Earl.

But obviously player control found no free throws but a couple of substitutions.

Earl bring in Jaden Little and then Courtney for Clarendon Derrick Knox the sophomore will step onto the floor.

What do you want to see from from Clarendon here in the last minute.

Ten down, five.

I think they've weathered the storm, JB they're starting to handle that pressure a little more that they've got to pack it in and stop giving up so many offensive rebounds.

But like that control yourself when you get in the lane.

How about James.

That's a big knock away.

Get it back to Booker one possession game.

Once again this is not for the faint of heart in the lane.

If you're going to go in there get ready to absorb some contact.

Clarendon is all of a sudden back within three trying to go to their man Hirsch.

Kick it out.

Williams left wing free to get it.

What a shot.

Clarendon back into it and he says I got you an inch and back Jordan Williams rattles one home.

That's a big time shot from Williams.

Earl's first triple of the game.

He's team with one trifecta.

Fluker has got the only one for Clarendon six point game two seconds separates a shot in the game clock James baseline J. No.

Earl with what could be the final possession of the first quarter and force that one a little bit earlier in the shot clock than he had two.

And now Earl's got a chance to add to this 1812 lead because they're going to hold for one.

Both of our players to watch guarding each other Hearst trying to take Fluker floats it up.

No offensive foul create a little space.

And that was a pretty easy call and a good call by our officiating crew.

Created some space with a little shimmy, that little forearm shimmy.

And now Clarendon has got the rock back.

That's his second personal on first.

And that could be big for Earl, as are two fouls early with five seconds to play and trying to get a shot to end the quarter three.

No good.

But after one we got a good ballgame.

1812.

Earl up by six on Clarendon.

Quarter number two coming up you're watching the Centennial Bank state basketball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

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So we got a trivia question for you today.

Girls won 11 boys basketball state championships in school history.

It's tied for the fifth most in Arkansas history.

Who holds the record?

That's so that's a good question.

Get off the Google box and find an answer.

I bet you knew before you even asked the question.

I might have the advantage of writing, said the question.

But how crazy is it going for a dozen state titles?

Trophy case.

That's incredible.

What's incredible is there's five more teams ahead of them.

That's got to just this minute.

No kidding.

No doubt about that.

Second quarter is underway here with a six point lead for the basketball.

Free throw line jumper.

Got it.

And one.

Jayden Little the bucket.

It's a big bucket coming out of the timeout.

You felt like Clarendon might be getting a little momentum but Earl stun start with the early on the hoop and the harm.

Here's a look at head coach Karl Miller earlier.

26 years at Earl as an assistant.

This is his ninth final appearance as a coach for Karl Miller.

Played at Philander Smith for a year.

And right after that, he went into coaching.

I think he has certainly found his calling.

I would say that he's made a name for himself, made a good decision out of college, one of the best coaches in the state of Arkansas.

That shot no good from Clarendon on board.

No looking for the third try.

Still tipped around.

It was Earl who wanted it more.

Jaden little.

It's blocked on the other end.

Great defense for Pflueger.

Earl is going to take the ball off the backboard or out of the net.

Immediately puts it up the floor clear and did a nice job getting back defensively though on that possession.

We talked about the Lions.

They've made it in 2014 and 2019.

And state title is the next step back.

Jay's coming from their house.

Two really good basketball programs from East Arkansas.

Only 73 miles separate these two teams.

Which makes it all more surprising they haven't met before this point.

I'm kidding.

That drive from Hurst knocked away.

They kept it alive, though.

Earl Jordan Williams at the top, leading his way through traffic.

Good defense.

It'll stay with Earls.

But how about the job of Derrick Knox on the interior?

Earl's got a line shift coming in.

Three new Bulldogs check on the floor.

And that may be one thing to pay attention to as this game goes on.

And you know, fatigue always becomes a factor just because you stress yourself out about a championship game when you have the luxury of being able to go eight, nine, maybe ten guys deep on your roster is going to make things a lot easier.

We've got to push on the inbounds play.

So Earl picks up another foul.

It's been physical.

Both teams now with a team foul in the second quarter.

But you're right.

They declared it's the same way.

They've got a lot of 10th graders that they're going to put out there today.

They've got depth.

This is one of the deepest lineups you're going to see in all of one, both with Earl and their bench.

Clair to the Lions with theirs as well.

That's a nice drive spin move.

That's Queen from college age.

There's no way he's a sophomore.

My goodness that's that's a strong take from a 10th grader able to finish find the bucket after the pirouette five point game.

How about that move.

Hurst beats his man to the rack.

And that's an easy deuce.

That's what you call beating a tendency.

Everybody knows Hurst wants to go left that time.

He uses the off hand and easy path to the lane on the other end.

Three ball buries it tight.

Is Lee a trifecta?

Things are starting to calm down and the hoop is starting to fill up.

This one is making its way to what could be a shootout.

Hurst kicks it around now looking to drive a go.

Left wing, three ball.

Davis no.

James, box it out.

He pulls down a big boy.

That's what you got to see after Clarendon.

Got a box out underneath.

Now on the other end they kick it around.

Ball fake behind the back knocks.

Nice move back.

More.

No.

Loose ball.

It's tipped around to James.

Pump fake.

Kicked out.

That's at the top of the key now a frenetic pace.

Now.

Fluker got it in and out.

No but free throws up coming.

There was a lot going on in the lane and no shots on the rim.

So the shot clock had not reset.

But a strong take again from Clarendon.

And Lee earns another trip to the foul line.

Continue down the road.

How about the internal clock there for Kimani Fluker right.

He knows it didn't reset.

That's a high basketball IQ to go straight to the rack again to the free throw line.

Fluker has got five points on the day.

Make it six as he gets the first free throw.

And and then getting an error back to a one possession game.

And both of these teams can score right.

It's one of those games or one possession games.

Doesn't matter.

Drop by two possessions three possessions.

Both of these teams can score it well, and it's always going to feel like a close game.

Second free throw.

No.

But an offensive rebound for Hampton has it knocked away now Earl going on the other end.

Slow it down with top.

Now to Tyrone Hurst.

Hurst Hurston three Rivers Community College commits a chance to play at the next level.

And what a pass.

It was a clean pass.

But the defense from Clarendon was better.

Lee trying to go in the end, nearly got an acrobatic and one that would have been a highlight, a real time player because the ball was actually knocked loose by the defender, but still almost found a way to trickle down in the cylinder.

That's the third team foul against.

Lee first free throws nothing but net.

Take a look at this.

The swipe at the ball gets a hand in sometimes.

Like I said you got to be lucky.

And that one almost went in Titus Lee nearly got the three point track short on that try 2320 12. game.

Clarendon has never let and it was an early lead for Earl 13 five at one point.

But Clarendon like you said, weathered the storm a little bit.

Aiden Davis baseline he checked in tight is Lee great defense trying to go in the end.

Fluker for the lead.

No good offensive rebound.

Nice pass.

They'll kick it back out.

That was Roderick Smith Stewart excuse me.

That kept that play alive.

We've talked a lot about Titus Lee on the offensive end but a rim protector as well.

That three ball had a high arts to it wouldn't go.

It'll be last touched by Glynn at the Hampton of Clairton.

So basketball.

This has been a dandy in the what a classification.

The Bulldogs knocked off West side cruise for the Eagles.

You know what a girls this is the Bulldogs trying to make it a double dipper.

As you mentioned Bobby we've seen it happen a handful of times.

Not in the last 4 or 5 years.

The school wins.

Both the girls in the boys championship didn't have a nearly as much as you might think, but Earls got a chance to turn the trick today.

The only the only school this weekend that has both the boys and girls team in it.

That's a good point.

Hendrickson nearly made it, but you're right.

Is the only one now.

Right hand floater.

Got it to go Derrick lately getting this back it's a big bucket for Earl as Clarendon.

It climbed all the way back and made it a two point contest.

And now lately knocking on the door of double figures he's got nine Derek Knox might have got bumped from behind.

No call.

Nice rebound.

Saved in bounds Hampton.

It'll be last touched by.

They're going to say it's off of Hampton.

Oh boy.

Might have caught a break there lately.

Was the one splashing for the but will step aside 2521 rolls up my floor with 355 to play in the half.

Don't go anywhere.

We got a good one.

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This is unanimous.

Earlier we asked you who's got the most championships in Arkansas basketball history?

Is Earls looking for number 12 today?

How about a three way tie at the top?

Jonesboro, little Rock Central and Pine Bluff.

All 15 championships on the boys side, as are some powerhouse programs in basketball.

The state of Arkansas.

And I'll try to make their way known to man.

Done quite a quite a few in their time there, trying to climb up there with the best you could say.

You've won a dozen state championships in any sport at any level.

You call yourself a dynastic program, no doubt about that.

What coach Karl Miller has done it.

Earls quite impressive at three from the top.

No good.

Clarendon the rebound down by four.

Chance to cut it back to one.

Possession.

Flashing for the steal.

Nearly got it was Derrick lately.

Fredo is gone from Titus Lee.

He's eating up a hand right in his face.

And he tickles the twine.

And the lions are within one.

That's a big time, Trey.

From time to sleep.

His second of the game.

He's got nine points.

He had lately.

Both have not.

I don't think it around now.

Eight Davis.

He'll try the three two strong player into the board.

Clarendon crowd getting into it now they've got a chance to take their first lead Brendan Hampton boy what a player he's been.

Postseason has been good.

Coach Hudson talks about the improvement from Hampton.

He's a junior but he has certainly come on strong.

Nearly stole that was Earl.

The goal kick it around nearly the post kick it back out.

Launch hand in his face.

My goodness Derrick knocks his player into their first lead of the game.

Earl in the 131 zone.

Got to the high post.

That's usually a soft spot with that zone.

It hits the mid-range Derrick Knox just a sophomore.

You've got to be kidding me.

Now.

Hurst trying to give Earl the lead back who floats it up.

Got it to go find you a little bit of Deebo Davis with that left hand floater.

Nice take to the rim.

Also a big answer from Earl as we go back in fourth in the one title 2726 Bulldogs in front.

Free throw line extended.

Floated up.

He chases it Ole Miss.

How about Hampton.

His shot will go.

They got three tries at it.

And now Earl going lately one into the other.

How about the control when he finishes a great job by Layton Lee to use that off hand.

The left arm to create a little space doesn't push off, but uses it to create a little leverage and finish with the easy on the other end jumpshot.

On the great feed, it's Derrick Knox again with a deuce.

You think these two teams are comfortable yet?

JB this second quarter has been must see TV.

No doubt about it.

Shots are falling in abundance really for both teams straight out.

All right.

That's a hard screen to get.

Pflueger on the deck.

And Toronto takes it with the advantage.

Hearst a lefty able to finish on that left side.

Fluker on the other end.

Oh not given that he got double digits.

And this place is going nuts.

We are tied at 31 on the triple from Kimani Pflueger 31.

All Hearst had in his face.

It's blocked.

How about the D from Rod Stewart.

They'll flip it to one more corner three ball two straw on that try.

They wanted Nassir Doyle but he couldn't get it to go.

Chance to go.

Two for one.

If Clarendon works quickly floater knocks rises and he hits.

It worked quickly and knocked down the jumper.

That's a perfect possession as the Lions have their biggest lead.

When your biggest leads two.

That tells you all you need to know about how close this game has been.

Didn't start that way 3331 five seconds separate shot game clock likely drives kicked out.

Gets his own miss shot clocks off now baseline floater.

Can't get it to go that one tips back to late in the bucket.

Ties is up at 33.

Let's be real JB we don't need a shot clock in this game.

They're going to get nowhere near a violation 33 are playing at home for the final shot.

They want the lead heading into the locker room not lost.

It might not get a shot off.

Deep three.

Good if it goes.

But it's short and we are tied.

Excuse me.

Playing in 33.

Oh now 33.

All knotted up in the one AA state championship a dandy at halftime.

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

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It is halftime at Bank arena, but don't go anywhere because this is Arkansas TV and this is where we tell Arkansas stories.

Plus, in a few minutes, Christina munoz will introduce you to the Arkansas TV student All-Stars.

But first we go to the inspirational story of high school student Dallas Cathy.

Recently, Dallas got an unexpected opportunity and is using his voice to inspire young people across the state.

It's just a game.

The atmosphere, the sounds I like to hear, the cracks, the pop of the glove and the crowd cheer and special me and baseball, you know?

I mean, he reminds me a lot of myself when I was a teenager in high school, just head over heels for the game of baseball, for him to be able to come on our broadcast at Division one level and not only keep up, but be good at it.

It's super impressive.

It was honestly shocking.

I mean, you just don't let a 16 year old kid, you know, hang out in your press box.

You know, Dallas did a terrific job taking a weight off of my shoulders.

And then I could bounce off of for for 2 to 3 hours and and just enjoy calling a ball game with.

Yeah.

You just so happen to be visually impaired as Jack Cline gets going with a swinging strikeout fastball upstairs.

And what a great way to open for Jack Cline.

And what a great way to open indeed top ten in the OVC in strikeouts.

And he adds another one to his season.

And as I said a million times, I would love to see another home run.

So let's see if Martinez can do that.

Some of the struggles that I have is people are saying blind.

How so?

When I interviewed Dallas and I found out for the first time that he wanted to be a broadcaster, I went home and told my husband and he said the same thing.

How is that going to happen?

And I said, well, I've been here eight years.

And the one thing I've learned is if they are determined to do something, they will find a way.

Dallas or any other child with any other handicap.

That's not who they are.

He is Dallas, who happens to be blond.

That shouldn't define him.

And that's how we felt.

And he was it wasn't going to define him.

It wasn't going to stop him at all, or even check the same statements in town.

We did not learn he was blind until he was about three, three and a half months old.

I just said, okay, this is it.

This is what we're going to do.

We're going to dig.

And he's going to be raised like any other kid on earth.

I've known about the game of baseball since I was probably 2 or 3, but my brother hit a ball from our garage to our shop and had started liking baseball and know it opened my eyes to baseball.

My goal ever since I first played is to hit one over the fence.

Still ain't done it yet.

The park is big.

I've got to figure out how to hit a ball first before I can hit one over the fence.

Major league started ten years ago.

Dallas was seven.

We always worried about physical activity and this is an opportunity that he would love.

A good day I like to call myself the hardest hitter.

I'm probably not, but I will say that I'm probably the most competitive one there.

It just kind of grew and it became a challenge.

And Dallas has always been one to meet and exceed any challenge it has ever been given.

Welcome.

Inside the Dom Thompson press box.

I'm Max Cole train joined by Dallas.

Kathy Dallas is a 10th grader at Arkansas School for the blind.

And it's your first time here at Gary Hogan Field.

How's it been so far?

Well, I'm loving it here, Max, and I can't wait to sit here and say some bangers.

Yeah, might be a tough day for it.

Some winds blowing in from as part of the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.

All of our students get opportunities to have real world experiences.

For Dallas, that meant being able to pursue his dream of becoming a sports announcer.

You know, initially there was a question of how it would work and how prepared you would be, I suppose.

But I realized pretty quickly into that first meeting the day before the game that, here's the real deal.

And we were going to be just fine, and I was gone.

What a shot blocker.

No.

And he definitely keeps hitting streak going with that ball.

After meeting in the my office for the first time, I knew within 10s he's going to be great.

He study stats.

He study stats all day every day of so many baseball teams.

He had you know, sheets of paper, braille, print it out with win ups, everybody's stats, where they're from.

And stepping up to the dish is number 27.

Ryan Jack from Long Beach, California past 330.

And when he was talking, I literally had people calling and texting me going, are you sure that's Dallas?

That doesn't sound like Dallas.

He just turned into like, this professional broadcaster, his ability to listen to the count, the number of outs, knowing where we are in the lineup, knowing their pitcher on the mound and what would be advantageous for the home team.

He was on top of all that, to not be able to see a game, but yet call it as if you're watching it is so impressive.

You never try to bunt when you're at the plate.

No, I really don't.

But I really just swing a swing for the fences.

The man had pressure at first, but we got into the game, we talked, we laughed, and I had one of the greatest times of my life.

I knew Dallas would break down doors, but what I didn't predict was that the kids who are disabled or blind or visually impaired watching that game because trust me, this entire school was watching that game.

That night, one of the moms called in, she goes, oh my gosh, you have no idea.

My son learned how to dream.

And that that was magic.

That that's what this school is all about.

You can knock those barriers down.

I was so happy for Dallas and so happy for what he can show others.

That probably made my heart heard more than anything in broadcasting, the most important thing is that you have an unfiltered love for the game.

And that's what Dallas showed.

Yeah, in a short time, you know, in a couple hours on the air, I've always told myself if there's a will, there's a way.

And so to any visually impaired or blind people that want to go out and broadcast, they'll chase your dreams.

That's one of the best things you can ever do.

That young man will give the future no choice but to be bright for him.

The sky's the limit and he is going to be an ambassador for blind people everywhere.

And he's going to teach people that they're just like everybody else.

So many times I feel like vision cheats us.

We miss so much that he doesn't.

And I expect that we'll see him probably on the TV here relatively soon.

Are you ready?

Whenever you are.

Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining.

Welcome to Kark channel four.

I am Dallas Kathy.

This year we are celebrating 29 years.

That's it.

Great.

Thank you all so much.

Yeah.

As I'm pretty hard this month or so.

What a great story.

And Dallas has no plans of slowing down any time soon after he graduates from Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, he plans to pursue his passion of sports broadcasting.

We look forward to hearing you on the air soon, Dallas.

Now let's toss it over to Christina.

She's going to introduce you to some very hardworking student 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, too.

Here's the Arkansas TV student all stars, class of 2026.

We start things off in one A with Maggie Tyrone of the Norfolk High School Panthers.

Maggie maintains a 3.5 GPA, and when she isn't writing poetry, she plans to play college ball and major in psychology.

Representing the boys is Kiana Wingfield, a senior point guard for the Nevada Blue Jays.

Kiana holds a perfect 4.0 GPA and is headed to Hvac school after graduation.

Moving to today, we have Caitlin Ledbetter representing the Acorn High School Tigers, a 4.0 student who loves the outdoors.

Caitlin is set to pursue a career in nursing for the two a boys.

It's Xavier Jones from the Fordyce Red bugs.

Xavier carries a 3.9 GPA and is weighing his future between college football and the military.

In class three, a neat Kenzie McCarty of the Dover High School Pirates.

She boasts a 4.2 GPA and plans to study speech pathology while staying active in her church and traveling.

Representing the Newport High School Greyhounds is Jess and Russell.

Jensen also holds a 4.2 GPA and aims to earn a business degree to transition into the real estate field.

Halfway through the classifications, we find Sadie Meyer with the Highland Rebels, a 4.0 student athlete.

Sadie has already signed to play at UT Martin from Shiloh Christian.

We have Duke Bowman representing the Saints.

Duke has a 4.0 GPA and is committed to Simpson College to study finance and continue his basketball career.

Representing five A is Bailey Barton of the Beebe High School Badgers with a 4.05 GPA.

Bailey is committed to Washita Baptist University for nursing and serves as a director for local peewee basketball programs.

For the five AA boys, it's Mason Stallings from the Greenbrier High School Panthers.

An avid hunter with a 4.04 GPA.

Mason is headed to the University of Arkansas to study civil engineering.

Rounding out the girls is Kylie Johnson of the Conway Lady Wampus Cats, a 4.0 sophomore.

Kylee already has several college offers on the table, including the University of Arkansas.

And finally, for the six AA boys, we have Sammie Kenzie from the Harbor Wildcats.

Sammie holds a 4.1 GPA and is looking forward to playing college basketball at the next level.

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

All right Steve, it is about that time.

Yes it is Christina.

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

Here on the home of the high school basketball state finals.

Arkansas TV.

Welcome back to Bangkok Arena, JB Brazil, alongside Bobby Swofford and the rest of our wonderful Arkansas TV sports crew.

33 oh, between Clarendon and Earl for the one AA title.

Cleared and going for their first ever in school history.

Earl trying to make it a dozen to rich programs.

Frankly, Clairton has just never run on the hardware.

They close that first half with the flurry as well to get right back into this contest.

Had a lead at one point, but Earl scored right before the buzzer and we're all locked up at 33.

But you look at the stat sheet lately 13 points eight rebounds in that first half.

Tied lead for Clarendon nine points six rebounds a couple assists as well.

They're getting it done on both ends that they are all back in that zone.

They tried to thread the needle.

It's going to be last touched by Earls.

It will stay with Clarendon on their end 16 on the shot clock.

You see the length that Earl has.

And that's why you go to the zone like a one, three, one.

You get in the passing lanes and you try to force everything you know on the wings.

But right in the middle of that diagonals, what you're trying to be step back three and it's quarters.

Call the big time dribble.

That was a teardrop.

High arching shot.

Nothing but the bottom boy.

Gold's fired up and off we go in the second half of action 3633 Clarendon largest lead of the game.

We go high low back up top baseline drive shot wouldn't go last touched by Clarendon.

So Bulldogs will have it on their end with the shot clock.

No.

Earls had a lot of success, especially in the first 4 or 5 minutes of the contest of getting in the lane.

But the shot percentage hasn't been there.

They've struggled.

Now they're 14 of 40 from the floor.

That was a wide open look for Langley claimed it trying to go in the end.

Little bit chaotic.

Turns it over two on one.

Hurst up and under finish no good but it's last touched by lately.

And Earl they had a great opportunity.

Just couldn't capitalize another point blank opportunities here.

The defense was there and Hurst tries the up and under but 14 from 41 from the floor.

That's not going to get the job done for Clarendon.

They've done a good job not staying in foul trouble.

Lee and Hampton each have one foul apiece for Earl.

They've got Hurst who's got two trying to save it in bounds but not going to be able to Earl trying to force another turnover.

They're down by three.

And it has been a frenetic pace.

Now Clarendon is is getting pushed farther and farther out of Earl stretching that zone closer to the halfcourt line.

And now they may even apply it more than two more of a three quarter pressure.

They're gonna have to find a way to to get some easier passes because they're struggling in the first minutes can change here in the third.

Clarendon had seven turnovers.

Make it a three on two lately to Hurst.

And he lays it up and in really good unselfish play.

The give and go gets it back to Hurst and able to finish at the rim lately with that great dish.

You're right Hurst.

He can get up a dangerous pass on the cross court.

Little shovel pass trapped in the corner.

Got to be careful.

He stepped out of bounds.

That's the ninth turnover of the game.

Back to back sequence.

That's exactly where you cannot go against this 131 trapping zone.

You get stuck on the far sideline or in the corner.

That length of Earl is going to become a problem.

And they force another turnover.

Coach Hudson you see on your screen, boy, he's had a great career for Clarendon.

He's been there a while.

Also for the Lions.

He was a head coach at Hollygrove.

He's in his 22nd year overall, though, in the Clarendon School District, and he made it 2014.

The loss to Cedar Ridge in the 2019, a double overtime loss to England in that semis he wants to honor Malik Cartwright, who tore his ACL, didn't get to play in that game.

He had to watch his team lose in double overtime.

How about that time for Brown and they retake the lead on the bucket from Aiden Davis.

Billy Cartwright play to Delta State all four years now playing overseas in Greece.

Dangerous pass 10th turnover Aiden Davis for Earl good a lot of control.

Nice find a late league.

Can't get the shot to goal but free throws up coming again.

Defense leading to a fastbreak opportunity.

And Earl can't finish in the lane.

But going back to the foul line.

And this really feels like the start of the first quarter JB coming out of of a cold start.

Clarendon really struggling with pressure there.

All the lead at one.

First free throw from Laidley is no good.

He's got 13 points.

The best he can do is push it out to a two point lead.

Both these teams shooting 38% from the floor.

Second free throws good 3836.

They're all up by a bucket with 533 to play in the third quarter.

Nice find.

The left wing gold for three.

No good battle for the rebound.

It's still loose.

Hurst is out of there with it.

Nearly throws that away even though the shot didn't go down.

That was by far the best look at the half for Clarendon.

Found a way to beat that zone.

Quick passes against his zone.

Make that defense move.

Get into the inside.

Get to the high post.

Quick pass to the wing.

It was a wide open shot.

Just didn't fall.

For Earl up by two.

They've got a few that they wanted to honor Archie Allen Riley Davis Jermaine Johnson, Nick Mathis.

Previous players for coach Karl Miller over the years that have helped build the program for a. And what they've done is win and win some more shooting.

So one of the premier small school programs, not teams, programs that we've seen in the last ten, 15, 20 years, a mainstay in the basketball state tournament, really good football program as well through the years.

It's a testament to that community for constantly putting out big time players.

To Ron Hurst at the free throw line, he's been a leader since ninth grade, been a starter since then.

His dad was a part of the 2000 championship team for Earl.

Three point game Clarendon beats the pressure.

Hampton thought about the three.

Now he picks up his dribble up top boy, you see how quick Earl Clark crashes through the lane.

Dangerous pass.

Take it away Davis lead court to the lane.

Right hand.

No from Dante Bell.

Loose basketball to Clarendon.

Yeah.

The one thing you can't do JB is trying to beat his own dribbling the basketball.

Too many hands, too many diving bodies in the lane to cause problems.

And left that corner open for gold.

Hand in his face.

Three ball, no good.

Balls off of first shot up.

No from Rod Stewart.

But that's a great rebound and a great take to draw a foul.

Yeah great use of the ball.

Fakes there after the offensive rebound.

Got the defender up in the air.

Chance to earn these two with the strike.

Excuse Roderick Stewart.

My coach says he might be the best athlete on the team.

Highest jumper.

He guards the other team's post player.

He's likely their defensive MVP every game.

And we've seen that.

He's been guarding first a handful of times, been guarding the paint.

He's done a really nice job defensively today with all spots out.

For Clarendon, free throw shooting has been a bugaboo.

Five of nine now for the charity stripe.

I used your word there Bobby Bugaboo I said that one time and my nephews never let it down.

Second free throw for Clarendon.

It's good.

They trailed by two.

Now it's Earl with the basketball.

It's on Hurst boy what a game he's had 13 points.

He and lately both have been big time for Earl.

Dangerous pass.

It's going to be the last touched by.

Tied his sleeves close.

But it'll be Earl basketball on the sideline.

Now.

We got 12 minutes and change left in this contest.

Valuing possessions is going to be critical.

We've seen this team.

They're just going go back and forth.

Lazy passes out right.

Get a good job done against these two defenses.

Earl has done a nice job.

He turned the ball over three times today and now make it four.

He travels.

I mean they have a conversation lately.

Thinks he got hacked on the arm.

We'll see what the verdict is.

You call one of three things here a tie up, a foul, or maybe even a travel I thought was travel initially.

We'll see what the call is.

We got a foul first.

I think I think the the hold is the call was made because what caused the travel.

So it's going to be player and his second team foul.

Make it third team foul against Clarendon.

Hold on to the basketball.

Try to go and extend into a two possession game.

Hurst with the ball fake in the air.

Couldn't get the shot to go with the Lions.

The ball.

Great job by Hampton.

Staying with that defensive rebound.

Finally tipped it to a teammate.

Oh Knox lost it Derrick lately with a big lay.

It's a four point lead for Earl.

And defense causing problems that length and putting lately up top of the zone is borderline nasty.

Boy just doesn't seem fair does it?

In the corner.

Langley steals it, saves it in bounds and he feeds it to Dunn.

Table.

How about the game that Derrick lately is having?

He's unconscious right now.

I didn't think that you could see a stat sheet of averaging 17 points nine rebounds eight assists.

He could do more.

But he is I gotta check my eyes.

Is that Derrick Lively up there Derrick lately my goodness.

Spin move Dante Bell couldn't get the shot to go.

But there's a reason for that.

He was fouled.

That's a great take by Dan table defense number 32 4137.

Bulldogs up four.

They're trying to make it more than that.

Free throws coming for that table when we return.

You're watching the state basketball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

You.

Team sports in Arkansas really is the building of character.

It's being able to get through trials and tribulations as a team.

You take those lessons from team sports and use them in everyday life situations.

I'm RJ Hawk.

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At Arkansas TV sports, we like to celebrate the success in the classroom as well as on the floor.

And tonight's student All star for the one eight boys is Kianna Wingfield from Nevada, senior point guard, a 4.0 GPA and plans to go to Hvac school after graduating high school.

So shout out to Kiana Wingfield from Nevada and no doubt up for one in the classroom.

You're right, that's impressive numbers, GPA, but he's got a great career path to some good money in the Hvac department.

No question about it.

And don't say Bell back at the free throw line after the timeout.

4137 a chance to make it a six point game if he can knock them both down first one's up and good.

The junior Dante Bell with his first points of the ballgame trying to make it a six point game, got a Bowflex free throws in the second half.

Dante Bell knocks down.

Florida trying to beat the pressure of Berle.

You imagine that was certainly a part of the conversation in the timeout for coach Kendrick Hudson.

Kmet in the corner Hampton quick three buries it I like the decisiveness there.

Catch and shoot from Hampton.

And strokes one from the corner.

That's five points for the man Brennan Hampton.

That was a quick shot from the corner.

Back to a one possession game.

Blakely drives kickout.

Hurst he wants one.

He got it.

Just way too much space to allow.

Hershey even had time to gather himself set the feed and he strokes one from the right wing.

Six point lead for Earl 4640.

Clarendon trying to find a way against this zone.

It's been tough sledding.

Right wing deep.

Three from Titus Lee might have been two deep.

What a play by Fluker to keep the ball alive.

Now they feed it down low to Lee Baltic spinning shot it.

No but he's going to the charity stripe.

Another tough take again a second chance.

Opportunity.

Hadn't been able to get to the three point game going in the second half.

They caught fire in the first half.

But it's going back to the foul line to chip into this six point lead.

Stevenson for the Lions.

Leads got nine points for the Lions.

First one to double digits as he knocks down the first of two.

And the Bulldogs with 15.

Here is your Doyle back out on the floor for Burl as is Jordan Williamson Jaden Little three for Earl.

Gets him some fresh legs.

He's been good from the free throw line today.

Three of four make it four of 54. game now as the Bulldogs with the four point lead and then checking in now Clifton Rim the senior for Earl Dante Bell will take a breather as will Derrick lately.

What can be said about both of these coaches?

They done a great job as coaches, but leading these young men off the floor as well, it's been so impressive.

It's more about the game of basketball for both of these coaches, great young men that they helped lead.

Certainly love to see that.

How about the fine right there.

That was Bullock swatted away in and big time defense.

Now they're trying to go in the end Pflueger tips it to himself.

Launches three to get it.

That's a great outlet.

Pass one from Clarendon.

But Fluker didn't look it in.

Had to tip it to himself as you just mentioned that able to knock down a three.

And all of a sudden it's another one point game.

That's A73 pointer for Clarendon.

That is really what's kept him around.

But that foul out high it.

That's the 15 foul that might be free throws for foul.

So it will be the fifth team fact checking.

So reminder if you haven't watched high school basketball in a few years there there's no more one on one.

The fouls reset each quarter.

So after five team fouls they go straight to two shots.

Women's college basketball went to a handful of years ago.

Maybe the men will figure it out.

It's a lot better basketball.

I think you're right, my friend.

Just makes the end of the game so much more entertaining to watch and so much cleaner.

Yeah.

That's right.

Yeah.

If college basketball can figure out the review problem, they can solve the sports.

There's a lot of things to fix, right?

Bobby's got you got all the answers, my friend.

Dude calls the transfer portal.

Second free throw from Hearst is no good at the two point game.

We got a jump ball.

It's going to stay with Earl.

No, no.

Last minute.

31 to play in the third quarter in Miami.

This has been is exactly what we expected a nail biter.

It's been a dogfight.

I've been really impressed the way with Clarendon has handled the runs, because they've been able to answer the runs of their own three ball little.

Got it to go as a big answer.

Talking about answering runs.

Clarendon had the momentum and then little gets one to go.

Now the jumper in the lane.

Long goal from Derek Knox.

Offensive rebound and he's hacked going up.

How about the performance down low in the paint from Rod Stewart.

The junior is going to try that.

That's what he's been battling in.

The paint gets the big rebound.

That's his number three.

It will be at the charity stripe for a couple.

Only got four points today.

Does Roderick Stewart.

Here's some big free throws.

First one's up and good I feel like this is a really big final 75 seconds of this first half for Clarendon.

If they can go to the fourth quarter down just a couple points or a possession or two, it's going to do wonders for their confidence because you're facing a team that's won their three state tournament games in a row by an average of 26 points.

They haven't been tested since the regional round.

Second free throw would go.

Bulls dominance has certainly been impressive.

Here's the nice feed in and left hand.

It's off the rim but Derek Blakely pulls down the rebound.

Gets another one.

Kicks it out.

Top nearly lost the basketball.

Floats it up.

In and out no from Jordan Williams.

Clarendon finally pulls down the ball.

Another handful of point blank opportunities missed.

If Earls doesn't come away the win you're going to look back at that.

Step back three nearly cut the deficit to one for Clarendon.

Are all going to be kicking themselves if that's what it comes down to down the stretch.

Right?

Way too many missed shots down low, but they still find themselves out in front.

John Hurst guarded by Kimani Fluker.

This is one of the best duos, one versus one in this matchup.

It's been fun to watch.

They left lately and now he drives kicks it.

Williams ball fake trying to weave his way through traffic.

But he's shuffle.

He travels with the basketball.

That's just the fourth turnover of the game for Earl.

They did a really good job of protecting the match.

They have done a really nice job.

I'm glad you brought that up because they forced so many turnovers, taking care of it themselves.

Just haven't been able to finish the 35% from the floor.

More times than not.

You see an average like that, you're going to be on the wrong end of the scoreboard.

Earl has shot 12 more shots than Clarendon as the Lions have turned it over 13 times.

But as you mentioned, Clarence Threes have held them around and Earls missed a lot of Point Lane.

Oh.

Nearly lost the basketball scooped up with four seconds to the quarter.

Fluker at the buzzer.

Too strong.

And that's how this the banks health will end.

Three quarters of basketball are in the books.

Only one more left to crown a chance for 5046.

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Only one quarter left to crowded jams in the one AA boys state championship.

Pearl going for a dozen and for Clarendon looking for their first ever state title.

Big thank you to couples tacos providing food for the crew this week.

Tacos LA proud supporter of Arkansas TV sports.

You can find them at 200 Hinton Ferry Road here in hot Springs.

They've been serving this community since 2019.

Well, I think everyone's going to want some tacos after this finish.

Things are starting to heat up in Banko ZK arena.

Here we go.

Clairton with the basketball 50 to 46.

Going to mention how good a job our officials have done today Andre Johnson, Charles Colon, Nicholas Turner, great job for our referees today.

The jumper from Knox is no good.

Oh the rebound.

Oh.

Tried to trap but Hurst is able to get out of there with it.

He'll bring it ahead now.

He kicks it and dribbles it back out high.

First against Hampton.

Pull up J in the lane.

No good.

Rebound.

You bad.

You got it.

Earl goes up Derrick.

Lately the money lately was pretty quiet in that third quarter.

But he starts his fourth quarter the big stick back and pushes that lead back to six.

Earl went up 13 to 5 earlier.

So nearly a foul out Hyde I think there will be lately trying to pick the pocket a floater.

But he got too much of the body.

That is the second and only just a second team fouls.

Are you going to force.

Excuse me.

Second personal foul.

So you can afford to be a little more aggressive at the top of this zone.

And you haven't committed too many infractions up to this point.

Allows you to be more aggressive late in the game.

Knox with the basketball nearly lost it tipped around will be Hampton who's got it.

He's fouled out high up.

Oh that's the second team foul.

All now quickly on number sequence.

The foul is going to be called against little.

That's just his first.

But Earl does have three players with three fouls.

First Brandon Bell each with three.

Something we're gonna have to pay attention to as we play these final seven minutes, and maybe had to scale back that pressure just a touch as they've gone back to the man to man.

Nice job cradling it high off the window.

No big time ball for done table.

And he lost it.

It's stolen by Clarendon, but Bell rejects it out of bounds.

Talk about making up for a mistake.

He turned it over underneath their own basket, but instead he elevates it a little.

Return to sender.

How big is that?

Two after you turn it over to stay composed.

To get that block.

5246 Knox.

That's a high pass underneath.

Nice kickout, right wing three no good on the drive from Fluker and then we'll have a foul.

He stopped.

Bell was trying to get rid of it.

Bell is being harassed in the back court after he pulls out a couple of defensive rebounds.

Got.

You can tell.

But the idea for Clarendon whenever the post where Bell gets set for to crash to try to get a steal.

Though Bobby only 625 to go.

What's the key for both teams to pull out a big win for Clarendon.

They've been living and dying by that three point line.

They're going to have to knock down a couple of big shots here in the final six minutes.

And change for Earl.

Continue to apply that pressure defensively but find a way to finish in the lane and miss some some gimme shots underneath.

Nice.

Find a bell.

There it is with a hand in his face.

Nice take.

That's exactly what we're talking about.

Use the window for safety.

Go up strong with the basketball.

Good things are going to happen.

5446.

Lead 13 to 5 early.

It's now back to an eight point game.

And Clarendon desperately needing a bucket.

Walker gets it out high.

To trying to go to work against lately.

Oh.

Nice feed Fluker on the cut and an easy deuce.

It's a great cut going towards the basket.

Lost track of where Fluker was and the senior finishes for the right hand.

Back to a two possession game.

Tyrone Harris with the basketball trying to go one on one with Pflueger.

He'll just get rid of it to the nails.

Looking around Davis entry pass.

Bully ball from Bell.

Too strong.

Gets his own miss.

Second try too strong again third fourth time make it five chances no.

Finally the rebound.

Oh the foul on lately after the board pulled down by Derrick Knox.

That's just a frustration foul JB you get so many point blank opportunities and there's a lid on the basket.

Nothing will seem to go down.

And you make the foul in the back court a double dip of no nos.

That's the third team foul.

That's what you're more worried about.

If you're early you don't want to send a player to the free throw line.

08.3 ball from Falco with a hand in his face.

How about the board from Hampton?

He floats it up.

No rebound.

Hampton again kicks it out to the top.

Lead three here in his feet.

Count it a four point chance for Titus.

Leave that be kidding me.

That's why offensive rebounds are like opposite opposing coaches.

Worst nightmare.

You got a second chance.

Look at it.

Lee hits the three.

Maybe a little bit of an acting job there at the end to draw the foul.

But either way he gets the call.

The chance for the old four point play is wow Titus Lee have a ball game.

He's got 14 trying to make it 54 point play two point game inside Banco ZK arena.

No lead is safe Bobby.

That three point line has been good to clear things in today lately trying to respond.

His shot no bell second no third try.

Throws it up.

No but a foul underneath.

It's been the old board miss Clifton here in a big time rebound for the senior.

And offensive rebounds are great.

Unless you can't put it back in the basket.

And Earl's really struggling to to find the way to put it back in.

And Clarendon is going to take a timeout.

And you gotta believe Kendrick Hudson is going to tell his squad one thing.

Rebounds.

For 34 you're exactly right Bobby.

Rebound rebound rebound.

How about the job from Hampton though.

Two big time rebounds that led to that four point play.

You've got to have guys that lay it on the line in games like this.

And you're seeing that really from, Earl declared in both.

Yeah you're talking about winning moments now.

Championship winning moments for the last 434 of this contest.

Who's going to make the play?

Who's going to get on the loose ball?

Who's going to get you an extra possession with an offensive rebound.

Those are the type of moments that you're going to remember for the rest of your life.

If you get it done in the closing moments here, this one a championship.

Well, what you've seen for Clarence is, is Batman and Robin.

If you will, Fluker Batman leads the Robin to Fluker, but right now, Lee is looked a lot like Batman himself.

He's got 15 leads the way for Clinton.

And then for Earl.

They've got a little Batman and Robin duo themselves.

It's been Derrick lately.

He leads all scorers with 18.

Kimani.

Excuse me.

Toronto host.

He's got 17 for us.

We needed it.

We knew those four were going to be the dudes, right?

The question is, who's Alfred?

Who's going to come through in the clutch and give you that?

That key moments when you think everything's bleak and all of a sudden that helping hand comes out.

Boy, I love that, Bobby.

That's that's a great look at the rebound to the 3938 cleared.

It's really battled back on the boards.

Here we go.

Final four minutes and 32 seconds with a state title for Clarendon hanging in the balance.

What's what's what's wild about those numbers JB you see it.

So even 37 combined offensive rebounds between these two teams.

That is crazy.

First baseline no.

Clarendon got a chance to take the lead on the trip.

Lead behind the back.

He lost it.

Hurst nearly threw it away.

They'll maintain possession but man Lee might have been out of control.

So Ron Hurst through the lane.

Left hand.

No.

Great defense from Titus Lee Hurst gets into the lane but can't find a way to finish.

Just enough ball pressure to force the off balance shot.

Pflueger floats it up.

Shot to tie won't go for the board.

Boy, you bite your nails too, Bobby.

My goodness, what a game.

And we're going to have a timeout before that shot was taken for two 5452 to 2 point lead for the Bulldogs.

But Clarendon they're hanging on for dear life.

The finish to the one eight boys state championships coming up on the.

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This is one of those contests you're going to want to watch over and over, mainly because JB is on the call and you can do it again next week.

Just follow us on YouTube at youtube.com, slash Arkansas TV and watch all these championship games again on demand.

You're too kind.

I'm Robin, you're Batman, and that's what this really is.

We have had a thriller.

The what, eight boys state champion.

It's only getting better.

This is just the first of two in the boys division.

Nice feed to Dante Bell.

Trying to go up by four.

Big time take for Dante Bell.

Great use of the ball.

Fake again to get to the defender in the air.

To finish and push this back to a two possession lead.

Earl still on that man to man.

Knox trying to take his defender.

Elbow jumper too strong.

Rebound high.

Who's got it.

It's squirrel that pulls it down.

Here comes Jaron Hurst for the Bulldogs.

Gets a screen out and picks up his dribble.

Got a man in the corner.

Thought about the three now.

Nice drive inside the bell.

Up and under.

Lost a handle.

Gets his own miss.

Second try.

Another board that one.

No.

Fourth board counted for Derrick lately.

Finally, one goes down and all it took was a little absorption of a foul.

And lately, with the finish and a chance for a three point play.

How about the game that Derrick Blakely is having?

My goodness, give him a 20 piece a chance to make it three touchdowns with this free throw into the game the line is already at double double.

For lately he's been getting it done on the offensive end.

The defensive end as well.

A stat stuffer.

And maybe this lead holds a championship MVP trophy going home with him I think he'd like that.

But I think more than anything he wants to bring home the hardware and claim a 12th state title for all.

He's certainly doing his part for the Bulldogs.

Clairton with two and a half to go, they really need some points running out of possessions.

Lee trying to go to work against post up and under.

Can't get the friendly roll.

Offensive rebound shot no good but a foul.

Kyle James the sophomore will head to the free throw line.

We haven't seen much of James today but he gets in the lane.

The runner doesn't go.

But there for another offensive rebound which these two teams are just continuing to rack.

That was a chance to earn two at the foul line.

Well what a pressure moment for the sophomore.

We've almost had as many rebounds as points today in terms I mean 84 total rebounds between the two teams.

Like good.

The shots have not been falling to say the least for these two sides.

But it's not going to matter in the end.

James can't connect on either free throw and throw with a seven point lead.

First off the window no.

And the rebound to James Clairton.

He's going to have to score on this trip.

He got Amanda floater trying to go into it.

Lost it gets it back.

And he puts it up.

And in no time for the great job by Fluker to not lose his awareness.

Balls deflected keeps his eyes on the prize.

Maintains the basketball and finishes how many times we've seen Pflueger lose the handles.

Get it back, keep his composure and still get the shot to go.

It's got to be frustrating as a player to see that.

Just that defense, that's that active all the time.

Getting their hands on the basketball is Earl is and that's good at it without fouling but able to stay concentrated long enough to finish.

And a quick timeout from his coaches.

The lead cut to five.

Bobby you've been doing this a long time with the state championship game.

Two minutes to go.

What's it going to take for both of these teams?

Both coaches are certainly talking about it.

What does it usually the team that comes in on top pull up in these type of moments.

It's it's the simple things JB it's the simple pass.

It's not trying to do too much.

It's not trying to beat a double team by yourself.

It's not forcing the shot with 15 seconds on the shot clock.

Make the smart decisions.

Make the plays that you've been doing all season long.

You've been talking about secret superheroes.

You don't have to be the hero.

Make the simple play because that's going to lead to a better opportunity.

I like that.

I like that analogy, but I like that talk to.

You're exactly right, girl.

There up my two possessions for them.

You want to have a good possession, maybe get some points and block down.

Get a bucket if you're playing, the defense has got to be a mess right now.

It's got to be a one and done on the other end for the offensive rebounds.

Even though they've got a bunch of themselves, it's gotten out of control.

That's why it's really kind of put themselves in control this contest.

Because second chance opportunities.

It's through the roof.

Three team fouls for Clinton.

So they still have one to get foul.

Has five team fouls lately.

And they're both with four fouls.

They're the only two in foul trouble for Earl.

Pressure applied.

Clarendon Earl beats it.

Nice feed off the window.

Got it for Kyron Stewart Courtney put to the rim with a bucket.

That's a big time finish there.

To the one.

Beat the pressure.

Don't let Clinton's defense set up.

And all of a sudden the defense on the other end forces a turnover at the worst moment for the Lions Titus Lee.

He felt that he knew it too.

That's a tough break for Clairton.

Seven point lead for Earl with a minute.

41 to go.

Bulldogs content with milking some clock lately.

Gets it off to Tyrone Hurst, guarded by Hampton.

Look, some clock here.

Two if you.

Earl.

If you get a wide open shot, take it.

That clock's your best friends.

In the corner.

Three ball from red.

No good offensive rebound for Jones.

Excuse me Davis.

Now they go underneath.

Shot will go down in second.

Try and short play.

And it's going to have to do something here.

They're running out of time folks.

Lost the handle.

Tries to kick it out Hampton saves it floats it up.

No loose basketball.

Bell saves it for all the players.

And you've got a foul Eddie Davis to the rack.

And he's fouled.

And a foul to give to Clarendon.

Like he said they're running out of time.

And Earl beats the defense down the floor.

And so instead of having possession they're going to the foul line for a pair.

Aiden Davis the best he can do is push it to a nine point lead.

But for the Bulldogs they're sitting very comfortably right now.

Davis already got four points.

Make it five.

Knocks down the first.

Earl trying to go for their biggest lead of the night.

Can't get it to go.

Will have a jump ball.

It'll stay with Earl again.

That simple play of boxing out on the missed free throw.

You got to make the simple plays.

And Earl forces the time possession and they keep it 6254.

He's going to have a foul on Clarendon.

They will let him down.

Number five first we'll head to the free throw line.

And girl's got a chance to make it a double digit lead.

Free throws are going to be critical.

But also Clarendon is going to have to start his shots picking up the pace.

They've really struggled with the pressure of this zone.

When Earl decides to put it on to run for the first meeting of the year between Clarendon and all the Bulldogs with a 6354 lead, now 42.5 to going into the Lions, you might need a miracle.

You're gonna need some three soon.

You're gonna have to have Earl miss some free throws.

That's really what's going to boil down to.

First goes two for two.

Largest lead of the game.

It's double digits lead trying to bring it ahead behind the back.

Got to score.

Quick three ball fading away.

Headed his face in and out.

No but he's fouled.

Three free throws potentially up coming for Titus Lee.

And that's a start.

And a tough close out there by Clifton Herrin averaged nearly a double double.

But really this gives Titus League room to land.

And I believe that's where the official calls the foul.

Had a crowded his legs and no place to lane for Lee.

So he gets three free ones.

He was that close to another four point play right.

First free throws good for Titus Lee.

And this is the one thing that you cannot allow to Earl as points with the clock not moving no doubt no doubt about it.

And is Earl's best friend right now is the time.

Because there's only 35 seconds left.

Clarendon is going to need some stops.

They're going to have some help.

They're going to miss free.

They're going to knock down some threes that second free throws no good.

He'll have one more.

Hurst was ready to get that right.

Now they're locked in.

A third free throw from Lee got it to go two for 38. game.

Coach Hudson wants to talk things over for Clarendon.

And Molly you've already talked about it.

Lions.

You got to have to steal quick right.

And if you can't you got a foul.

This is quick I mean you looking at 35 seconds.

You might have enough time to set you trap the inbound, recipients and then then you foul after the pass.

But more than likely, the ball's in for Clarendon.

Excuse me?

For Earl on the floor.

You got to give him a foul.

Send him to the foul line.

But you want to avoid fouling to Ron Hurst, though.

I mean, he's almost automatic from the stripe.

He has been tough.

It's been Hurst.

And lately for Earl.

Combined 40 points for the Bulldogs six of 33 combined for Fluker and Titus leave for Clarendon.

But right now it's looking like it might not be enough.

They're gonna need everything to go their way.

Forcing turnover, miss free throws.

And at some point they're going to have knocked down a big shot.

Well you talked about it.

You going to have that shot in games like this.

Someone's going to have to make the big shot.

For clarity.

They might need 2 or 3 big shots if they're going to climb back and pick up their first ever state championship.

Eight of 21 from the three point line is Clarendon.

They're only ten of 34 from inside the arc.

They're area for Clarendon.

They're going to look back 11 of 18 at the free throw line.

That's seven points they've left on the floor.

Not quite the difference in the game boy.

It's certainly helped to have 4 or 5 more.

Early shot 18 more shots than clear did today.

They'll inbounds looking to trap.

They got a foul quickly.

That's going to be a foul on Derrick Knox.

So Derrick lately will head to the free throw line.

The numbers five of seven from the stripe this afternoon is lately but none bigger than the next.

The two that are up coming.

The only good news for Clarendon as you foul quick just a little bit over second came off the puck.

That's what you had to happen to maximize the number of possessions you get in these closing seconds.

For Earl, you knocked down a couple of free throws and a handful more in here.

Play with your 12 state title.

First one's good for lately.

You feel like after after this next one, if they can hit three total, you feel like the game may be out of reach.

And this would make it a four possession ballgame.

This free throw right here lately has got it going.

Both of them for lately.

He's got 23 on the night.

Player is going to have to go drive into the lane.

Knocks easy two.

But you can't trade two for two.

And that's something that Earl will give up gladly is a layup because that will go two for two with the all day foul by Derrick Knox.

So Tyrone Hurst will now head to the charity.

Stripe 20.6 to go on the play like I said is this average I mean there's still life for Clarendon but my goodness they're on life support Bobby.

They're going to need some help on this possession needed.

Hurst, who missed a couple free throws when and then probably knocked down some three.

Bernard some time Wheeling, got one left as Clarendon and the Earl faithful are getting ready to start that celebration for the second time today.

How about that, right?

Earl Faithful got a lot to cheer about.

They have the dreaded 67 points right now.

That's why you saw this big 79. game for second one good ten point game.

Coach Karl Miller with the fist pump.

He likes it.

He wants him to play off.

Fluker going to have to have a three left wing hoist.

Can't get it to go.

Offensive rebound putback no.

Tipped around.

They can't get it to go again.

It'll be out of bounds off of Clarendon with 8.3 to go.

It's all the procedural for Earl.

Start the cheering.

The Bulldogs can feel it.

Clarendon.

It looks like they may call off the dogs.

And the Bulldogs from Earl are your one eight state champs.

Big jam throwdown for Darren Hurst.

The emphasis is on the clock and the tradition continues tomorrow.

The Bulldogs are state champs for the whole time.

And what a finish for Hurst with an exclamation point on an impressive career and a highlight reel for emphasis.

Merchandise Tyrone Hurst with a slam dunk contest throwdown.

It's the Bulldogs that win the one eight girls state championship, and the boys follow it up with a dozen now in the trophy case heading east.

1758 the final post game from Z. Coming up, you've been watching the Centennial Bank state basketball Championships on Arkansas TV sports.