AR PBS Sports 2024 Basketball State Finals: 5A Boys - Pine Bluff vs. Benton

what a turnaround year has been for B they finished seventh at the 5A South a year ago didn't even make it to the postseason that's a loaded 5A South Conference B on top of the conference this year Pim Bluff finished third they knocked off Lake H to get here let's take a look though at at a little deer B on their bracket the road to make it to Hot Springs and it was absolutely tough a lot of nail biters let's take a look at that bent making it all the way to the championship Mountain Home was first knocked off M as we actually look at Pine Blu first they knocked off L Hamilton and one of the best games in postseason history in the state of Arkansas knocking off coach Pennington and Company boy they got a good player in Courtney Crutchfield he's who we're going to lean on and key in on today yeah and look 19 and a half points a game seven and a 7.6 rebounds per game he's a commitment to the University of Missouri football team all around athlete I I will say this I've been watching Courtney Crutchfield for a while now he might be a better basketball player than he is a football player the kid is really talented uh and it's going to be a match up to see how he faces up against Benton in this one well as we look at Benton we kind of jump the gun on that the what it took to get them here they had a loaded bracket on their side as well they knocked off m in an overtime Thriller they're in the quarterfinals handed Little Rock Parkview an 18-point loss and then now they'll face the zebras for the third time very familiar foes trying to make it their first state in scho history try to make 15 they've won 14 state titles a loaded Pine Bluff Bunch bitten good as well we a good one what are your keys to the game well and look terion Burgess first off you see him right there the kid is outstanding and I will tell you this JB you want to talk about a key to the game terion Burgess is the key for Benton you get him rolling in this one and terion burges is one of the best players not only in the state of Arkansas but in the entire country 24 points a game 10 rebounds a game I look it between him and boting over L Rock Central as probably the two best basketball players in the state of Arkansas this year and um if they can keep him out of foul trouble because that's one thing that Pine Bluff is going to do they're going to go after him hard and try to get him into foul trouble and uh if he can stay out of foul Trouble boy Ben's going to be set up nicely he's a walking double double you talked about his impact what do each team need to do to pick up the win today well and I think really for both teams I look at uh Benton first or excuse me Pine Bluff first and really what what it comes down to is you got to clamp down on Burgess and you got to win the rebound battle if you don't do that it's all for not he is such a force down low that if if they can't defend the boards it's going to be a long day for the Pine Bluff zers as for Bon I I tell you one thing this is a a team that they've got to limit Pine BL up to Second Chance uh points and really not allow for Courtney Crutchfield and this Pine blo zebra team to get off to a hot start these two teams have have seen each other a couple times it was a really close game both times you're not going to see anybody jump out early in this one but you don't want old Mo to roll in and take this one over because I'll tell you this I've been doing games for 14 years right here and things change when you walk on to the to the Arena floor here in Hot Springs if I don't care what you've done all year when you get under the bright lights you get on TV there's just a little bit different Mojo working for each team going into to a SAT Friday Saturday in Hot Springs well a 5 title game on the line B just their second appearance in school history they made it back in 2008 weren't able to get the job done so you know the Jitters play a factor Pim up they were here a year ago certainly that will play to their advantage but you kind of throw away everything when it comes down to the State final game you look at head coach Dexter Hendrick the head bitten Panther Billy Dixon the head coach for pelu the 5A coach of the year a year ago loaded lineups b line will Goen excuse adelby jaar Russ brother Russ and Harrison and they're go with Hall Jamal Hickman Courtney crfi of and then the final boy this the atmosphere probably one of the best atmospheres we're going to see outside that 68 game tonight a lot of folks have packed in here to bank o arena for this [Music] oneid and here we go the 5 State title game is under JB Brazil alongside RJ HW glad you're with us B controls the opening tip as they look to set up offense both teams scored a high clip B averaging 68 game trying to score first can't do it a rebound a push Pine BL they like to move fast they aage 65 points a game as Crutchfield shot altered off the side of the glass B moving the other way trying to push the tempo that's pricket throws it away Crutchfield an interception to end knocked out of play by javarus Russell I tell you what you know you talk about how you know you feelings you got emotions rolling into this one you know it's a final game so you're going to see a a much faster Pace than what you normally see in one of these games Daren with basket he tried to his you're right this is going to be a gritty aggressive Daren gr and averaging 11.7 points per contest but he's also averaging 8.6 rebounds per game he's a guy that can do it all close to the glass still scoreless just 4 seconds gone here in Period number one Panthers trying to make it three straight on theine pull up three Harrison prick it to strong battle for the rebound ad gr put back good that's a great job skying for the rebound take a dribble and put it back you're going to see some guys elevating this one this B Panthers team riding a 16 game winning streak they went undefeated their last L came to Archbishop Wood on December 29th just after Christmas they are playing at a very high level Crutchfield trying to answer pull up jumper ring out offensive board and a from Randy Emerson junor one of the other starters that's a great job right there you you you don't initially get the rebound you keep fighting keep finding get it and just stick it right back in so both teams with an offensive rebounder to put back Second Chance points we talked about that a key so far things all square now a drive little jump St too much traffic and pricket walks with the basketball just shuffled his feet there he was trying to get position down low shuffled his feet and went up with it good call by the official on the far side now Benton bringing in a little bit of Full Court man just trying to bring a little bit of pressure to slow things down for the zebras that's brilin Hall who runs the point a guy averaging 7.7 assists a game they run their offense through hall there's a drive through Stripped by ad gray and B's got numbers three on one Russell tried to L to Buress but it's denied Crutchfield on the other sticks it and he's going to the line that's I mean great job right there by Crutchfield you you got to go up and attack the basket in you know you're going to have Rim pressure when you get up there and uh that time just great follow through to get the bucket to go and get the foul ad gray was the one that initiated contact he picked up the personal Crutchfield can't complete the three-point play though it is rowdy in the spa city today still early in quarter number one bent trailing by a bucket as Pine Bluff takes their first lead of the day they'll kick it out Corner three Shelby [Applause] buckets yeah he he's going to hit you every time in that corner like that and beating the Panthers up the floor a chance at a three-point play I tell you back and forth we go I mean if you are in the arena right now it is a massive Pine Bluff crowd massive bent crowd and the emotions are going crazy on both sides Gren completes the three-point play we talked about Dar young Gren averaging 11 points a game but he does it all 3.7 assists average per game 2.3 blocks just under two steals a game he is a doit all kind of guy they're going to need him to do it all today if they're going to beat Benton for the first time this year foul on Burgess down low on the entry pass good defense but a little too much contact as the Panthers will inbounds on the Baseline Burgess will be the trigger man very physical early couple fouls from both sides he'll feed Burgess pull up for the elbow got it to go all square at seven now brilin Hall in the offense they try to set something up he's guarded by javarus Russell he pulls up wants an elbow jumper two and he got that one boy that is a great job you're battling trying to get position you lost your position for you lost your balance there for a minute was able to pull up and make the shot South All Conference player a year ago and then on the defensive side Russell is swatted out of play tried to go with a left hand layup but there was no home cooking it's good defense coming on the side Jamal Hickman with a rejection and I think that he was w a foul call Hickman just blocked Burgess that's backto back for Hickman a foul after the block we'll going to be on the floor and he he he blocked Burgess and really it's because Burgess was falling backwards when he never went to his highest point he was falling backwards and just never was able to find a good position now a three ball prick it money from the wing you're not going to find many open shots like that one in this game Hickman pardon me pricket gives the Panthers a onepoint advantage and then Russell flashing for the steel but he got too much arm of BR Hall you like the idea but boy how about that kick out the pricket yeah I mean like I said I bet you we don't see any more opportunities that you're that wide open for a three-point shot everything's going to be contested this one and uh you know if you can get them while you get them go for it both of these teams scoring defense right at 53 points a game they are lock down Defenders this level that's why that 5 South was so good and Hall tried to draw the contact couldn't keep his balance and he turns it over with a travel well a little out of control as he was rolling in there he he was he went in there violently and just lost control and uh travel with the basketball bringing it ahead Harrison pricket he knocked down that three ball a moment ago that gave the Panthers the lead and now an offensive foul that's a moving screen on ad gray player control foul in the turn over gives it back to the zebras 10 to9 it is back and forth early from Hot Springs we'll step aside you're watching the cendo bank State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports Centennial Bank is committed to you since our founding in 1999 we've become one of the nation's most trusted banks by remembering that you come first by empowering our communities to reach their Highest Potential through our dedication to local charity education and exceptional service because we are proud to call Arkansas Home banking with you in mind Centennial Bank member FDIC when you choose Conway Regional you're choosing a healthare partner rooted in your community with nine Primary Care locations in five counties we believe in building lasting relationships centered on trust and personalized care let our family care for years support for Arkansas PBS Sports comes from Wendy's who invites you to try their brand new breakfast burrito to get your morning rolling available at all participating us Wendy's Wendy's I tell you what Jamie the the pace of this this game is frantic but one thing to note Ben right now has not shot a three-point shot hin Bluff is two of three right now on shooting threes or excuse me flip that b is two of three right now that that's right that's that's the difference in the game both teams have a lot of scoring four players on each side have gotten into the action with scoring neither side has a player that scored more than three points Shelby and pricket both with a three ball that they have three a piece Daron gred had a three-point play he's the only player for Pine Bluff with three everybody else scor has two points so very good distributed scoring and while we got a moment we need to take a moment and talk about the late Freddy Reinhardt a Benton Legend boy he would be smiling and love to be a part of this run they know he's looking down above Freddy would be sitting right front row watching his Ben Panthers uh and he'd be right in the middle of this whole thing he was a long time supporter he supported football basketball baseball and uh passed away a few weeks ago and uh yeah he's he's watching down from above right now the heart and soul of the this team as there's a nice feed the D Look Out Below Dar I mean love the no look pass and the dunk right there and it was just a matter of time before we got our first dunk Bon trying to respond pricket steps up and knocks down the J pricket looking good hit a three ball a moment ago and knocked that down with confidence yeah it just had a little bit of space and back and forth we go on the score one point Advantage for Benton after Pine Bluff took the lead on that dunp and now too many steps from Kaden Higgins turns it over you know if Pine Bluff just slowed down just Just a Touch yeah to you know they're playing at such a frantic Pace if they slowed down to get their feet underneath them to they'd be able to set up their plays a little bit more that's exactly right both teams now with four turnovers a piece you have the figure that whoever can limit those has a better chance to win this thing to Crutchfield after the Miss cradle lays it up nice Finish Well I tell you what right before that play Ben's terion Burgess laid a block and just a screen right there and poor kid just ran right into a wall yeah that's not not fun Burgess is not a small frame either 69 Junior and I'm going to tell you right now you if you're running full speed into that it's like hitting one of those barricades outside of Benton rolling to Hot Springs not a good idea Burgess holding offers from many power five schools Arkansas Oklahoma Kansas State Oklahoma State oh miss the list goes on and on Alabama's on that list that guy is a highly Ted recruit yeah pretty much any school in the power five School in in the country is wanting if it's a name they want him that's that's exactly right he's been held at Bay thus far Crutchfield the steel trying to take it himself strong but right there for the put back Randy Emerson [Applause] J that's a great job you saw Pine Bluff slow it down a little bit Crutchfield led the way and was able to get the score Panthers trying to respond down by three their largest deficit if that tells you anything this game's been so close Russell jump stab nicely off the glass got the friendly roll on the other end Crutchfield trying to beat the defense bures JB I tell you what Courtney Crutchfield looked back and he just clapped and it was a foul right but he comes in look at that Courtney Crutchfield goes wow where did he come from so they're going to get the foul on burges boy you couldn't hear a whistle of how loud this stadium is Crutchfield can't connect on the first one to the best he can do is make it a two-point lead well this has been a good one early the crowd getting around Crutchfield gets one of two gets that one to fall and now the Panthers a chance to TI Take the Lead here with about a minute 50 seconds to play in the first now Burgess feeds to pricket good defense from the zebras at the hesitation kick out Russell one more now the drive Russell find Shelby off IR left out of play and the zebras will have it up two I'll tell you what terion Burgess for being 69 he handles the ball really really well I mean can really D dribble drive and he's got great handles on the basketball well you got to like a guy like that got a good basketball IQ as well there's a reason everybody's at the next level that three's off the mark from the corner but a nice offensive rebound the p f couldn't get it to go second try yes from Darion my goodness that kid throwing some effort I tell you what he was able to he was able to just get a fingertip on that last one for it to go back in there and uh boy I feel like we played a full game we're only seven minutes into this one as this one goes another bucket on this side B cutting the deficit to two with under one to play Courtney field only got five points on the day Gren leads all scores with seven he and pricket both have seven is burges flashing I think they're going to call it foul and Pine Bluff so the zebras on the foul after the takeway and with 46 seconds still a 10-sec differential between the shot and game clock if the zebras can hold more than likely they'll get the final shot of the quarter tell you just don't want to see the the way I don't understand how you're not having to sub people out regularly with as fast as this game's moving back and forth I I mean they just made their Pine BL just made their first substitution Benton has not substituted anybody yet and and the pace of this game these guys are incredibly conditioned yeah that's Austin dendy he's the player for Pine Bluff that came in well they're a lot more conditioned than I am I'll tell you that nice steal for the Panthers but tried to push too much the Panthers get it back burges left hand ties the ball game 1818 so the zebras will hold here for the final shot more than likely they'll kick it Corner three no good the Panthers the rebound now they'll get the chance zebra's pushed and it might come to that out ofs off of Caleb Knight but once again the pace moving so fast players are are trying to run before they catch the football just we talk about in football all the time you got to catch it first and right now you're seeing guys just want to move so fast seven turn of the game as thats off thek Crutchfield the rebound the put back right before the buzzer sounds we've played one quarter from Hot Springs it's a tight one Pim up a bucket you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports Southern loft is a proud sponsor of our PBS it is our mission to tell your story by adding color with our furniture and that's why Southern loft is a different kind of furniture store for more information go to my Southern loft.com looks like we have some new help in the marketing department hi I'm Su ER with EDB GMC I think you need to work line better how about you do it family own customer friendly family friendly comest at GMC I at Alcoa exit get your liveaction photos from the game at my pbs.org backos grab free downloads have prints made these are great Championship keepsakes well RJ it has gone back and forth really even throughout but one thing that's not even is the points in the paint Pine BL leading at 16 to six that's really the only glaring difference well and you but you've seen a lot of you know breakaways and you've seen a lot of transition baskets for Pine Bluff to where they can get it down and get a layup you know really at the end of the day for Benton they're really trying to move the ball around and and they're settling for jumpers outside the paint and that's where a lot of their scoring's coming from so far so they're going to try to adjust a little bitly maybe try to score from a lot closer Pine Bluff will start with the basketball nice drive left side no good the defensive rebound pulled down by Bon that shot from dendi by Pine Bluff as pricket brings it ahead it is a fastac game the jumper is rejected into the seats by Randy Emerson J he said not today well I tell you what elim Shelby he I I don't think I don't think he was expecting him to get that high whenever he went up to make that shot Burgess three burries it and see that's what makes him one of the top players in the country it's not that he can just post up down low and and dribble drive it's the fact that he can pull up from the outside and also knock down threes well you know what that's going to do if he starts hitting from three that'll open up the middle they're going to have to guard that it's going to give them some breathing room that's something that the zebras do not want to have happen is Burgess to get hot pressure applied for Benton they'll beat it across Corner three zebras wanted an answer but couldn't get it to go and the Panthers to push two one bur the fake the layup no he's fou the [Applause] boy I thought there for a minute he was just going to try to run right into him and over him but it's smart move by Burgess if you watch he went around him and tried to tried to avoid the contact which is what picked up you know the the blocking foul when I think too he had a little bit that that fake that pass that's what kept bril Hall a little bit off balance so he was still moving as B just run into you're exactly right first free throw is good extends the lead to two for B that's their largest lead of the day Believe It or Not Pim they've Les by as much as four that's not very very big no no and I don't imagine you're going to see much of a lead for either one of these two teams as this game goes on 22 to 20 is tyon Burgess trying to complete both free throws he'll do just that the lead is three now for Bon as they keep the pressure applied Jamal Hickman gets to AC cross Randy lay up no wouldn't mattered anyway that's a charge that is a great job that time by elim Shelby Shelby saw him coming out and he just gets his feet planted and just takes the charge he knows it's coming but you don't want to go too soon to make it be a flop got set let him run you over you're moving the ball the other way you get the ball back so now Benton a chance to extend the lead Beyond four something that neither side's been able to do and in a game like this momentum is huge defensive stops are big after both teams have really turned the ball over quite a bit seven turnovers for Bon six for p Bluff and there's the e as B turns it over again crfi though as he misses the easy two that one's got a whistle a travel JB Benton got it and he shuffled his feet that time for Benton javarious Russell when he got the ball say I said Russell it was actually believe that was yeah that was Russell who was able to get it and he just shuffled his feet just a little too much so the ninth turn Crutchfield has his Defender beat he's fou from behind by priet and he'll get two at the free throw line boy really B shoted himself in the foot quite a bit here in this sequence yeah and really on the last you know there's been three or four trips down this side that b could could have taken control of the ball game but self-inflicted wounds are the reason why they don't have a bigger leadfield a chance to cut into that def knocks down the first Courtney Crutchfield also you talked about him being a highly recruited football player committed to Missouri he was also a first team ke King Cotton classic selection this year he's a guy on the basketball floor and you said that might be better at basketball than he's at football certainly arguably is just that he is a very talented player and athlete I that's really all you can say about him yeah no I mean just I believe he does track and field as well I mean the kid is there's a reason why the Missouri Tigers wanted well he's the closest thing to Basil shabaz as you're going to find a graduate from Pine Bluff years ago burs him to the Lane and it's good that that's just impressive right there you're getting pushed off into the into the Baseline and was still able to make the shot bringing it out high for the zebras bril and Hall trailing by four nice go might have been altered by Burg on that one and out prick it they double it finds Shelby up under no but he's fouled and he'll go to the line I'm going tell you right now watching Eli Shelby or LM Shelby it's funny because he's not jumping as big as These Guys these other guys out here right just it's not happen but he's mixing it up and he's like you know what I'm going to go down there I'm going to get fouled I'm going to get my foul and just go back to the line and shoot this thing well when he shot it you could tell he was moving that ball because he knew it's about to get he he knew that trees were about to come over the top of him day Ellis Caleb Knight checked back into the game for Benton Shelby's first free throw was good extends the lead out to five the largest of the day for Benton again we reiterate second time that the Panthers have made it to the State title game they've never won it P BL they've won 14 state titles including one a year ago they're trying to make it back to back they Trail by five with the Basketball Hall with it he'll hand off that's Randy Emerson J now the defense for Benton [Music] swarming still plenty of time though to set up some offense Hall spending around not a whole lot of breathing room tipped around headed towards us and a nice from what that's a great job by Shelby playing defense he shuffled his feet kept his guy in front of him and and made him make an off balance shot and I don't think Shelby's getting enough credit for the defense that he's playing this one 26-21 Benton on top by five they're largest the largest for either side this game has been back and forth all day we anticipated that the turnovers though we've harped on that nine for Benton they've started to slow down a little bit not cough it up as much P left certainly as they had six just about mostly in the first quarter they've done a good job of protecting the basketball but if you look they've not shot as well here in this quarter that's why they're trailing they were shooting 60% at the end of the first quarter it's dipped a little bit they're now down to 45% still staying around the same clip well and and I think that when you look at the the turnovers it's because the Frantic play I mean we started at the first quarter where I mean let's run as fast as we can from one now we're still running but it's a little bit more of a controll run like you're the pace is still big but you're you're a little bit more under control and so we've seen the turnovers come down a little bit here in the second quarter yeah you're exactly you can see that last sequence jump step bur blocked by J and then a foul but they're going to get the foul is that on the shot from Burgess I believe it was no it was yeah it was behind they said that Burgess got a not only did he get a push but yeah you saw it right there he got his arm they're going to call that foul I believe they're going to get that on Daren Gren that's his third foul by the way boy gr's been huge early seven points for the zebras bures to the line can't connect on the first one that is a big foul he's going to have to come out of the game that's a good catch there ja Phillips will come in in his but right now dep could be an issue as gr's one of their leading scores at 11.7 points a game but top of that he's one of their best defenders and rebounder as well still some pressure applied they get it across to Emerson loses the basketball and the Panthers with a steal Burgess ahead Ellis kicks it now to prick it pull up with a right hand too strong in the rebound for cutfield yeah he went up strong with it ffi lost to the basketball but we got a foul from behind that one's probably going to go against pricket has anybody by the way gotten a shot of Crutchfield shoes well those are the most colorful shoes I think look at those things you can't mess up man those are nice got pink and orange and got blue in there and then you look at ad he's got the purple shoes his doesn't have as much look at that I mean you got all you got yellow in there you got some purple you got some some pink orange I mean he got a little bit of everything working in those shoes my goodness shoe game is strong shoe game is strong yes Crutchfield pulling up too strong on the three and Benton's trying to run two on one Burgess the throw down no and that one just about brought the house down right now the Pine Bluff fans are giving it to Buress because he tried to slam one home and a little over overzealous a little bit I mean he just little too much that would have made it an eight-point game and would have dug Pine BL a hole they catch a break trying to convert on it Baseline floater from Emerson no good out of bounds off of burges so it'll stay with pine BL you could feel though the collective when he was going up to to just Hammer that home it was going to blow the lid off this place that would have been the most emphatic dunk arguably of the state championships halls trying to set up some offense Pine BL needs a bucket trying to set something up they'll go to Crutchfield their playmaker hits it off his knee and he lost it Benton off and running Shelby spin move nice find the feed the finish that is a great find great quarter awareness as he's going up saw an open man was able to Dish it to him eight point Advantage Pine Bluff still plenty of time left but they got to get a stop and they need a bucket here they'll go to Crutchfield going to work against pricket doesn't like what he saw so he'll give off to the point guard BR Hall he'll drive through nice kick Corner three it is blocked Hall's able to give him a second chance though and he's fouled how about bril Hall staying around getting that rebound then he's fouled that defense on the close out too from Bon there was no breathing room well Shelby's the one I mean he's making up for his lack of offense for his defense his defense has been outstanding so far in this one offense for Benton coming to life they lead by eight you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports it's the most exciting academic competition of the year and it is live right here on Arkansas PBS it's the Arkansas Governor's academic competition Quiz Bow 2024 state championship schools from all over the state square off right here in this studio to see who will come out on top don't miss a single question Quiz Bow 2024 tune in or stream on the PBS app Saturday April 27th starting at 9:00 a.m. attention Sports Enthusiast get ready to be amazed by Summerwood Sports Complex the new state-of-the-art facility in and Bryant our facility offers up to Four Courts spread across two spacious gyms conveniently located off Interstate 30 in Bryant whether you're a team seeking tournament Glory or an individual looking to elevate your skills Summerwood Sports has got you covered discover more about our Cutting Edge facility and check availability at Summerwood sports.com Conway regional health system is a proud to support Spotlight and celebrate Arkansas student athletes and Arkansas PBS Sports since 1921 Conway regional health system has provided complete healthare services to the growing communities of North Central Arkansas for more information visit Conway regional.org eighto Advantage for Benton and their offense has been good but really the defense Pine has not scored in just under three minutes it's a six R for B say one for the entire quarter so far in the second quarter and uh a lot you know we talked about how there was a little bit of flow there's a lot of inflicted wounds going on in Pine Bluff right now just they're just playing a little bit faster than than they need to for thece [Music] of the continues injy out ofs by the little guy hman the rection probably the smallest guy on the floor like literally probably the smallest guy in the floor how about this from hman the ups and he like a volb he he's 510 and and everybody else is six foot and this guy rolls in there and just throws in the stands Shel andan P from El back and the pull it down Bo I this and Lane the rebound well could have come up with a charge right there as now you got a blocking foul on the other end you're right could have there was antipa a whistle quickly he'll get fre throws as just wasn't quite you like the from let him drive by or really contest that shot yeah once again Shelby finding a way to the free throw line this guy he's not making field goals but he's at the line making free throws aaging points per contest the Shelby First's up and good couple of substitutions Dewan Ellis checking in for tyon Burg and then javarius Russells we mentioned the younger brother of rer back brillan Russell who by the way I heard had a great first day of spring practice well I got a got a chance to watch a lot of that yeah they certainly did he looked great fre throw from Shel up and connects on and the lead is thear of the day for B Pine again got to come up with a good offensive possession that's not it the steel they [Music] feed throws it down he he looked back at the Pine Bluff crowd and just kind of gave him that side eye and it keeps worse P PHS out [Music] of for the zebras you know after that dunk he everybody that was giving him all kinds of grief after he missed the dunk he just kind of looked back over at him just kind of gave him the side eye he he definitely that was an emphasis he made a statement on that dunk now he look to drive on the crossover floating up too strong the foul and he'll go to the line that's what Buress can do my goodness he so tough to guard he remind obviously littley ofms guard when he drives you just the length is so tough he he's a lot quicker than than KH but but sizewise and the way that he handles the ball yeah know you're exactly right knocks down the first one it's so tough to guard as a Defender without you either got to let him go through or foul him with it 34 to 21 foran the zebras really this game has been so close but here in the quarter the Panthers have out scored P to that's the difference th far now I mean look and keep saying this Pine Bluff they're making shots and their game is to drive the paint Lay It Off the glass or dunk it that that is their game all day long they haven't been able to do that because they're moving the ball so fast that they're just out of rhythm they're they're they're losing the handle on the ball they're they're not able to to get clean passes to one another if they slow it down just a touch I think they would be okay in this I think you're right they they usually win the rebound battle where they haven't been doing not been in position quite frankly they're moving too fast to get the rebounds and then they've turned the ball over toer clip there's just a lot of things that are uncharacteristic for them they got to get back to play their time and what I will say is that this is a Pine Bluff team that's used to running people out of the house right they're they're used to running people out the gym you're not going to run faster than Benton no you're not that's what's going to make it difficult Hall trying to end the drought couldn't get it to go but the foul will stay here that one's going to be on day one Ellis for Benton underneath the basket that's the fourth team foul so inbounds underneath the Baseline the next foul for either side here in the quarter will mean free throws zeas get it in bounds Higgins looking to set some stff up they've got a fresh shot clock at 30 so they got time Higgins an open Lane kicks it out Hall the corner three two short again rebound pulled down by D Russell tries to go out good defense knocked down of play by Jamal Hickman but it'll stay with Benton looks like Pine bluff's going to bring some folks in looks like Austin dendy is going to check back in the ball game Benton's going to send some folks in as well getting his first minutes is going to be Harrison well Harrison pick's going to come back in he was in a little bit earlier that's right first minutes I believe here the second quarter he played much in the second quarter so you're right 14o advantage for the Panthers and right now it's been the lack of scoring the good defense for B Russell right zebrra and they out ofs right to your point try to move too quickly and lost the basketball yeah just catch it and run don't run and then catch it I mean and that's exactly what Pine's doing right now that is the third marked it down that's the third time just this quarter that they've tried to tried to run before they caught the the basketball that's 11 turnovers on the afternoon Cricket into the game three no offensive rebound from EDD gray but it's not going to matter that foul is going to go get the Panthers and that should mean free throws for p left yeah and believe they're going to call that foul on terion Burgess and for Burgess that's his third personal foul wow so if you're a zebra fan you like you want to get him out of the game anyway can you know bur has got to he's got to play a little bit smarter I mean especially a minute 40 left here in the first half you got to you got to go there and by the way the new free throw rule as far as you know number of fouls uh this was something that the nfhs came up with this year and it was adopted by the Triple A so you've not you don't have a one in one anymore you got two free throws per foul that begins after five fouls and resets each each quarter I like it I think it makes it a lot simpler everybody of Team theame especially the women they play that makes itle the way has made in second qu all three points the free throw they [Music] byly boy look at this had a wide and P was giv it to him they TR for the offive Reb you could they don't want to the were I'm tell right now ad gray was just sitting there going is anybody going to guard me over here too good to be he didn't pull the trigger so he'll bring it [Music] up whatever you want to call it B in the whites out of control another turn got a whistle though [Music] foul throw yeah and that was higgins's first personal foul but you got a minute left in the game now you're shooting with no no clock run Crick first free throw he got on the that was in the first quarter hasn't played much in the second quarter quite frankly here recently Caleb Knight out on the FL for the Panthers as well Shelby Ellis [Music] Russell it the're up P looking for their first bucket of the Quarterfield it's there got it a great move just was able to use his body and position himself to where only he was able to go up and make that shot so they slow things down a little bit that that possession looked a lot more controll for Pine now they going to have stop Crick The Crossing against him that's dendi tipped stolen crfi the out to Jamal and he is fou triling behind Shelby with a hard foul I think Hickman wanted that throw but he's F instead you know honestly I was looking at Hickman and thinking he's going to beat Shelby to the rim Shelby kind of came out of nowhere and said not today that's a few times we've seen Shelby his def onose out on a in the corner that guy's running up the floor that's a Difference Maker in games like this it is it is you're exactly right Hickman a chance here he's got two points on the day CS the lead to 11 and boy the way this game has gone P Bluff only down 11 if they can get a stop and keep it around 10 to 11 at half you got to feel like that's a win for them yeah absolutely second one no good tipped around we got a foul you don't want to do that well and that time he just grabbed his arm and for Pine Bluff that was Courtney Crutchfield and they were going for the rebound he grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back and you can get that foul call the times that's exactly right well it comes at a spot for crunch field too man you don't want to do something like that after you're already trailing 11 they're going to talk things over are they reversing the call no they said since it was a foul on Crutchfield that's five foul they reversed it going to the free throw line I've never seen that I have never seen that he literally pointed at Crutchfield before he went to the and Coach Dexter Hendrick is like he has every right to be mad because he's saying that he said well my guy was the one that got pulled around I think at the very minimum you need a look there's the foul right there when he he pulled his arm back I I don't know where I don't know where Ellis's foul came from but either way that's [Music] one [Music] zebras TI around zebra got a Ste they're scor and the and he's fou wow yeah I [Applause] mean you got to make that shot though if you're crutch field you've got an opportunity to go I know you're getting fouled but you still got clearance to go and lay it off the the fre throw line first withs to's to time going to be the half cour well and here's the other thing JB possibly a seven-point game looks totally different than what we saw just about two minutes ago that was a four point swing yeah so now B up by seven Up by 11 a moment Ag and with pine they a here they could cut it to the half that would be a 7 R in less than 30 seconds I mean you want to talk about a little bit of a meltdown for Benton right now and really once again though it comes back to the pressure of Pine Bluff because their defensive pressure is what's causing this but you also got to look at Benton they've got Braden stamper in who caused that travel he had played the whole game until right now that's a good catch Stamper took too many steps as he tried to get rid of it Pine BL trying to score at the end of the half they got a look from Hall floer from the basine and p goes on in of and they cut game all the way down to they're going to take a [Applause] look it's a fiveo game I can't believe it yeah no I mean it's it is it's Wild coach HRI is not happy and now there's a little bit of a scrum going on there's nobody separating these these teams as they're walking off and wow well this one is set us up well for the second half a fun one in Springs our show coming up from the SP City you're watching the C Bank State Basketball Championships on the Arkansas PBS [Applause] Sports the electric cooperatives of Arkansas over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops powering homes farms and industries somewhere across Arkansas we are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas power and [Music] people welcome back to the Arkansas PBS studios in Conway Steve Sullivan here along with Christina Munoz it's halftime again at bank o arena in Hot Springs but stay where you are we've got some good stuff coming up including a look at the Arkansas PBS student Allstar team for 2024 but first there's a basketball team up in Northeast Arkansas with a coaching situation that's just a bit different we spent some time with Coach Barbara Wilburn of Mark tree let's take a look if you're going to be in here you're going to play basketball consistency its definition conformity in the application of something typically that in which is necessary for the sake of logic accuracy or fair but there is another definition for consistency the way in which a substance holds together or maybe who holds it together at Mark tree High School there is no doubt whom in fact is just that there's a big deal being made about female coaches or uh female officials doing uh men's games and people talk about how trans setting that is but that's been happening in Mar Tre since the late 90s when they made her head coach of a boy program I am Barbara wiber and covered I am the head basketball coach for Junior and Senior High boards basketball here at marcher been here 33 years honestly I didn't never knew where marree Arkansas was until someone hired me to come to Mar Tre the kids are great I the community is great it's just it's just a great small town so I actually met coach Wilburn uh when I was in junior high and I was actually out here on this court shooting and she walked up and she started giving me some pointers and it was from that moment that like I've always looked up to her coach wmer she want the best for us just going out there and playing with her on our side it just motivates us even more outside of the school walls um she's a a huge figure in our community everybody knows coach wil everybody's heard the stories whether they're true or not my very first experience with basketball I can remember and I think I was in a third grade third or fourth grade and I just intrigued that they were running and jumping and playing ball putting this ball in that a cylinder so I was just sitting there and all of a sudden I could hear like somebody coming up the steps the coach says if you're going to be in here you're going to play basketball so I just been intrigued ever since coach Wilber has a level of intensity that that she brings to this gym and to this community and a a level of expectation the beautiful thing about that is that our kids like they Embrace that intensity she taught me how to play in like bigger schools like the same time we all play players just cuz they're bigger schools doesn't mean a small town School uh can come and win My Philosophy I think it's just simple it as simple as being you know you got to play defense to win and just have respect and and that intensity has has served some of those young men well there's tons of things that they've taken away from Barbara Wilburn her work ethic her desire to excel The Way She carries herself what really kind of tugs at my heart is when we go places and people walk up and say you got the most respectable kids I've ever seen on on a basketball court I mean that to me that's that's just the best that's just the best coach Wilburn by all accounts is running a great program there in Mark tree now Christina Muno is here to introduce us to some very talented kids both on and off the court Christina that's right thanks Steve earlier in the season we reached out to coaches all over the state looking for athlet who Excel on the court and in the classroom here's the Arkansas PBS student Allstar class of 2024 we start off with the 1A girls that is Savannah pile with the Emerson High School Pirates Savannah plans to attend college as a General Studies major and explore her options for 1A boys we have Kenyan Carter a junior Guard from Marx tree Kenyan wants to be a coach or make it to the league next up we have Abby methin representing 2A girlss she plays for the Yellville Summit Panthers Abby has a 3.8 GPA and wants to go to cosmetology school for the boys in 2A we've got Cade Barber with the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves Cade has a GPA of over 4.0 and wants to be an anesthesiologist the Lamar High School Warriors Corey Sanders is the 3A girls Arkansas PBS student Allstar Cory wants to be a math teacher and a coach on the boys side in a we have Sam Maddox representing the central Arkansas Christian Mustangs Sam wants to pursue college basketball and likes to spend his spare time playing golf halfway through and on to the 4A girls that's Addison hudsmith of the Heber Springs lady Panthers Addison wants to play college basketball and go to physical therapy school JJ Andrews with the Little Rock Christian Warriors represents the four a boys JJ has a 3.72 GPA and wants to play professional basketball the 5A girls are well represented by lak Moore of the Mountain Home lady bombers Laken wants to attend college and play basketball and describes herself as a gym rat the 5A boys well that is Luke stump with the russeville Cyclones Luke wants to be a veterinarian and live in Australia rounding out the classifications are your 6A student All Stars for the girls that is Delaney roller with the harbor lady wild cats Delaney has signed to play basketball at mssu and will'll study business and finally for the 6A boys we have honor bang representing the Little Rock Central High Tigers honor plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in engineering you know there's a good chance you'll see some of those same athletes again live right here in this studio when we bring you Quiz Bow 2024 this April that is definitely something that you will not want to miss well Steve it is about that time yep much more coming up in the second half that's right right here here on the home of the high school basketball state finals Arkansas PBS the electric cooperatives of Arkansas over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops powering homes farms and industries somewhere across Aransas we are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas power and people hey I'm Rick Steves you know I don't go anywhere without my passport and now thanks to PBS passport you can travel with me and watch all 10 seasons of Rick stev's Europe and all my travel specials this exclusive streaming service is just for our members not only can you see all my shows but you can see thousands of hours of your favorite public television shows become a member today and get your passport hands up hands up hands up hands up up up let me let me see welcome back to bank o arena for the 5A boy State title game I'm JB Brazil alongside RJ Hawk this one was quite different it was a 12o Advantage for Bon with 45 seconds to go but a 90 Run for the zebras and also turnovers in 25 seconds helped a lot the zebras are right back in this thing they Trail by five but you look at the stats for quite a bit there in this second quarter the zeas only had one field goal under two minutes to play the turnovers flipped things and they got within five yeah I mean and if you think about that last 54 seconds or 25 seconds terion Burgess was not in the game they had three fouls and so really Pine Bluff made ground in 25 seconds without ter bures in the game and cour scored seven points that tells you exactly how important he is to his team let's take a look at the halftime highlight reel that we got a lot of good plays from both sides including some big dumps yeah no you're exactly right it all started right there look at Crutchfield coming up and slamming it home defense played a really really important go in this one but then Darion Gren got into the action look at this the the block right there gr's been all over the place but then terion Burgess came up knocked down a three got a easy laying just went up and over grading to make that one go comes back right there with a 80 gray laying then here's the big dunk just hammered it home that's what really erupted this crowd with that dunk and then this was that last 25 second stretch that we talked about where they've scored seven points over that 25 seconds so where now Benton has a fivepoint lead after halftime 3732 the Panthers you talked about the halftime the keys to the game they wanted to limit Pine Bluff Second Chance points they had done that up until late p with second CH points and then for PFF they want to [Music] figure you want to highlight for both sides well I mean I think really and we've said it all game p bl's got to slow the pace just a little bit I mean they've got really really good guard play they just got to slow it down and and work within themselves as for Ben you got to keep ter just out of foul trouble and he's not even he's working on the outside right now he feeds it little Flo from Russ go and the rebound for the Ze nioul he [Music] to boy that I want to see that again oh he did grab his arm okay I was wondering cuz I I thought he got Ball but when he grabbed the inside of that forearm right there that'll get with that so Hickman points on thees first fre throw Hickman's the fre throw line will be his and attempts he's of chance to cut lead back down not that early the first thr up 3733 B trying to figure out a way you felt like the end of that first half moment M with Pine Bluff they're playing with high energy again Shelby with a corner three no tipped around Burgess had it knocked out of play that one off Kaden Higgins it's going to be how do the Panthers respond after giving up really one of the biggest runs you can have at a short amount of time you got to you got to respond yeah I mean you do but you also don't want to press right I mean you you want to play your game and and I think that they realized one of their biggest weapons wasn't there one not only offensive weapons but defensive weapons wasn't in the game that's exactly right you got to keep him in the game out of foul trouble nice entry pass through the Zone but the shot wouldn't go it's tipped and stol Away by ad gray no feed to Buress they got a fresh shot clock prick it around to Shelby The Zone has caused problems there's a steel Hall and lays it in it's a two-point lead for bitton I mean this is where you got to you don't want if you're that momentum that that they took out of halftime to to Really roll in this third quarter and it has prick the answer from three No Gray the rebound and that's why I think just you're right slow things down but you do need to bucket just to help yourself settle down a little bit does have to be a three either great nice look from the Baseline well defended it'll be tipped out of play off of Harrison pricket back to the zebras they got a chance to tie this thing up on this trip well and P Bluff has gone to a zone so where you know it's really making betting you know they're forcing them to figure something in on the outside Panthers haven't been able to do it it's C currently a three Run for the zebras to begin in the second half spin up 37 currently if you date back to the first half this is a 14 R for Pine too long Russell going up strong no pricket the rebound put back the first bucket in a long while and Coach Hendrick wants a timeout as the Panthers back up by two well and I think that's probably a smart timeout you get the bucket you got you really got to calm your guys right now because Pine Bluff is playing with a lot of confidence coming into this third quarter and so you you got to get your guys back together and say hey look get back out there go at what we did there in the first half and and you know they're just not making a lot of smart shots right now you slow things down a little bit I feel like that's been kind of the key for both teams they both can play fast and they play well playing fast but it's got to be controlled the teams that have played a little bit out of control and too fast things have gotten out of hand right now Benton some self-inflicted wounds has caused problems trying to slow things down they've got 14 turnovers on the day to the Panthers zebras haveed up 12 times and P Bluff will have the basketball down by two boy this one has been a thriller bitten up by a bucket they've led by as much as 12 part as much as 14 yeah I mean that that lead had gotten up there frunch field trying to tie fading away won't go tipped up and in by the little man Hickman again that guy he does not play small does he no but and I think Burgess may have had a hand on that as well he may have scored a bucket for Pine Bluff Hickman stats 39 Ace 5 in the third setting up nicely for a thriller they trap feet up top prick it ho hits Back on Top by three that's a nice job moving the ball around finding the El man getting top of the key and just stopping and popping other quickly Daren the easy the lead's been TR back down to one for B Fe around javarious Russell trying to set up some offense they'll feed to Burgess there on the low block corner feed nothing there still trying to find some answers against the Zone can't do it zebra another steel Crutchfield trying to go the Up and Under good transition for now they got numbers trying to turn it into points Shelby to bures too that would have brought the house down now they try other Aly to crutch field and Ze up do you call an Ali when you lay it off the glass attempt it that the alley layup yeah 4342 Bon has struggled against his zone for p off yeah the zone is shut down the the Benton offense that was a good call by the 5 coach of the Billy Dixon causing the Panthers prob got it prick it there on the elbow picks up his dribble tried to feed Burgess [Music] tipped [Applause] by zebras by Ben's going to call a timeout listen to this [Applause] Crow wow [Music] 45 well and look let's not fool ourselves here I mean b kind of did this to themselves they had a 14-point lead and it looks like we're at the media time I'll tell you more about that here in a minute St basketball championship arbs Sports what does it mean to be great it's the rhythm of the heart the spirit refusing to surrender it isn't born from a moment of Glory it's woven in the fabric of progress for the journey is where Champions are born to be courageous is to dance with the storm of adversity the fact that I have UAMS Health by my side it's just a blessing and without UAMS health I wouldn't be the player that I am today this is the PBS app ready for you when you want to watch full episodes of your favorites stream anytime anywhere with the free PBS [Music] app here's the run by Pine Bluff I mean and it's nothing flashy it's just laying the ball up working back within themselves and they have played defense to start the third quarter and that's why right now you see Pine Bluff with a 4542 lead after being down by as much as 14 fouls had to come out 45 seconds go on a 9 cut the Le down to five a buzzer shot from hallan AES he has been so good from the wing when he's when he's set up wide open like that he's drilled it tonight by the Way's gots as out [Music] ofan Higgins feeds it over to Hickman Hickman's had a good game today for the zebras a roll jump to the Lane nice what a great move you just stop you know do a late shutter step and then you go this is a guy that in2 points got when the lights get bright things happen Pricks three Off the Mark zebra trying to run they got Higgins the out of play off of Bine Bluff will maintain underneath their own basket this one has fit the billing we knew this was going to be a good game and it has certainly lived up to that we're glad you're with us JB Brazil alongside RJ Hawk he'll feed it Courtney Crutchfield well contested to contested as pricket picks up the foul number three on Harrison pricket so your Two Fellas you lean on pricket and burgers now with three fouls a piece I don't oh there's the foul you know when he when he swatted down got him on that forearm Crutchfield knocks down the first was a good drive and you're right you saw pricket SWAT down once he made contact with a hand you saw it knocked the ball out of crutchfield's fingertips 4 Pine Bluff their largest lead of the day they L 18 to 14 back in the first their up by four now and a reminder they Trail by 14 another turn no they'll get the foul that's onfield that's on so you look the two for both sides in terms of points per game gr and then Crutchfield both with three for Pine Bluff and Burgess both with three personal fouls for Benton boy both teams got to be careful and not only that but you got Shelby for Benton who's got three fouls as well bath he fou he'll go to the line and that's what you need if you're B you need him feed him down low let him go up and get fouled ter on Burgess that was contested that's gr is that four that's four on Darion Gren that's huge that that is a a big foul because he has been he's been a playmaker in this one grading so far 11 points in the game playing with four fouls still a combined 10 minutes left to decide this thing bur three-point play is good they're going to keep grading in they know how big an instrumental he is to this offense they beat the pressure to the zebras crfi through the lane couldn't get it to go Hitman nearly had the put back that guy's got UPS prick it ahead for the Panthers trying to regain the lead Shelby the Baseline he feeds to burges steps back off the glass in the is open I mean you're not going to find it much better than that now other Hall feeds behind him to Gren basket count he is by ad well and here here's the thing JB this is why he's so good for this team Darion Gren got playing with four fouls working in down low and really making sure that you know he's going to go up and be strong to the bucket every time that's why you need him in the game he's got3 make ites Pine Bluff the one advantage is Jak phlips check back theame Darion gr going to the bench a well deserved rest and more than wants to keep him there because of foul trouble you've only got a minute and a half left here in the third let him sit the rest of this quarter and then bring him back in the fourth I like the call I think that's what coach Billy Dixon's running with as well Panthers and zebras nearly stolen Burgess able to keep it jump step through contact no rebound ad gray and he's fou going up that'll be free throws for aday they're starting to pile up no I think they're going to say was on the floor he pushed him right before he went back up and so I think they're going to take it from the Baseline so they're going to go and call it on the floor that as well he also didn't put up the shot either so it'll be a baseline just the 1 foul for Pine BL both teams with three a piece here in the quarter that one nearly too tall for Shelby keeps it alive Panthers and zebras it's very cliche to say this but every possession in a game like this is crucial yeah no absolutely and you know Ben's got to find a way to break this Zone it's not been good for them all this entire second half they do it right there nice play from the zebras move quickly with field up and offensive Reb they we gotp and it's going to go with Pine Bluff so the jump ball will keep it with the zebras every time Benton has scored Pine off in running it's Off to the Races trying to score for an easy two and they get the offensive rebound to reset Crutchfield out there playing with three there's Panthers on the floor with three fouls driving through Shelby got the steel and he's fou from behind by Hall that's his third as well it's just the fourth foul for Pine Bluff but the next one would send b to the free throw line in the quarter with only 36 seconds look at this play that's a great job by Shelby just sticking his backand in there just pumping it away and he was pulled on his jersey as he was going down Caleb Knight and the Panthers they try to feed the cut nobody home miscommunication between aday and Caleb Knight that's the 17th turnover of the day for Bon and now we've got a technical [Applause] foul oh my goodness this could be huge in a game like this we got a technical is that on H it's on Hickman yeah he's got fouls to but that doesn't really matter what's important that's achal foul and you bur and the Panthers free throws in the ball I don't know what he did I and you got to make the free throw so burges cannot connect on the first he'll another Panthers up by one try to make it two here he got that one what ties the ball game or gives excuse me gives B a two-point lead now rather than just a one-point lead but more importantly gives him the ball it was going to be B after the turn S inflicted Panthers have a chance to end the quarter with a two point or two possession lead if they'd like to do that they got the technical Hitman because he threw the ball is what we were told to the referee here we go nearly ticked away and stolen PR got it on the corner sh and that's going to give it back to the zebras let's take a look at this technical that was called on Hitman he's got the ball the way thre it to the ref and that's where he got up what do you think about that Ro I mean I don't know you don't know what was said like that's all you can see is a ball being thrown I I I don't know this would count if it goes the buzzer it's off the mark for Kaden Higgins are in the books bitten up by two don't go anywhere this one's going to come down to the wire the fourth quarter to decide this when you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports Centennial Bank is committed to you since our founding in 1999 we've become one of the nation's most trusted banks by remembering that you come first by empowering in our communities to reach their Highest Potential through our dedication to local charities education an exceptional service because we are proud to call Arkansas Home banking with you in mind Centennial Bank member FDIC attention Sports Enthusiast get ready to be amazed by Summerwood Sports Complex the new state-of-the-art facility in Bryant our facility offers up to Four Courts spread across two spacious gyms convenient located off Interstate 30 in Bryant whether you're a team seeking tournament Glory or an individual looking to elevate your skills Summerwood Sports has got you cover discover more about our Cutting Edge facility and check availability at Summerwood sports.com is [Music] s boy this is a recap of how we the score and it's just been terion Burgess and really between him and Crutchfield those two guys have just dominated this ball game and you see right there Crutchfield has just been great 5452 is our score and um I tell you what the way these first three quarters have gone this fourth quarter you better buckle up because this fourth quarter be a lot of fun we certainly anticipate that we knew it coming in was going to be you look at the ter lead all SC 23 Harris got drops Shelby fori those are the guys that are leing the they go to Burgess down low heavily contested can't get it to go third chance that one home that's why he's so good his size the wake and block out he didn't get one he got two and then a third one and then was able to get the put back Hall trying to set up some offense for the zebras here in the fourth and final quarter it is starting to come to it's been Rowdy all day but both teams they know the amplifications of this one b and pinof in a battle third meeting between these two teams B win both games earlier this year try to make it three we got a foul on a who's that one looks like Caleb Knight picks up the person that's just his little bit of a hip check huh yeah when he tried to split the Defenders he kind of gave him a little bump with his H crunchi gets cut off they kick it out time not made a three today they're 0 of eight from Beyond the AR and you call it RJ they like to score from close running downhill Crutchfield calling for the screen floats it up over the defense no and teres the board prick to El wants a three can't get it to go but PR it the offensive board rejected by Randy Emerson Jr Aline Bluff Emerson fouled on the drive and that's going to be full on Shelby if if that was on him it Shelby throws Pine I imagine the way this game going RJ before this body's going to foul out well yeah I mean that's I think you're right but I think you if you're Dexter Hendrick you may pull Shelby back and say hey look we either need to give you a break you need you need to bounce out the middle of the the crowd for a minute free throws both of them knocked down by Randy Emerson J he's got six on the day and while Shelby's not he's not just a massive scoring threat what he is is a defensive threat that's right he's been all over the place they got the touch pass out toight they double flashing for a Ste out of bounds off Kaden Higgins stay with bent six and a half to [Music] play Shelby he thought about the three this Zone once again for Pine Blu causing all kinds of problems Panthers have found a way to stop it Knight the three can't get it to go offensive rebound the back rim down but 80 foul who now who's that one going against because okay it's going to go against 11 So Randy Emerson is the one that picks up that foul but boy I I looked down there I saw Gren sitting right there I like boy if that one's on he's cuz he's playing with four fouls well you know when that foul was caught he looked to the ref he was automatically making sure it wasn't on him cuz he was in the vicinity free throws for ad gray very big free throws at this juncture in the game sure we'll be saying that quite a few more times as gray knocks down the first one on the Day ad Gray he's got six points right now bent shooting 69% from free throw land and uh Pine Bluff is at [Music] 76 this is a game that you imagine free throws are going to be important down the stretch F trible piling up Hall bringing it ahead the 5A South All Conference player he's a really good point guard only has six points today but he has certainly dished the ball out two assists in this one up and under Crutchfield no try to get the second CH B it out and it's traed down in the backt by Higgins Hall trying to convert the Baseline Drive in the Finish great job going up with two hands to protect the ball now javarus Russell they look to trap here in the frontt he'll bounce it over to pricket Panthers on top by two they feed to bures tough finish to the rack with the left hand I mean he just went well he knows that he's got Gren gardening and and he's going to have a little bit more leeway because gr's not going to try to block his stuff and get another foul picked up a great point he knew he had the leverage due to foul trouble no call on the blow by from Crutchfield and then he's fouled going up at this point in the game with everybody being in foul trouble you look up and see who's the foul on they'll give it to ad gray if you're bitten that's three for par me that's four for gray my goodness he just had two a moment ago yeah and you know now you're you're still a minute 13 from the media timeout and and you're racking up fouls right now on both teams Hickman checks back in for the zebras Hickman's had a good day Crutchfield with 19 points got him a 20 piece it cuts the lead to two 60- 58 the lead for Benton there's still five minutes of chaos left this has been a thriller through and through Shelby from the corner nearly threw it away it will be a turnover cutfield the athletic play throws it off the chest of jarus Russell and by no means was that intended like he was just trying to save it and yeah Russell was sitting right there and said whoa didn't expect that to come at me well like good things happen an effort plays like that Crutchfield going after it you never know what happens the turnover that's 20 on the day re fromet now the outlet ahead is slow things down to bring it ahead out to Burgess and we got a timeout it's probably a good call for head coach hendri slow things down talk it over well and not only that but you know you're at the 440 Mark you take that little breather let everybody kind of exhale exhale a little bit and then you've still got another timeout coming with the media timeout so you know just kind of regain a little bit little bit of composure and then uh set something up because right now it's only a two-point game with the guys on the floor you got Buress with four with four fouls and you've also got ad gray with four fouls but then on top of that you got elim Shelby with three and you got Harrison picket with three so you you want to make sure that whatever you set up you know you know they're going to run the Zone you're not going to want to press too much and maybe draw charge you got to be a little bit more contained if you're been it's a great time out by deor HRI just to went over and set something I think sides foul standal hyon J Ro play Shelby with sixay with six Russell with two I will say this though 35 personal fouls have been called in this game and you know that I mean look when you've got this type of pace where it's back and forth and you got a A lot of running and and transition you're going to pick up fouls not not quite you know 35 fouls there's a lot going on but you just got to be a little bit more controlled about yourself especially late late in the game well and you got adj to the way the foul are being as well cly going a lot of the ad to theow to Fig out a some teams Z hasus in quarter a lot as the pull jumper is rebounds to feeds it off toins back to crfi for the tie it's tipped around by and the zebras will reset they for Hall he'll drive up against couldn't get [Music] [Applause] [Applause] itou there a foul underneath the basket now who's the foul going to be on they're going to say they're going to say that the foul is going to go against Jamal Hickman and that's going to be his third and that's going to take us to the media timeout 6058 free throws we come back a thriller from the spa city you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS [Applause] sports for every moment for every memory from that first car to your first home to your first child and all the highs and lows that tomorrow might bring for everything that matters most to you and your family there's someone right around the corner dedicated to helping you protect what you love your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent Farm Bureau Insurance real service real people looks like we have some new help in the marketing department action hi I'm Su with MC I think you need work on your Vine better how about you do it family and customer friends I don't know GMC ibody it's time for our Arkansas PBS student allar and I got one for you JB this is Luke stump from russeville high school he's a post player senior 4.4 GPA plans to be a veterinarian in Australia we see a lot of these right you want to people want to go play college basketball do all this probably the first time I've seen plans to be a veterinarian Australian he is our Arkansas PBS student Allstar you talk about most interesting for a future play that one might take the cake yeah I mean hey hey dream big I mean I want that's kind of my dream vacation is to to go to Australia right but I never thought of it as like that's where I want my career to be right right like he's going to go take care of the Kangaroos and all kinds that's right 60 to 58 back to action free throws were promised to you when we came back Russell connects on the first a chance to make it a two possession game but my goodness 355 remaining points have come often for both sides and they're back off running after the rip Miss Hall too but he's felby no I believe it's going to be um Ed gray and that's be five on him so ad season has come to an end in ter he's done for this 2023 24 season ad GRE finishing the eight points per contest six rebounds he finishes the day with six points six rebounds a role player who contributed a lot so that they're going to bring in Caleb Knight to to replace him all first free throws up in good there's only one player on the floor for Pine Bluff in foul trouble well I say foul trouble with four fouls that's great there's three other players with three fouls Burgess on the floor for four as well 61- fart is rasing this is a thriller Zone covers for the zebras they're howling they get it to Burg time called first yeah then once again another good timeout by Dexter Hendrick because of the fact that he was trapped he had know where to go he was trying to find Burgess on the right side then when he came back he saw a Pine Bluff player in his face look Dexter Hendrick call the timeout get your guys set you still got 23 on the shot clock and and this is going to allow you every possession moving forward has to be a meaningful possession and and whether it ends with a score you you got to at least go strong with you can't have any wasted possessions at this point with it being a one-point game wasted possessions is a great way to put that something that both of these teams did a lot of really in the three previous quarters they've done a better job qu but that could very be the in the game down theet 61 to leads by one as they went on a 90 R to cut things down I mean and that's one thing we don't it seems like so long ago that 14 point lead was was intact and I mean Pine Bluff just kept chipping kept chipping and and they finally got it got it down to a five-point lead and then I thing it was tied up and then they had the lead I mean we forget about this Pine Bluff to start the second half they LED in this ball game and they go up and take the lead their last lead was at the 136 Mark in the third quarter they 52- 51 B had gone out by much in front since it's been very close 6160 as we resume play Caleb Knight Manning the for the Panthers he'll look to feed Russell winding still got time though going to have to go to work Russ feeds they'll get Shelby got to put it up's not going to get it off that's a shot CL violation the defs down for the zebras you got to know where got to know where you're at on the floor and the the time on the clock and um you know we talked about Wast of possession that's not what you want out of a timeout so Shelby feeding instead of pulling the shot the turn the 20th of the day is Higgins looking to set up shot feeds to Hall he's their point guard they like to run off through zebra's looking for the lead they first since the third quarter but we'll have to wait as coach Billy Dixon wants to time out I think both coaches know how important each possession is that's why they're calling timeouts at this Jun absolutely absolutely and you know for Billy Dixon same thing that we just said with extra Hendricks like you you want to set something up and have something control you you want to set up a play to to Really feed either Courtney Crutchfield or Daren Gren one of those guys because rather than just running in transition or just kind of going on the on the fly now you you you come back and if you score you take the lead it's now going to be a back and forth Affair for Pine Bluff to to try to get back and and take the lead in this one with 254 to play well and because of the fast pace of play something that has altered in terms of strategy a little bit is the foul trouble teams have to alter their strategy just a little bit because of that so let's take a look here at our stat STS for this weekend Troy Mitchell and have done an incredible job this is not their first goal round but my goodness they're one of the best to do it and by the way if you're at home that link at the very bottom aaa. statbroadcast docomo's doing it and you can watch them at home as we call the game 250 remain Up and Under no call out of offine and you know the way this going you just anticipated a foul being called but I will say this great job that time by Shelby because he came in swiped watch comes in and it was ball like he didn't have hand he came in with ball on top did a good job of getting out of the way because if he's there it's probably a foul try to to the [Music] lead has he yeah I mean he's he's a for once again another guy playing with four fouls Hall basketball throws it it's off the arms of hi and out of play a huge turnover for the zebras yeah I mean this is you know for Pine Bluff Kaden Higgins he was coming in too hot and once again what we saw early in the ball game got to catch it before you move and that is something P Bluff has struggled with that a b turn late in the game one advantage for Shelby the three feeds to Russell his Drive was cut off they'll have to reset [Music] elb Reb Hall zebr [Applause] [Music] [Applause] the and if thatou foul called it on [Applause] Shelby so that's his fourth foul yeah they're going to get Shelby with the with his four what aiut field yet my goodness what a play another onee throw good two Advantage for we talked about these two superstars Pine Bluff crutchfield's got 23 and Burgess has got 27 both fans coming to life rcks tile the line [Applause] 63 run as they've game Hall kicks [Applause] it another big turn for the zebras talked about you got the the pace of the game going back and forth those two coaches call those timeouts to slow things down and and set things up because these are those wasted possessions that we talked about getting too fast for the ball game now a flash for Ste zebras itman for the lead you be kidding me wow that's pick it I believe that's who they're going to get it on Jamal Hickman [Music] F and that's fourth foul by the way inou there's three Panthers on the floor with four fouls pricket Shelby and Burgess it's off the reban by a bucket got one minute left Russ three2 strong it's tipped around loose basketb picked up by thean Shel got it the out to Crutchfield he's fou but he couldn't get it to go I don't know how you don't get a foul down here on Shelby he got he got slammed to the floor on the other [Applause] endan I me actually it was a good call though I mean they went up but and he hit ball good defense how about knowing he's got four foul know she's got to get up and get the block he doesi a chance to make a game with 45 seconds to go these are Big first one two for cutfield look at this again yeah I mean I think that's a that's a judgment call at that point you you could call it a foul but he went and hit ball on that on top side field second got that one still a one possession game if you're bet you don't need a three right here still play your off get a good look B shooting 35% right now from three point Knight's got an open Lane off the rim he thre it away's got the ball Pine Bluff looking to push they get it to Hitman touch pass they'll swing it around foul roul zebras line [Applause] brail and Hall two of the biggest free throws of his life coming up but we got aout first wow cred to P they made plays but I will say this B shot themselves in the foot just a couple of times you had steal against Knight and then on that possession the throw by KN off the r to Pine yeah and look you got a guy KN in the ball game that wasn't in the starting five I mean know it's no knock on him yeah you're right but you're missing one of your starters late in the ball game that that would normally be in the ball game and so you know I I'm it is what it is at this point I I think that look there there's still there's still plenty of time you you got 25.4 seconds left now the shot clock is going to be turned off if Ben can get a stop or or well I guess they're going to probably get a foul and then take them to the free throw line here's what you got to do you you've got to just hope you're going to they miss the free throws and you go down there and try to tie this thing up I mean that's really what you're looking for at this point that's right I believe the foul before the timeout was five so there will be free throws which is good for Benton because no more clock will come off and then what you'll have is the Panthers make or Miss they've got to have a good offensive possession but before that if you're Pine Bluff and bril Hall you need you really want both but you need at least one with make it a two possession [Music] [Applause] game so here we go BR Hall with some big free [Applause] throws he's short on the first wow I'm telling you free throw shooting has not been strong suit for Pine Bluff in this one especially as here in the second half now they're they're 22 of 30 for the game the senior bril Hall trying to make it a two possession game got it fourpoint lead for the zebras B got to move quick but they've got to break the pressure they nearly throw it away Burgess over to Russell three too strong tipped around pulled down by Hall you got a foul B and that is number five terion Burgess fouls out an incredible performance from Burgess 27 points for terion Burgess played his tail off the Junior with an electric afternoon I mean he had 27 points I mean he did everything that he could possibly do in this game first free throw from Hall is up and good a little less pressure when when you got a four-point lead trying to shoot those free throws yeah you got a littleit the one he made previous was the one where there was the pressure he did that now with it a fivepoint lead for p Bluff they can feel back to back state titles misses that Panther is going to have to move very quick you don't have time to get it to your guy pricket ahead Shelby the three to strong Pim Blu the board and that will do it Pim Blu takes the 5 crown backto back state champs and it'll come home to Pine BL Arkansas [Applause] well I tell you what they they came in they knew the challenge I knew the challenge and and it's hard to beat a team three times and uh Pine Bluff did it 6863 we'll have the post game coming up for you in just a moment Pine Blu backto back state champs you're watching the Centennial Bank State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports [Music] the electric cooperatives of Arkansas over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops powering homes farms and industries somewhere across Arkansas we are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas power and people Centennial Bank is committed to you since our founding in 1999 we've become one of the nation's most trusted banks by remembering that you come first first by empowering our communities to reach their Highest Potential through our dedication to local charities education an exceptional service because we are proud to call Arkansas Home banking with you in mind Centennial Bank 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everything to fulfill your DIY needs tune in every Saturday for your fix of DIY programs only on Arkansas PBS the commitment it takes to be a winner on the field is the same as the commitment Centennial shows its customers patience perseverance commitment and resilience are key ingredients for Success both on and off the field whether you're cheering on your home team or needing encouragement starting a new business let Centennial Bank help you make plans for your future Centennial for all of life's moments member FDIC AR Pine Zeb backto back State title what a game it was we're here with Coach Billy Dixon JB Brazil alongside RJ honk coach as you looked here you you saw the Trophy presentation it's got to mean a lot for you guys as you win it back to back oh my God it means so much it really does I mean uh it's a difficult challenge just to get you the first time my guys to stay focused and lock and we're able to come and go back to back playing a team that took it to us twice during the regular season yes it's a great feeling I promise you it's a great feeling coach I I go back to the first half right before halftime you guys are down like 14 points you made four stops and and and you scored seven points in about 20 seconds that gave you a lot of momentum going in the halftime locker room we have what's called get a kill a kill is three defensive stops consecutively so when we had that last timeout that's what we talked about guys we knew we had played horrible we really had played horrible the whole first half I mean we scored what six minutes and scored one point yeah so when we call that timeout we refocused the guys and we changed our defense up a little bit let's get a kill let's get a kill cuz kills turn over transition we had to get out and move the ball so uh yeah that was a great feeling to turn it around I told the guys at a halftime for us to be down by five playing the way that we play we're fine let's go back and let's be Pine block and they responded and that's exactly what they did Coach I want to talk about the adjustments for you guys in the second half but more importantly defensively that seemed to be the emphasis while also adjusting to the fouls that were being called what was the mindset for you guys well we had to go to the Zone which was part of our plan all along no one expect us to play zone we're a man-to-man team we going to pressure you we're going to run and jump I told the guys all week I said listen we're going to show the state something different we're going to get in the zone and I'm not just saying that because that's what we did I'm saying that because that was the plan when we were when we narrowed it to five I said to guys listen we just need to bump up then we reached a point we couldn't we got to go to the Zone anyway and that's what we did we went to the Zone we played really three different zones that whole second half in terms of making happen what we need to make happen defense is what win championship that's what we tell guys we get stagnated we don't score the ball sometime and that's what happened to us but it doesn't matter if you play defense well coach congrats on the win backto back state titles go enjoy the win with your team and Community thank you guys so much absolutely what a game it was we will talk to our player of the game the MVP as we look at our stats momentarily 68-63 the final for Pine Bluff they've done it in back toback years and they all really a lot of it came down to the play of Courtney Crutchfield 24 piece on the day we're here with Courtney congrats on the win young man you played your tail off it's got to feel got to feel great hey it feel good going back to back I mean we really supposed to did a three p my uh sophomore year but you know I want I just want to thank God for getting me here having my team here I here came ready to compete and we got the job done Courtney you didn't play a whole lot in the first game against Benton you didn't play at all in the second game against Benton you had something to prove in this one oh most definitely I can I cannot be beat by the same team three times in a row that's a no goal but like you said they got a good great ball Club I think all them guys coming back next year uh they'll be fun to watch next year but this year it was ours real quick let me ask you you know you're going to Missouri play football this is going to be your last time playing B basketball especially with these guys what that mean to to lace it up one more time come out here and play high school basketball with these guys that mean a lot cuz I could have uh early and rolly but I I told since I've been with them my whole life playing travel ball middle school ball I just decided to come back and get the job done with him again well Co Courtney congrats again on the win go enjoy it with your family and friendss and teammates what a game it was the 5A Champions Pine Bluff as we look ahead for what's next don't go anywhere at least for a little bit about you got about an hour and a half but that's right that's right can go go get a bite to eat go to the bathroom and then you can come back and see us well 6A girl final coming up Little Rock Central in Conway the 6A boys to follow that will wrap up game or excuse me day two of the state finals a lot of fun up ahead but it's the zebras from Pine Bluff in a row two in a row back to back state titles as they claim the vict that's to do it for us here Arena from partner RJ Hawk a pleasure I'm JB Brazil alongside the rest of ourl PBS crew saying so long you've been watching the Centennial Banks State Basketball Championships on Arkansas PBS [Music] Sports [Music]