The Dumas Bobcats battled their way to the ultimate high school basketball game, the goal of every program across the State of Arkansas, a dream rarely obtained, the State High School Championship Game.
The Bobcats did not bring the Championship Trophy home, but just as they did all year, they put on a show, they gave their all, they made each and every one of us proud.
Hats off to Osceola, they won their first ever State Championship 52-43 Saturday, March 12 at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs with approximately 4,134 in attendance.
I spoke with Bobcats Head Basketball Coach Larry Harris Monday, March 14th.
I complemented Coach Harris on an incredible season, an incredible team and commented on the record, that we're going to go get that trophy next year!
“As far as the season, generally I was pleased,” said Coach. “If you just look at it just at the end, we went as far as you can go. You can't go no further than the State Championship. The only thing we didn't do was win it. I mean, we won conference, which was one of our goals. We won the majority of our games at home and that was a goal. We wanted to win District, but we didn't, but we turned around and won the Regional. We had a good showing at the State Tournament. Won three games up there by 15, 10 and eight. That was pretty convincing.”
“Osceola just made a lot more plays and we missed some easy layups and also had some costly turnovers in opportune spots that hurt us,” said Coach. “I think that helped Osceola get momentum, get a little run. They made a couple more plays than we did down the stretch.”
"But, overall I was pleased,” said Coach. “You go 28-4, you win conference for the third year in a row, win Regional, make it to the State Championship. I mean, that's special. We have a deep tradition. A lot of coaches would be please to even make it that far. I mean, you made it to the final two teams. We're pleased."
“You know we lost to a good team,” said Coach. “Osceola was 12 deep, 6-7, 6-4 well coached. Coach Wilson is a good friend of mine. They just made more plays down the stretch. We're very pleased with what we did. We would have liked a different outcome. But we can't complain. We've got to keep our heads up and just keep going.”
“We return four starters off that team,” said Coach. “We want to be ready for next year, to make a run at it again.”
Mike Reddick led the Bobcats with 17 points, eight rebounds, one steal and played 26 minutes, while Derrick Lee scored 11 points, with two boards and one steal while playing 24 minutes.
Joseph Jones added six points and seven rebounds, while Tommy Reddick score four points, grabbed five rebounds and blocked a Osceola shot at the buzzer that ended the game.
Billy Reddick scored three points, pulled down three rebounds and made one steal, while Kavion Beavers added two points, three rebounds with five blocked shots.
The Bobcats shot 30.9% for the game from the floor and 46.2% from the free-throw line on six of 13 shooting.
Osceola point guard Daylen Love scored 10 points, while 6-7 center Jerry Long added 16 points and 6-4 Terrance Nimmers scored 13.
The Seminoles shot 31.9% from the floor and 66.7% from the free-throw line on 18 of 27 shooting
