Arkansas high school boys basketball state tournament final live updates: Marked Tree vs. Nevada (3/9/2024)

HOT SPRINGS – It is a long trip home for Marked Tree from Bank OZK Arena, but it will at least be much more enjoyable this time around.

After falling on a buzzer-beating layup to County Line in last year's 1A final, the Indians (35-3) routed Nevada (30-8) 66-43 on Saturday afternoon to claim the program's first state championship since 2001.

Excluding tipoff and a gritty third quarter, the Blue Jays struggled to match scoring with the Indians, who finished 53% from the field and 43% from three-point range. They also dominated under the basket with 34 points in the paint.

1A state tournament MVP Ladarrius Brown finished with a game-high 20 points, including 4-of-8 from three-point range, plus 6 rebounds and 4 steals, while Ken Carter and Jonah Walker each added 10 points for Marked Tree. Brycten Harris and Kevin Coleman each led Nevada with 14 points.

See previous live updates below.

Final: Marked Tree 66-43

A year removed from a heartbreaking last-second defeat, the Indians win their first state championship since 2001.

4th Qtr: Marked Tree 53-34, 5:14

Nevada calls time after Brown connects on his fourth three-pointer of the game from the right elbow.

End of 3rd: Marked Tree 43-28

Jonah Walker has been huge for the Indians, putting up eight points in the frame.

3rd Qtr: Marked Tree 39-24, 2:47

The Blue Jays are matching points with the Indians in the third, but dug themselves in a big hole during the first half.

Halftime: Marked Tree 31-16

Marked Tree's 12 points off turnovers have been a major factor in the score as Brown still leads everyone with 11, followed by Carter with nine. Harris and Kavion Coleman have eight for Nevada.

2nd Qtr: Marked Tree 26-16, 2:05

Ken Carter puts Marked Tree's lead back in double digits and also scored the game's first bucket since the 5:01 mark.

2nd Qtr: Marked Tree 24-16, 5:01

Another three by Harris puts Marked Tree's lead at five.

2nd Qtr: Marked Tree 21-11, 6:42

Brycten Harris swishes as three-pointer to cut the Indians' lead to 10.

End of 1st: Marked Tree 19-8

Indians definitely have the upper hand and are trying to pull away early on. They have converted on eight points off of turnovers.

1st Qtr: Marked Tree 15-8, 1:46

Brown is feeling it and has 11 of Marked Tree's points.

1st Qtr: Marked Tree 10-6, 3:29

Ladarrius Brown's free throws give the Indians their biggest lead early on.

1st Qtr: Marked Tree 2-0, 6:35

Landon Lewis scores the game's first points.

We are underway.

(Photos by Tommy Land)

-- Kyle Sutherland | kyle@scorebooklive.com | @k_sutherlandAR