Second time is a charm for Marked Tree Indians

By COSMO COSSEY

Sports Connection Team

A year after a last second loss to County Line in the 2023 1A state basketball championship game, the Marked Tree Indians left no doubt in hoisting the championship trophy this past season.

Isaiah Malone of Marked Tree comes down with a loose ball during game action in the Class 2A state final.

The Indians finished the season with a 35-3 record while going 12-0 in the 1A-3 conference. “The guys were hungry for this one after the way last season ended,” Marked Tree head coach Barbara Wilburn said. The title was the third boys' title for the Poinsett County school and the second under the leadership of Wilburn.

After a week three loss to 5A Nettleton, the Indians reeled off six wins before losing to 3A Osceola. After four more wins, Marked Tree was upset by BIC in the NEA Invitational Tournament. The Indians responded by not losing another game all season finishing with on an 18-game winning streak to finish 26-3 in the regular season. Marked Tree won the 1A-2 Regional Tournament at Westside Greers Ferry with wins over Viola (74-37), Rural Special (67-42), and Concord (54-38). The Indians kept rolling at the state tournament played at North Arkansas Community College with wins over Jasper (56-38), Bradley (69-44), and Brinkley (46-44). The Indians capped their season with a 66-43 win over Nevada in the state championship game at OZK Bank Arena in Hot Springs. “It's always nice to do the second interview when you get the final game of the season,” Wilburn said. “This team new we had unfinished business to take care of coming into this season,” Wilburn added. With a runner-up finish and a state title, Wilburn said this team will be mentioned when the great teams of Marked Tree are talked about.

Ladarius Brown, who was named to the Arkansas Sports Media Super Team, led the Indians in scoring and rebounding with 14 points and seven rebounds a game. Ken Carter, who ran the teams' offense all season, finished with 8.8 points a game to along with seven assists and four rebounds per game. Landon Lewis, Josh Rand, Cam Marshall, Jonah Walker, Isaiah Malone, Jakaymion Williams and Martavious Davis were valuable contributors who helped the Indians average 55.4 points a game while allowing 37.3 points a game.