The first game of the Class 5A State Basketball Tournament tipped off this afternoon. Twenty-seven more will be played between now and Saturday night at Panther Arena on the Magnolia High School campus.
But 24 hours before the state-wide event started, Magnolia Athletic Director Marvin Lindsey Jr. was double checking to make sure the district was set to host the event.
Having hosted the event 10 years ago, Lindsey said he really believes Magnolia is prepared.
"It was very successful the last time, so we already had some guidelines to follow. Off some recommendations, we made a few adjustments. But I'm a believer that if it's not broken, don't fix it," he stated.
No matter what preparations are made, Lindsey said he knows problems can come up.
"If the unexpected happens, we hope everyone will be patience as it gets resolved. Hopefully, there won't be any, but we will make the necessary adjustments to get them corrected," he said.
Community support
makes a difference
"We have been doing a lot over the months preparing for this. Though it's on our campus, this is a community effort," said Lindsey.
According to the athletic director, overwhelming community support goes a long way in hosting a state tournament.
"Our community has backed us in everything we've ever asked. We are very fortunate here in Magnolia to have businesses, individuals and organizations who show their support in a big way during times like this," said Lindsey.
He added, "A lot of towns may not can say that, but our community doesn't hesitate when we ask for help."
Five local businesses are sponsoring meals for the tournament's hospitality room during the week.
They include Marlar's Cafeteria, Chicken Express, Quantum Rehabilitation, Flying Burger and Corner Clubhouse.
Team hospitality baskets are being furnished by Commercial Metals Company.
Several individuals and businesses will be cooking hamburgers, while Jennifer Hubbard will coordinate nearly 60 concession workers during the week.
Local advertisers also supported the game program that will feature pictures of all the boys and girls teams competing in the state tournament.
AAA rules
will be in effect
The school official wants local fans to know that several Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) rules will be in place that the Magnolia School District has no control over.
Gates for games through Friday will open at noon, and at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Price of admission for everyone age 5 and over is $6.
According to AAA rules, local fans need to know that once they enter the arena and go out for any reason, they must pay again to re-enter.
"This is a state AAA-sponsored event and we must follow their guidelines. The admission price and re-entry to the arena are state rules," said Lindsey.
Only AAA passes will get a fan into the arena, which is good for the cardholder and one other person.
Lindsey explained that Magnolia School District's 65-and-older athletic passes will not work, which is a choice of the AAA and not the district.
"I'm sure I will get some questions and will be happy to answer them. But the tournament is not like a normal Tuesday/Friday night home Magnolia basketball game. Everything is regulated by the AAA," he said.
Top teams, athletes
coming to Magnolia
Thirty-two boys and girls teams will be competing this week.
The Panthers, third seed from the South after winning in overtime at Watson Chapel, won't play until 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
First-round games will involve the top seed teams from districts playing fourth seeds, while second and third seed teams will be squaring off.
According to Lindsey, three of the top five boys team in all classifications will be in the tournament, as well as three of the top 10 overall girls teams.
"There will be an array of Division I athletes play here in Magnolia this week. Fans will get a chance to see some quality basketball and basketball players," said the athletic director.
Lindsey said he's excited to get to see athletes he doesn't normally get to see during the season.
"Since this state tournament is at my place, I will have the advantage to go out and watch each one of them. I've heard a lot about many of the players and teams (boys and girls) who are coming in here. Again, there will be Division I players on both sides here," he explained.
Games including the following:
Today
• 1 p.m. (Girls) - Little Rock Parkview vs. De Queen.
• 2:30 p.m. (Boys) - Little Rock Parkview vs. Watson Chapel.
• 4 p.m. (Girls) - Hot Springs vs. Sylvan Hills.
• 5:30 p.m. (Boys) - Hope vs. Sylvan Hills.
• 7 p.m. (Girls) - Nettleton vs. Clarksville.
• 8:30 p.m. (Boys) Nettleton vs. Greenbrier.
Wednesday
• 1 p.m. (Girls) - Harrison vs Paragould.
• 2:30 p.m. (Boys) Maumelle vs. Forrest City.
• 4 p.m. (Girls) - Alma vs. Valley View.
• 5:30 p.m. (Boys) - Harrison vs. Greene County Tech.
• 7 p.m. (Girls) - Batesville vs. Farmington.
• 8:30 p.m. (Boys) Blytheville vs. Morrilton.
Thursday
1 p.m. (Girls) - Watson Chapel vs. Beebe.
• 2:30 p.m. (Boys) - Hot Springs vs. Little Rock Fair.
• 4 p.m. (Girls) - Pulaski Academy vs. Hot Springs Lakeside.
• 5:30 p.m. (Boys) - Little
Rock Mills vs. Magnolia
• 7 p.m. (Girls) - Little Rock Parkview/De Queen winner vs Alma/Valley View winner.
• 8:30 p.m. (Boys) - Little Rock Parkview/Watson Chapel winner vs. Harrison vs. Greene County Tech winner.
Six games will also be played starting at 1 p.m. Friday.
On Saturday, four semifinal finals games will be played at noon, 1:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The boys and girls finals in all classifications will be played at Bank of the Ozark Arena at the Hot Springs Convention Center March 10-11.