Pine Bluff barged past 30 of 31 rivals to earn a couple of titles in Arkansas. With Jerry Rook coaching and superstar Ulysses Reed shining, the Zebras first decisioned Little Rock Hall67-62 to annex the Class 4A crown and then outlasted a . scrappy Osceola five to win the overall state championship. Giving Reed, the fine 6-2 performer who scored 20 a game, a hand were William Hall (12.5), Kevin Crass (10.9) and Kenneth Conley (10.5). Aside from a mid-season conference defeat to Little Rock Parkview, Pine Bluff had a thoroughly enjoyable season. Meanwhile Metairie Archbishop Rummel had a fine time in Louisiana. Utilizing excellent depth and good fundamentals, the '76-'77 edition posted a classy 31-4 seasonal mark. Coach Jim Robarts received brilliant efforts from Wade Blundell, Dean Carpenter, Barry Barocco and ¡Don Schneider. Blundell, for example, shot 56% from the field, hit 90% from the free throw line and averaged over 20 points a game. At the same time, Barocco canned 84% of his charity tosses and handed out a remarkable 200 assists. At the state playoffs the Raiders put down New Orleans McDonogh, South Terrebonne and Monroe Carroll before takin~ on and disposing of DeRidder, 52-48, m the cham• pionship finale.
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