HOT SPRINGS --- Explosive Marion junior guard Ryan Forrest blew past his man to the baseline and rose for a dunk that would have gotten the Patriots within six points in the first quarter. But Forrest's attempt hit the rim twice and bounced out, leading to a Jonesboro fast-break basket on the other end. It was that type of day for Marion, which lost to 5A East rival Jonesboro 55-28 in the Class 5A state title game on Thursday at Bank OZK Arena that gives the Golden Hurricane back-to-back state titles. Marion senior guard Quion Williams earned title game MVP honors after scoring a game-high 17 points. Jonesboro connected on 20 of 42 shots from the floor (48 percent) despite making just three of its 14 three-point attempts. The Golden Hurricane turned 18 Marion turnovers into 23 points. Jonesboro outscored Marion 28-10 in the paint, and the Pats logged just one assist. Jonesboro led by as many as 33 in a contest that Marion never led. Marion finishes its season 25-8 overall, as well as conference and state runners-up. The Patriots played for a state title for just the third time in school history (1993 and 2019). "We had a great season, and I thought our guys were prepared to play," said Marion coach David Clark. "Sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way. We tried to stay in there and fight and make a game of it. Jonesboro is a great team." Jonesboro (28-3) hit Marion with an 18-0 run in the first quarter to open up a 23-2 run, and the Golden Hurricane led 23-6 after eight minutes. The Golden Hurricane took their first 20-point lead of the day when James Blair scored on a layup with 2:53 left in the first half. Jonesboro led 35-14 at halftime. Jonesboro opened the third quarter with a 12-2 run to put the game out of reach. "We're known for our defense, but our defense didn't create turnovers or offense for ourselves as it did for them," said Clark. "We just need to refocus, get back in the gym, and get ready for another run next year." Marion juniors Jayden and Ryan Forrest and Donnie Cheers scored six points apiece, while Darrion Love and Lyndell Buckingham hit for four apiece. It was the last game for Marion seniors Donte Moore, Zyon Parnell, Omarion Jefferson, Darrion Love, and Eli Love.