The Kearney Bulldogs showed why they’re considered one of the best defensive teams in the state in their state semifinal matchup against Republic, stifling the Tigers in a 43-31 victory. Republic didn’t help matters, with one of its worst shooting nights of the season. The Tigers hit just about 30-percent of their shots from the floor. They didn’t hit a 3-pointer until the 4th quarter, and they even struggled from the free throw line.
Republic scored first to grab a 2-0 lead, but Kearney quickly went on an 11-0 run and the game was never close from there. The Bulldogs led 11-4 after one period, 24-9 at halftime, and 36-16 after three.
Republic finally got hot in the 4th quarter. They briefly cut the lead to 12 with about four minutes left, and had the ball, but a turnover gave Kearney possession again, and the Bulldogs scored to stop the Tigers’ final momentum.
Senior Kevin Stander had 21 points for the Tigers. Nick Yocum added 5, and no other player had more than two.
For Kearney, Dillon Starzl scored 16 points. Austin Thomas added 7 and Nathan Bitner had 6 for the Bulldogs. They advance to play for the Class 4 state championship against undefeated St. Francis Borgia. That’s a rematch of last year’s title game, which Borgia won.
The Tigers will play St. Louis Soldan for 3rd place at 1:10 p.m. Saturday.
