Republic used support from a raucous crowd, a hot start from the field, and a solid finish at the free throw line to whip Harrisonville 64-51 in a state playoff game. The sectional victory moves Republic into the state quarterfinals, where they will play Bolivar.
Kevin Stander scored 21 points and Nick Yocum added 17 — including three 3-pointers — to lead Republic.
The Tigers jumped on top early, thanks to strong defense and hot shooting. Four different players scored in the early going for the Tigers, and their balanced offense forced Harrisonville to take some of its defensive focus off Republic scoring leader Kevin Stander. The Tigers led 14-7 after the 1st quarter, and took a 25-18 lead into the break at halftime. Harrisonville closed the gap to six points, 38-32, at the end of the 3rd quarter, before Republic pulled away.
Senior Sam Cooper was the biggest offensive threat of the night for the Wildcats, who failed to get much going offensively. Cooper led Harrisonville with 17 points. Center Clint Hocker added 13, including a couple of 3-pointers.
Josh Morrow added 10 points for Republic. Dylan Fletcher had 7.
The Tigers will play for a berth in the state final four Saturday. They’ll meet Bolivar in the quarterfinals at Missouri State in Springfield. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:45.
