The Republic freshman boys overcame a late charge by Carthage to win their opening game in the COC Tournament at Branson, 37-31.
Cory Lafferty scored 15 points, including 7-for-7 from the free throw line, to lead Republic. Brady McGill added 10 for the Tigers.
Carthage jumped to an 9-2 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Republic came back to lead 16-11 at halftime. It was 26-23 Republic heading into the fourth quarter, and Carthage briefly took the lead with about three minutes left in the game. But McGill drained a key 3-pointer down the stretch, and the Tigers hit all six of their free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
