The Republic Lady Tigers pounded the ball inside mercilessly against a smaller Aurora squad, and romped into the state quarterfinals with a 70-53 win at Willard Wednesday. Republic led by more than 20 points for much of the second half.
Post players Sarah Kreul and Alexis Edwards combined for 33 points. Kreul scored 21 and Edwards added 12. Alex Botkin scored from all over the floor and contributed 15 for the Lady Tigers. That included 7 points in a strong first quarter.
Republic jumped out to a 21-12 lead despite playing a sloppy first quarter. They were even better offensively in the second quarter, outscoring Aurora 22-14, and they led 43-26 at the half.
Coach Kris Flood says getting the ball to Kreul and Edwards was part of the game plan, because Aurora has had trouble with bigger teams.
“We’ve been trying to emphasize that a little bit more in practices lately, and trying to (Kreul and Edwards) a little more involved in the offense.”
Flood says that inside-outside balance will be important going into the state quarterfinals.
“Whoever we get, both teams are disciplined well defensively,” says Flood. “There may be times when we have to settle down and have to run a little bit of a half-court and try to get some good looks, and those looks may have to come from the inside.”
The Lady Tigers will play Jefferson City Helias Saturday. The Lady Crusaders beat St. Francis Borgia 54-41 Wednesday.
