The Republic Lady Tigers scored almost half their points in the first quarter, then managed to survive an extended dry spell to beat Nixa 42-34 Thursday on Senior Night at Republic.
Republic took a 12-0 lead, thanks to a hot start from the outside. Alice Heinzler hit two 3-pointers and Alex Botkin added another in the first quarter. It was 16-4 after one period.
But in the second quarter, Republic scored only one point, as Nixa stepped up its defensive pressure and started hitting shots of its own. The Lady Eagles led 18-17 at halftime.
Nixa hit a 3-pointer to begin the second half, extending the lead to four points, 31-27. But that was the biggest lead of the game for Nixa, as Republic scored two quick baskets to tie it up. When Heinzler hit a 3-pointer at the 3:30 mark of the 3rd quarter, it put Republic on top 24-23, and the teams exchanged baskets through the remainder of the period.
Republic led 28-27 going into the final quarter. Nixa scored a quick bucket, but another Heinzler 3-pointer gave Republic a lead it would never relinquish.
“It gives us a shot of confidence right here prior to districts,” says coach Kris Flood. “To come out and beat what was considered one of the better Class 5 teams, I think it really showed that hopefully we’re progressing in the right direction.”
Alexis Edwards and Alice Heinzler had 14 points each to lead the Lady Tigers. Alex Botkin had 9 points. Brooke Dutton scored 3 points, and Sarah Kreul had 2.
Republic honored its five seniors as part of the evening’s activities. Mercedes Doty, Brooke Dutton, Alexis Edwards, Kailey Mathis and Taylor Wells were all recognized before the game began. They were presented with bouquets of flowers donated by Heaven’s Scent Flowers and Gifts.
Flood says the five seniors have meant a lot to the program. “They’re always there, even in practices, trying to keep everything positive. They do whatever it takes to help us win,” he says. “When this thing happens to come to an end, we’ll miss them. They’ve been a key component to the program.”
The Lady Eagles are 20-4 after the loss. Republic improves to 16-7.