Having five seniors on a high school basketball team is almost always a good thing. When they’ve all contributed as juniors, that’s even better. And when they’ve already won a state championship, that’s Republic. The Lady Tigers will not have an empty arsenal as they begin defense of their title this week, but Coach Kris Flood says nothing has changed mentally from a year ago, when Republic was just a pretty good team with a chance to get better. “We’ve prepared like we have the past however many years,” says Flood. “This year’s been a little bit different because of some health and injury issues. We’re going to utilize the first part of the season just to figure out some rotations and go from there.” Those early rotations will rely heavily on the five returning seniors: last year’s leading scorer Alice Heinzler, Sarah Kreul, Alex Botkin, Lindsey Carlson, and Kayla Bartelsmeyer. All five will see a lot of action, with a generous helping of underclassmen off the bench. 
“I think we’re a little deeper this year,” Flood says. “Some kids got to see some critical minutes in those state games and I do feel more confident with our depth. If we have a positive, that’s one.” The depth includes juniors Baylee Rayl and Rachael Allen, who will contribute to a loaded backcourt. “We’ve got some guards. I’m pretty confident that about six of them, if they’re on, they’re on,” says Flood. “It’ll be the same thing (as last season). We’ll have those nights where we may struggle to score. If we’re hitting from the outside, I think we’ll be okay.” This year’s team will miss center Alexis Edwards, who graduated and moved on to Southwest Baptist University. With Carlson at 5’9″ and Kreul at 5’5″, Flood will rely on a mix of smaller players to fill that void. He’s also hoping 6’1″ sophomore Tori Taylor can play a prominent role. “(She) could be a big key. If she really develops on the inside, that gives us a big body on the inside that will help.” Two other sophomores, Micah Mansker and Michayla Shanks, figure to see a lot of action, too. “I think Mansker’s got a lot of upside,” Flood says. “I like the fact that she’s about 5’9” or 5″10 and can play outside, handle the ball and shoot. She can create some mismatches. “I like Michayla Shanks. She’s just real heady, real smart. I can run her at some different spots and she will fit in and help out.” Despite the strong sophomore and junior classes, Flood says his five seniors are the key to the season. “They know what it takes and what they need to do, and it’s not just been with basketball. They’ve been successful with anything they’ve done,” Flood says. “We have our times when we relax and we can joke around, then they know when I want to bear down. “They’re really positive with the young kids, and I think that’s another great asset. They encourage, they don’t try to intimidate. And they’re trying to help develop those kids too, and help continue the tradition.” Republic opens its season Tuesday night at the Aurora Tournament.
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