Republic’s championship in the Republic Invitational to open the season has gotten the attention of the state’s basketball coaches. A panel of coaches ranked Republic #8 in the Class 4 boys basketball coaches poll in conjunction with MOSports.com.
The Tigers are 3-0 after beating Lebanon, Russellville, Ark., and Springfield Hillcrest. Hillcrest had been ranked in the preseason, but dropped out of the top ten after its 56-46 loss to Republic Saturday.
Sikeston, St. Joseph Lafayette, and Mexico are the top three teams in Class 4. Hillcrest is the only other area team in Class 4 to receive votes.
The Lady Tigers were ranked #2 in the girls basketball preseason poll conducted by MOSports.
