Story by Rodger Wheeler
It may have not been the prettiest game to watch, but the post-game celebration was a true thing of beauty, as the Lady Tigers hoisted the White Division championship trophy after a convincing 65-51 win over Central Ozark Conference foe Branson.
(See full photo set below.)
It was a slow start for both teams, but a couple of subs, Micah Mansker and Michayla Shanks, each came in at the 5-minute mark and nailed 3-pointers to loosen up the Republic offense and help put them up 14-9 after one quarter. It was a lead they would never give up.
After leading 31-18 at the half, Republic, who built a lead of as many as 15, let Branson sneak back into the title game, as the Lady Pirates won the scoring battle in the third, 21-15. At the third period buzzer, the lead was just seven, 46-39.
But as the Lady Tigers often do, they relied on solid leadership and scoring from Alice Heinzler and Sarah Kreul, each finished with 17 in the win, and solid free-throw shooting, hitting 6 of 8 down the stretch to seal the tourney title, 65-51.
“Alice (Heinzler) and Sarah (Kreul) know how to win,” said Republic head coach Kris Flood after the game. “Heck, they are winners.”
Alex Botkin added 11 points to be the third Lady Tiger to score in double figures.
The victory runs Republic’s record to 9-0 overall. As we come to the end of 2012, none of Republic’s high school girls basketball teams have lost a game since before the playoffs began last season.
