Republic sandwiched two hard-nosed defensive quarters between offensive outbursts at the start and finish of the game, as they beat Hillcrest 56-46 to win the season-opening Republic Invitational. Cody Geiger helped the Tigers get out of the gate early and finished with a game-high 22 points.
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The Tigers looked like they’d run away with the game early, jumping to a 10-2 lead Cody Geiger’s quick five points, including a three-pointer, and another three-pointer from Dylan Bekemeier. But Hillcrest clawed back to within one point at 12-11, and managed to stay close for the better part of 2 1/2 quarters.
At the end of the first period, Republic led 16-13. At halftime, the Tiger lead was 24-21. Republic scored only two field goals in the 2nd quarter, but their defense kept them in the game as the offense shut down.
“We got off to that hot start, hit some outside shots, but then we started missing some,” says coach Trevyor Fisher. “You’re exactly right, the defense carried us the entire game.
“Obviously we knew they’re very talented. They can all shoot it, they can all drive it, and we just tried to keep them out of the paint, and when they did shoot it, try to contest it as best we can and go rebound.”
Hillcrest came out of the break and quickly tied the game for the first time since the start. They took the lead for the first time with 3:40 left in the 3rd quarter on a 3-pointer by Juwan Johnson that made it 29-26.
But Republic responded. The Tigers scored eight straight points to lead 34-29 at the end of the 3rd quarter, and never trailed again.
The lead got as big as 14 points in the final period, as Republic hit its free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Dylan Bekemeier had 10 points to go along with Geiger’s 22. He was the only other Tiger in double-figures in scoring.
Juwan Johnson had 15 points to lead the Hornets.
Republic improves to 3-0 on the season. Hillcrest falls to 2-1.
