The Republic Lady Tigers used intense defense and a fast pace to pull away from Carl Junction in the 3rd quarter on the way to a 76-48 win at home. Republic got 16 points from Brooke Stanfield and 15 from Jade Sawyer as they improved to 3-1.
Republic started slowly, and missed several open shots in the 1st quarter. The teams were tied 14-14 after one. The Lady Tigers upped the defensive pressure in the 2nd quarter to build a lead, but it was the 3rd quarter when Republic really put the game away. The Lady Tigers outscored Carl Junction 23-6, cruising to an eventual 28-point margin of victory.
“I’m very happy with the way they played in the second half. You couldn’t ask for many more things,” says coach Kris Flood. “Maybe rebound a little bit better on the defensive end, but other than that, not too many complaints.”
Flood says tonight he saw signs that his young lineup is becoming more sure of itself.
“We actually looked like we played with some confidence. We took care of the ball and made some good decisions,” he says. “And we played together. I thought they were very unselfish. We got some really good looks.”
Flood said before the start of the season it would take time for his players to learn what to expect from one another, and he thinks after four games, it’s starting to happen.
“I still think they’re getting used to each other, what each other’s going to do, and each other’s movements. And to a certain extent, depending on personnel that’s in the game, we’ve got some opportunities there that we can kind of press and get after it.”
Jade Sawyer put together a standout performance with her second good game in a row. In addition to her 15 points, she distributed the ball to the rest of the offense, including several nifty assists on fast breaks or off dribble penetration.
“That’s her job on the floor. She’s going to have the ball in her hands. It’s her job to help push tempo. Deciding whether or not it’s a good time for us to run, or maybe we need to pull it back out.
“Her last two games, she’s taken care of the ball a lot better. Confidence is starting to build a little bit in her. She’s one who can sometimes beat herself up. If she goes, we have a pretty good chance of winning some games.”
Flood says the team’s depth also gives him more options when something’s not working in a particular game.
“Anybody can step up on any given night. Not just the (starting) five, but I really like our bench kids,” he says. “I think we get some production. They come in, they don’t hurt us, they provide us good minutes. The starters are starting to figure out their leadership roles, and once it starts clicking, I’ll be pretty happy.”
The night also featured a halftime ceremony to honor last year’s boys state basketball champions from Republic. The ceremony featured the unveiling of the 2013 Class 4 State Championship banner.
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