The Republic Lady Tigers couldn’t find an answer for Lakin Simmerman. The Ash Grove senior poured in 31 points to help the Lady Pirates knock off Republic 58-54 in the second round of the Pink and White Lady Classic.
At times, Republic played some of its most inspired basketball of the season. Trailing 16-9 early in the 2nd quarter, the Lady Tigers ripped off a 21-3 run to take a 30-19 lead. They led 30-22 at halftime.
But the 3rd quarter belonged to Ash Grove, who quickly stormed back into the lead with a 16-7 run of their own to start the half. At the end of the 3rd, Republic’s lead was just one point, at 41-40. Simmerman scored 14 of Ash Grove’s 18 points in the quarter.
Simmerman added seven more points in the 4th quarter to help Ash Grove outscore Republic 18-13 to capture the victory.
Coach Kris Flood says he’s still working to find lineup combinations that will allow Republic to play with more consistency.
“It’s what we’re battling right now. We’re too inconsistent on both ends,” says Flood. “We’ll have a couple possessions where we’ll do some things well defensively, or do some things offensively, we just can’t carry it through for eight minutes or a six-minute spurt or anything like that.
“I’ve got to figure out some rotations and try to find five that’s going to be out there on the floor and provide what we’re looking for. We’re not getting stops…and when we need a key basket it seems like we make a mistake. It’s been a repeat thing for all of us. We’ve just got to keep battling through it.”
Tori Taylor led Republic with 10 points. Jordan Kabetske and Micah Mansker scored eight apiece, and Michayla Shanks and Brylee Argo each added seven.
Republic will play Marionville Monday night at 7 pm at Weiser Gymnasium.
“Right now our goal is to try and get two more wins…and try and beat some good teams, hopefully,” Flood says.
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