Republic (#1, Class 4) played a nearly flawless first half against Hazelwood Central (#2, Class 5), and breezed to a 68-53 win in the Route 66 Classic at Waynesville Friday. Republic used its quickness to score in the paint against a Hawks lineup that features front-court starters at 6’6″, 6’5″, and 6’5″.
The Tigers stormed ahead 23-8 after one quarter, and led 38-24 at halftime, shooting 54% from the floor in the first half, and hitting five of nine from three point range. Cody Geiger had 15 before the break, and Canyon Smith had nine, all from beyond the arc.
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Republic led by as many as 20, and the Hawks were never able to get the lead under 10 points in the second half. Hazelwood Central was frustrated by the Tigers defense all night, as Republic forced the Hawks to shoot jump shots instead of penetrating the lane and dishing off. Coach Trevyor Fisher says that was the game plan going in.
“We wanted to close off the lane. We call it plugging the gaps,” says Fisher. “They got frustrated because they couldn’t get in the seams and get to the basket, so they kicked out, and we did a good job of closing out and finding shooters.
“We knew if we let them throw it in or their guys get to the paint, it would be a long night. But even if you play good defense, you still have to finish it with a box-out, and I thought we did a good job of doing that.”
Forcing Hazelwood to shoot from outside paid off, with the Hawks making just three of 18 three-point attempts. Hazelwood Central shot 45% from the floor for the game, while. The Tigers hit 48% of their shots, but they were seven of 13 from long range.
Geiger led the Tigers with 21 points for the game. His quickness inside was the antidote to Hazelwood Central’s size.
“They’re big and athletic, but Cody’s just got such a quick release, quick feet, we felt like we could… get him in some situations to isolate him in the post, and he did a good job of finishing over them,” Fisher says.
Dylan Bekemeier had 17, and Canyon Smith added 16. Chase Hoffmann scored six, Brock Yocum added five, and Jordan Kerr had three.
Demarco Buchanan ended with 15 points for the Hawks before fouling out. Steve Holloway added ten.
“The first part of the season’s over now,” Fisher says. “We got into the Blue/Gold, and the conference season. But we’ve got a good group. They’re playing well right now, but they can get better and keep going.”