The Lady Tigers clawed their way out of 13-point first-half hole and took the lead briefly in the 4th quarter at Marshfield, but couldn’t hang on in a 43-42 road loss Saturday. A half-court shot from Jade Sawyer bounced off the rim as time expired.
Republic Lady Tigers basketball coverage is sponsored by Vision Health Eye Center! If you haven’t had your yearly eye exam, follow the link to check them out and make an appointment.
The Lady Jays came out firing, hitting three treys in the first quarter and nabbing a 14-8 lead after one. They extended the lead to 13 points in the 2nd quarter before Republic cracked down on defense and closed the gap to 23-16 at the break.
Coach Kris Flood says Marshfield’s extra effort in the first half was a big part of their success.
“They had two possessions there where they got each shot on each possession, and both times they scored on the third shot. Those will break your back,” Flood says.
Marshfield’s Lauren Aldridge had ten points at halftime, including two three-pointers. Flood says she got even more attention from the defense in the second half.
“We did try to focus a little more on Aldridge, trying to face-guard her and keep the ball out of her hands. But she works so hard, it’s hard to do that, she’s such a good player.”
The Lady Tigers upped their defensive intensity in the 3rd quarter as they climbed back into the game. They allowed only seven points, and trailed 30-29 heading into the 4th quarter.
A pair of free throws from Brooke Stanfield with 6:59 left in the game gave Republic its first lead, and they took their biggest lead of the game two minutes later, at 36-32. But Marshfield responded with a 7-0 run to retake the lead, and they never relinquished it.
The Lady Tigers pulled within one point when Stanfield made one of two free throws in the final minute, but only had time for Sawyer’s desperation shot as time expired.
Stanfield led Republic with 14 points. Tori Taylor had 11. Jordan Kabetske scored five, Brylee Argo had four, Jade Sawyer and Michayla Shanks had three apiece, and Micah Mansker scored two.
Republic falls to 11-3.
Get every story delivered.
Tiger Wire — Republic sports news, free every morning.