Republic didn’t dominate every quarter, but they did dominate the last two minutes of every quarter, and that was enough. Republic used scoring runs at the end of all four periods to earn a 65–50 win on the road at Branson, securing a share of the COC title for the first time since 2006. The win also gave the lady Tigers another 20 win regular-season, as they improved to 20–5 leading up to the district tournament.
“It means a lot in this conference,” coach Kris Flood says of the league championship. “It’s been so competitive and so tough. Like I told the kids, if you looked at those coaches, their preseason (predictions), they probably had us about middle of the pack. I think what we’ve accomplished in the conference this year–give them all the credit in the world. They won some tough games when they needed to. It’s quite an accomplishment for such a young group of kids.”
One of those young players, sophomore Jordan Kabetske, led the way with 16 points. Michayla Shanks had 11 and Micah Mansker had 10.
Republic struggled early, but used its first mini–run to pull ahead 10–7 after the 1st quarter. Branson slowly crept back into the game throughout the 2nd quarter before another run at the end of the half made the score 28–19.
Branson opened the second half with six straight points and made it a close game again in the 3rd quarter, before Republic push their lead to nine points again at 41–32 as the 4th period began.
In the 4th, it was more of the same. Branson refused to go away and cut the lead down the six points at one time, before Republic sealed the victory at the free-throw line.
Brooke Stanfield scored nine points for Republic. Jade Sawyer had seven, Tori Taylor scored five, Brylee Argo added four, and Logan Flood scored three.
Freshman Amanda Kearney had 19 points for Branson to lead all scorers.
Republic shares the COC championship with Webb City. Both finished league play with one loss, after Webb City knocked off Neosho Monday.
Now the Lady Tigers have more than a week off before opening district play in Republic next Tuesday against either Rogersville or Reeds Spring.