A furious fourth-quarter comeback fell just short for Republic Tuesday night, as the Tigers dropped a home game to Parkview 45-42. Republic had a final opportunity to tie the game, and almost did it on a crazy play. Blake Fanning’s floor-length baseball pass hit the rim and bounded high into the air. Brock Yocum grabbed it and backed up behind the three-point line, and launched a shot that hit the rim and fell away, preserving Parkview’s victory.
The Tigers had fallen behind by as many as 11 points, and trailed 34-24 entering the final quarter. They had several chances to tie the game or take the lead down the stretch, but couldn’t convert.
“It’s kind of the same old thing. We don’t play very well for stretches, then come out and play well for stretches,” says coach Trevyor Fisher. “Until we put a full 32 minutes together against good opponents, it’s going to continue to come down to late-game situations and having to battle back. I’m proud of their effort to get back into the game, but I’m not very proud of our effort to start with.”
Brock Yocum led the Tigers with 17 points. He hit five three-pointers. Brady McGill scored 13. Tim Brazeal had five, Blake Fanning scored three, and Travis Sly and Tristan Ollar scored two points apiece.
Parkview got 12 oints each from Autry Acord and Javahn Rollins. Zach Cameron scored seven.
“We just came out tentative and not aggressive, and against a good team, that’s not a good recipe for success,” says Fisher.
Both teams are now 3-3. Republic will be at Waynesville for the Rt. 66 Shootout Friday afternoon. They play Hazelwood West. Republic Tiger Sports will broadcast the game live. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00.
