For the second time this week, Republic overcame a slow start to beat a ranked opponent on the road. This time, it was Hillcrest (ranked #4 in Class 4) falling in a 58-43 Republic victory. Brooke Stanfield led the way with 21 points and Jordan Kabetske added 15 to help Republic improve its record to 3-0.
In the first half, Republic came out ice cold from the field and Hillcrest took advantage, grabbing a 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Stanfield started to take over. Playing additional minutes because Tori Taylor was in foul trouble, Stanfield scored eight points in the second quarter. Her last bucket came just before the halftime buzzer, giving Republic its first lead of the game, 21-19.
“I really feel like when I know I have to step up, that motivates me and I focus a little bit more,” Stanfield says. “I haven’t been able to finish quite as well. Tonight I started to finish a little better. I feel like I’m getting better at driving and pitching it back out, especially to Jade (Sawyer) lately.”
In the third quarter, Republic started to pull away. Sawyer, Kabetske, and Shanks each hit a three-pointer and Stanfield scored seven more as Republic stretched its lead to 39-31.
The Lady Tigers saved their best offensive quarter for last, scoring 19 points in the fourth to pull away for the 58-43 win.
Sawyer had seven points for Republic. Michayla Shanks added six. Brylee Argo had five, and Micah Mansker scored two.
Republic takes its 3-0 record back home for a game Monday against Waynesville. During halftime of that game, Republic will honor its 2014 state boys basketball champions.