The Republic Lady Tigers overcame a sluggish start against an overmatched Willard squad to win 73-41 in a district semifinal game at home Tuesday. The Lady Tigers led by only 12 points at halftime, but outscored Willard 40-20 in the second half to advance to the district championship game. (See video highlights below.)
Republic looked to push the ball up-court quickly against Willard, but missed several close-range shots that would have built a lead early. They also gave up easy buckets to Willard, who dumped it over the top of the defense to Ali Perry and Chelsea Yates underneath the basket.
“We’ve been a little big flat lately. Even our practices have been somewhat flat–just not a lot of intensity,” says coach Kris Flood. “It’s concerning. We had a little sit-down at halftime. I thought they came out in the second half with a little bit more fire. It’s just little things. It’s not getting a 50-50 ball here and there, maybe not getting a rebound when we need it. It’s little-bitty things like that. It gets a little frustrating.”
Flood kept his Lady Tigers in the locker room until halftime was nearly over. They emerged from the tunnel just in time to walk onto the court for the second half. From that point on, Republic dominated.
The Grace Place Player of the Game is Brooke Stanfield. Her work on the boards, coupled with her 15 points, helped the Lady Tigers pull away from Willard.
Grace Place Beauty Salon & Spa has been serving the Republic community for over 20 years. Under new ownership & completely renovated Grace Place Beauty Salon & Spa now boasts a high end salon and spa experience with a friendly home town atmosphere! Give them a call at 417-732-8818!
“I thought overall, they played much better in the second half. We made some pretty good runs and…really extended the lead out,” Flood says.
Brooke Stanfield led the way with 15 points. Three other players–Jordan Kabetske, Michayla Shanks, and Brylee Argo–had 12 points apiece. Logan Flood finished with eight points. Tori Taylor had five. Lexis Ladwig scored two. Taylor Fergen and Carly Bayans had one apiece.
The win improves Republic’s record to 23-3. They will meet Nixa in the championship game at Republic Friday at 6 pm. Nixa defeated Neosho in their district semifinal, 55-33.
