Red-Hot Vaught's Shot Sinks Lady Tigers in OT

Crane’s Lexie Vaught caught fire at just the right time. She banked in a 12-foot jumper in the lane with five seconds remaining in overtime to hand Republic its first loss of the season, 56-54, in the semifinals of the Pink and White Tournament in Springfield.

Jade Sawyer immediately took an in-bound pass, sprinted up the court, and attempted a 30-foot jumper at the buzzer, but the shot was blocked and officials ruled there was no foul on the play.

The final dagger delivered by Vaught ended a back-and-forth prizefight between the two best girls basketball teams in southwest Missouri. The first half was a frantic scramble that featured more than 20 total turnovers as both sides tried to adjust to the opposing defense. Crane led 18-10 at one point, before Republic reeled off a 15-3 run to end the half to take a 25-21 lead into halftime.

The Lady Tigers remained in control–barely–for much of the second half as well. They led by as many as six points, but Crane wouldn’t go away. The Lady Tigers led 34-32 heading into the final quarter.

After Crane tied the game, Republic had an opportunity to take the lead in the final minute of regulation. They held the ball for nearly a half minute before Jordan Kabetske found an opening and dribbled to the left block. Her floater lipped off the rim and Brooke Stanfield momentarily had the rebound before it was knocked away out of bounds. Crane got one last crack at the basket, but the Republic defense got a stop as time expired, sending the game to overtime.

Vaught drained a three-pointer early in the overtime and finished with eight points in the four-minute extra period, including the game-winner. She had 27 points to lead all scorers.

Republic was led for the second straight game by Alexis Ladwig, who made four three-pointers, including a huge one in the fourth quarter that briefly gave Republic a four-point lead late in regulation.

Brooke Stanfield scored 12 points — nine of them in the fourth quarter and overtime. Taylor Fergen and Jordan Kabetske each had ten. Brylee Argo added six.

The Lady Tigers fall to 8-1. Crane is now 13-0. Republic will play for third place Thursday at 11 a.m.