Republic’s five-star defense held Marshfield to just four points in the second quarter and five in the third quarter on the way to a non-conference road win Friday night, 55-34. The Tigers trailed 11-9 at one point in the first quarter, but outscored the Blue Jays 44-22 the rest of the way.
“The first part of the first quarter, we were just a step behind,” says coach Trevyor Fisher. “They were beating us to the spot. We let guys into the paint, which forced our help to come uphill a little bit, and they do a good job of hitting their inside guy.
“The rest of the game, we did a good job of keeping them out of the paint, what they like to do. It was a good defensive performance.”
Ty Stevens, who has been drawing the assignment of guarding the opponent’s best offensive player, helped lead the Tiger defense when it clamped down on the Blue Jays.
“I definitely take a lot of pride in my defense. You never want to let somebody score on you,” says Stevens. “Being able to guard their best player really means a lot to me.
“We go over scouting reports so I know their strengths and their weaknesses. I go off that. If I know they’re a driver, I’ll sit back a little bit and not close out as far. If they’re a shooter, I’ll get out on them.”
The game also featured the second running buzzer-beater of the year by Treydon Rackley. Tonight’s shot happened at the end of the second quarter, when Marshfield missed a shot with less than five seconds left. Rackley grabbed the ball, sprinted up court, unleashed a 35 footer, and it rattled home at the buzzer to extend the Tigers’ lead to 26-13. The shot was reminiscent of his end-to-end dash at the end of triple overtime to beat Bolivar two weeks ago.
Tristan Ollar led the Tigers with 17 points. Mitch Coiner had ten. Rackley scored seven. Tyler Phillips had six, and Ty Stevens and Caleb Singley had five apiece. Cameron Doke chipped in three.
Republic improves to 11-3. They’ll host Waynesville next Tuesday in a non-conference game.
