It took them a while to get going, but the Tigers came alive in the 2nd half to beat Oak Park 56-50 in their season opener in the first round of the Republic Invitational Monday.
Ty Stevens led the Tigers with 16 points. His night included an alley-oop dunk on a pass from Mitch Coiner that ignited the crowd and highlighted a huge 3rd quarter for Republic. The Tigers outscored the Northmen 21-10 in the period.
“I think as the game went on, we got a little more comfortable and started making better passes, getting it down lower,” Stevens says. “ We were just able to convert and I think that 3rd-quarter run was the spark to get us over the top and keep that lead for the rest of the game.”
Treydon Rackley also reached double figures in scoring with 11. Caleb Singley provided a 2nd-half spark and ended with nine points. Devon Ward scored six, Coiner and Broc Smith had five each, and Cameron Doke had four.
The Tigers made just 4 of 19 shots from the floor in the 1st half, but turned it around after halftime and ended up shooting 50% from the floor for the game. Coach Trevyor Fisher says the team’s improved offensive approach led to the better shooting performance.
“The way we approached it was the reason why we made shots,” he says. “The 1st half, we just kind of settled for passing around the perimeter and shooting jump shots. Second half, we got to the middle, attacked, then when they collapsed, we kicked it out and got open shots.”
Fisher credits Caleb Singley’s play in the 2nd half for helping to turn the Tigers around.
“He didn’t get to play a whole lot as a junior last year, but he was really our spark there in the 2nd half and got us going,” Fisher says. “He can step out and shoot it, and go strong to the basket, and defensively, he’s one of our bigger guys, so he’s going to be a big part of what we do this year.”
Republic outscored Oak Park in the paint 28-18, despite being slightly out-rebounded. The Tigers scored 21 points off Oak Park turnovers.
Republic is 1-0. The Tigers advance to the semifinals Friday night at 7 pm against Belton. The Pirates beat Rolla Monday in their opening-round game.
Crackerjack Shack Player of the Game
Ty Stevens had 16 points, including an alley-oop jam in the second half, to help Republic knock off Oak Park in the season opener. His performance earned him Crackerjack Shack Player of the Game honors.
Our Tiger Player of the Game Honor is sponsored by the Crackerjack Shack. When it comes to Screen Printing, Embroidery, and Promotional Products, they’ve got your back! Check out their website for sales and design ideas.
