[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text] Parkview scored the first seven points of the game, and 13 points in the 1st quarter — but that was about as good as it would get against Republic’s lock-down defense. The Tigers held Parkview to just 23 points the rest of the game, as Republic earned a spot in the Blue & Gold championship game with a 47-36 win in the semifinals Wednesday.
Parkview bolted to an early lead, as its quick guards penetrated the Tiger defense and dished the ball off for several easy baskets. After an early time-out by coach Trevyor Fisher, Republic righted the defense, which may be the best in southwest Missouri. Parkview had scored 86 points in its opening win and 63 against Clever in the second round.
Republic allowed just one point in the 2nd quarter and just six in the 3rd quarter, building a 36-20 lead heading into the final period. In twelve quarters of the Blue & Gold Tournament, Republic’s defense has not allowed a field goal in three of them.
“I don’t think it’s anything special. It’s just a matter of us getting locked in defensively and doing what we do every day in practice: attention to detail, knowing the scouting report. And then you’ve got to have some luck along the way, too.”
In addition to Smith’s 14 points, Republic got a season-high nine points from Cameron Doke, seven each from Treydon Rackley and Ty Stevens, six from Devon Ward, and four from Mitch Coiner. Doke had a rare (and important) three-pointer in the 1st quarter when the Tigers were struggling offensively. He and Smith provided a spark off the bench to get the Tigers going.
Smith, Doke, and the rest of the Tigers were clutch at the free throw line down the stretch. Smith was 4-of-5 in the 4th quarter. Doke was 4-of-4, and so was Stevens. Ward was 6-for-6 from the line in the 2nd half, and Rackly was 3-for-4. Overall, the Tigers were 21-for-23 from the free throw line.
The Tigers improve to 8-1. They will play Springfield Glendale for the championship of the Blue Division Thursday night at 7 pm. Republic Tiger Sports will broadcast the game live here and in the Republic Tiger Sports mobile app.[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_color=”orange” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-money” css=”.vc_custom_1481382567027{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]
Find out how you can get $25 worth of free photos as a subscriber to Republic Tiger Sports magazine. Sign up now, before this offer runs out![/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”appear” width=”1/3″ typography_style=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1480097415835{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 3px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #9e9e9e !important;border-left-color: #dd890b !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #dd890b !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #dd890b !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #dd890b !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Crackerjack Shack Player of the Game
Broc Smith came off the bench to provide a defensive spark and led the Tigers with 14 points. He hit four of five free throws in the 4th quarter to help Republic put the game away, and he’s our Crackerjack Shack Player of the Game.
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.
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