Republic allowed 10 points in the first quarter–then only seven points the rest of the game–in a 53-17 blowout of Marshfield in the second round of the Blue & Gold Tournament. The Blue Jays managed only one field goal in the final 24 minutes.
For the second day in a row, Republic got balanced scoring. Broc Smith scored 13 and Treydon Rackley had 12 to lead the Tigers. Ty Stevens had nine points and Jeremy Geiger had a career-high varsity output with eight. Devon Ward scored four, and Mitch Coiner and Caleb Singley scored three apiece. Hunter Creek scored one.
The blowout didn't begin until the 2nd quarter, which began in a 10-10 tie. Coach Trevyor Fisher and the Tigers sprung a half-court trapping defense on the Blue Jays that turned the tide. The extra defensive pressure is
"In our normal defense, we don't get out and deny a whole lot. We're pretty packed… inside the paint," Fisher says. "By trapping, it gets us more active and energized, and forces a few turnovers and gets the game going a little bit quicker."
The big lead also allowed Fisher to rest his starters throughout the game for a second day in a row.
"Especially with four games in four days, you like to spot some minutes to those guys who play a bunch. We were able to be successful with that… so they're refreshed and ready to go the next two days."
The Tigers are 6-1. They advance to the Blue Division semifinals Wednesday at 4 pm. They'll play Parkview (4) or Clever (5) at JQH Arena.
Crackerjack Shack Player of the Game
The Tigers got off to a slow start after their 9:30 am tipoff , but sophomore Broc Smith helped get things rolling on both ends of the floor. He caused a couple of turnovers in the 1st half, went on to lead the Tigers with 13 points, and he’s our 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.
