Republic pulled away from Springfield Catholic in the second half for a convincing 56-31 win in the semifinals of their bracket at the Stephanie Phillips Classic Friday. Halli Bartelsmeyer scored 18 points to lead the Lady Tigers, who’ve won two straight after dropping their first two games.
Republic overcame a slow start, but as in their game against Springfield Central Thursday, defense kept them close. The Lady Tigers scored just five points in the first quarter, but trailed only 9-5 heading into the second period.
In the second, Bartelsmeyer scored eight of her 18 points and the Lady Tiger defense cracked down, holding the Irish to just one field goal. When Clara Fronabarger splashed home a three-pointer at the buzzer, Republic led 23-17 at half.
Catholic couldn’t get anything going offensively in the second half, scoring just 14 points the rest of the way. Republic scored 20 points in the fourth quarter alone to put the game away.
In addition to Bartelsmeyer, Fronabarger also finished in double figures in scoring with 13.
Republic improves to 2-2. The Lady Tigers play for the bracket championship at 3:30 Saturday at Springfield Catholic. They’ll play Hartville, which reached the finals with a 58-41 win over Waynesville.
Scoring
Halli Bartelsmeyer 18, Clara Fronabarger 13, Avylina Powell-Qualo 8, Delaney Smith 5, Shealyn Barrett 3, Jade Kirby 3, Jazzy Kirby 3, Anna Bell 2, Carle Ward 1
