Willpower 2027, a fourth-grade basketball team that includes Republic students Paelyn Gilmore, Charlie Hagewood, and Cora Cutbirth, are Show-Me State Games champions in their competitive division.
After losing their opening game of the tournament by a single point (it was their first loss of the year), the team went undefeated the rest of the way, winning five straight. Willpower 2027 beat the Knights from St. Louis 34-12 in the championship game.
The team is competing at nationals in Oklahoma City this weekend.