Since losing to top-seeded Kickapoo in the semifinals of the Blue & Gold Tournament, the Tigers have kicked it into high gear. Republic has won three games in a row by an average margin of nearly 25 points per game. The team’s defense has been as good as ever during that stretch, allowing fewer than 50 points a game. Republic was 3-3 when the Blue & Gold Tournament began, and they sit at 8-4 as conference play tips off next week.