Ozark used a big offensive second quarter and a strong defensive third quarter to knock off Republic at home on Senior Night, 57-48. Ozark outscored Republic 33-20 during the middle two periods, and that made the difference.
Republic led 14-10 after the first quarter, and eventually led by as many as five points before halftime. But Ozark overtook Republic late in the second quarter, outscoring Republic 12-5 during the final minutes of the half to lead 31-27 at halftime.
When Kaemyn Bekemeier scored and Jazzy Kirby followed it up with a three-pointer from the top of the circle, Republic briefly cut the lead to two, 34-32. But from there, Ozark Reeled off seven straight points to take a double-digit lead. Two free throws by Kaitlyn Ragsdale made the score 43-34 going into the fourth quarter.
Three-pointers by Savana Powell-Goodman and Kaitlyn Ragsdale shot Republic back into contention in the fourth quarter. Ragsdale’s three made it a four-point game. But Ozark avoided turnovers and drew some key fouls down the stretch, making five straight free throws to put the game away.
Bekemeier led Republic with 20 points. Powell-Goodman had ten to join her in double figures.
Before the game, Republic honored its five seniors: Shealyn Barrett, Jade Kirby, Delaney Smith, Carle Ward, and Whitney Weaver. Afterward, Kris Flood said he’ll remember this group of seniors “for just staying with it and … always working hard. A few of them played a little bit more than some of the others, but even if they didn’t play, they were always just great kids. They were always in it on the bench and had a real positive attitude.
“It’s just a great group of kids, and whatever they do, they’re going to do fine. They’re very good academically. They’re the type of kids you need to have to make your program work and be a success.”
Republic scoring: Kaemyn Bekemeier 20, Savana Powell-Goodman 10, Jade Kirby 7, Kaitlyn Ragsdale 5, Jazzy Kirby 3, Delaney Smith 3