Republic got contributions from up and down the lineup in a conference win at home against Carthage Thursday, 61-34. Republic’s full-court pressure dominated the first half, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter. At halftime, Carthage had as many turnovers as points – 17 – and Republic led 35-17.
Republic turned many of those turnovers into points. With the teams tied 7-7, Republic tore off a 22-6 run to seize control. Kaitlyn Ragsdale dropped in four three-pointers in the first half, and Jazzy Kirby had nine points in the first quarter to help fuel the early run.
Carle Ward also came off the bench to score eight points and provide solid work in the post. Kaemyn Bekemeier led Republic with 15 points, and Jazzy Kirby also finished in double figures with 10.
Ragsdale said she has been working to regain her shooting touch through a recent slump, and that work paid off Thursday night.
“I had a little fire in myself … because I’ve had bad games before,” she said. ” are very encouraging, and I’ve also stayed after practice to get my shot going. I knew I had to step up for my team.”
Ward has seen an increased role for the Lady Tigers as they’ve dealt with midseason injuries and has set out to show she can succeed in that role.
“My mindset is to prove myself to get that playing time, because I obviously want it, so I just have to go out there and be the best I can be,” she said. “I’ve gotten more confident, and I’m making more moves in practice and just working harder in there to bring it to the games.”
Republic improves to 12-7 overall, 3-1 in the Central Ozark Conference. Carthage is 11-9, 1-2.
Republic travels to the state capital Saturday to face the Jefferson City Lady Jays at the Helias Shootout. Varsity tips off at 3:30.
Republic scoring: Kaemyn Bekemeier 15, Kaitlyn Ragsdale 14, Jazzy Kirby 10, Carle Ward 8, Jade Kirby 8, Savana Powell-Goodman 6
Turnovers:Republic 10, Carthage 22
Rebounds: Republic 24, Carthage 18