The Republic Lady Tigers finished the season ranked #7 in the Class 5 state rankings compiled by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association. Republic (20-10) had not appeared in the top-ten all season, but its run to the state quarterfinals and subsequent overtime loss to Columbia Rock Bridge was enough to lift the Lady Tigers onto the list.
The final rankings had an unprecedented four-way tie at the top because of the abrupt end to the season caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Blue Springs (24-5), Hazelwood Central (20-9), Kirkwood (24-4), and Rock Bridge (22-5) were the four state semifinalists before the season was cancelled, and they are tied for first.
Liberty (27-1) finished fifth. Jefferson City, who was eliminated by Rock Bridge and lost to Republic in the regular season, finished sixth. After Republic at #7 are Ozark (22-7), Lee’s Summit West (18-8), and Francis Howell Central (24-3). Springfield Kickapoo and Liberty North also received mention.
Of Republic’s ten losses, eight were to teams in Missouri. Six of those eight were to teams that ended up in the top ten of their respective classes. Another was to Rolla, which finished the season unranked, but with a record of 23-4.