Drew McMillin drives past a defender in Republic’s semifinal win over Rogersville. (Photo by Steve Rackley / Flat Top Photos)

Tiger Defense Comes Up Big Again in Milestone Night

Republic held Rogersville without a field goal through the first 11:40 of the second half, pulling away for a 53-36 win and advancing to the championship game of the Blue & Gold Tournament.

It was a night of milestones for the Tigers. The win was the 100th in the Blue & Gold Tournament in program history and the 200th career coaching win for Tim Brown. The Tigers also won their tenth consecutive game to start the season for the first time since 1992-93. That team started 18-0.

(Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story overlooked the ’92-’93 team’s start.)

Wednesday night, Republic controlled the game in the first quarter, building a 15-8 lead despite the best efforts of Rogersville guard Kannon Gipson. Gipson scored all of the Wildcats’ points in the first quarter. His teammates stepped up in the second quarter, helping Rogersville get within a point at 23-22 at halftime.

But in the second half, Republic shut down the Wildcats, allowing just three points in the third quarter – all at the free throw line. The Wildcats didn’t score a field goal until 4:20 remained in the fourth quarter, and by that time, the Republic lead was double digits.

Drew McMillin led the Tigers with 22 points. Tyson Young was also in double figures with ten.

Republic takes its unbeaten record into the championship game against #1 seed Greenwood. They’ll play at 4 pm Thursday at JQH Arena.

Republic Scoring
Drew McMillin 22, Tyson Young 10, Devon McMillin 7, Oliver Welch 5, Ahlante Askew 5, Carson Neff 4

FARR BETTER PLAYER OF THE GAME

After a couple of relatively quiet performances to open the tournament, Drew McMillin put his offensive skills back on display in the Blue & Gold semifinals. McMillin scored 22 points, and his performance at the free throw line in the fourth quarter – he made six free throws down the stretch – helped the Tigers stay in control.,earning him our designation as Farr Better Player of the Game.

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