West Plains tried to put the Lady Tigers away early, but it took a second-half charge for the Zizzers to fight off Republic’s upset bid in the Pink & White Tournament semifinals, 42-36.
West Plains dominated in the first quarter, outscoring Republic 12-5. Kaitlyn Ragsdale scored all five of Republic’s points in the period. But in the second quarter, the Lady Tigers started finding their range from outside. Jazzy Kirby made two three pointers and Kaemyn Bekemeier added another as Republic closed the gap, outscoring West Plains 11-6 and cutting the Zizzer lead 18-16 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Mackenzie Brunson scored seven points for West Plains as they rebuilt their lead. Kirby and Ragsdale each hit another three for the Lady Tigers, but heading into the fourth quarter, the Zizzers had stretched their lead to 33-26.
Republic made one more charge, cutting the lead to five at 35-30 and getting the ball back. Bekemeier brought the ball upcourt, spun past a defender, and sank a 17-foot jump shot — but got called for traveling to the dismay of the Republic coaching staff. The shot would have cut the lead to three, but West Plains scored on its next possession and it was never closer than five points the rest of the way. West Plains made seven of ten free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
MacKenzie Brunson led West Plains with 15 points. Jazzy Kirby scored 13 points to lead Republic.
West Plains will play Nixa in the championship game at noon tomorrow. Republic will meet Waynesville at noon at Kickapoo High School in the third place game.
Republic Scoring
Jazzy Kirby 13, Kaemyn Bekemeier 9, Kaitlyn Ragsdale 8, Savana Powell-Goodman 2, Rilynn Finley 2, Eternity Knotts 2
5-12
11-6 16-18
10-15 26-33
10-9