Republic blew open a close game with a dominant fourth quarter, running away from Carthage 76-44 at Carthage Thursday. The Lady Tigers outscored Carthage 22-2 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Eight different players scored for Republic, led by Kaemyn Bekemeier with 28 points. Savana Powell-Goodman added 18 for Republic, and Jazzy Kirby was also in double figures with 11.
Republic sprinted to a 20-8 lead in the first quarter, but Carthage kept the margin around the 10-point mark for most of the game until Republic’s fourth-quarter explosion.
“We came out really focused. The kids were executing not just on offense, but on defense. We did a better job rebounding, and it’s probably overall one of our better games,” said coach Kris Flood. “We had turnovers against the press, but in the half
court, we were making good decisions, finding the open person, hitting some shots, and it makes a huge difference.”
Flood said his team’s performance gives him confidence in their ability to step up during the final part of the season.
“It’s getting there. It’s taken a little bit, but I think they’re starting … to focus a little bit harder. Now we’ve got to get ready for a rival game on Tuesday night.”
Republic is 13-6 overall and 4-0 in the Central Ozark Conference. The Lady Tigers host Willard next Tuesday as part of a “super night” that will feature six boys and girls basketball games. Both are currently undefeated in the conference.
Republic Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 28, Savana Powell-Goodman 18, Jazzy Kirby 11, Kaitlyn Ragsdale 7, Regan Holmes 4, Rilynn Finley 3, Miha Nambara 3, Ashlyn Leonard 2