Willard dropped in 14 three-pointers to cruise past Republic in a battle for first place in the Central Ozark Conference, 64-51. Addy and Brielle Adamson combined for 33 of Willard’s points, and made four three-pointers apiece.
Republic was as cold from long range as Willard was hot. After Savana Powell-Goodman and Kaitlyn Ragsdale made three-pointers early in the first quarter, the Lady Tigers never made another one all night.
Kaemyn Bekemeier led Republic with 25 points and, unofficially, 23 rebounds. If confirmed, that shatters the old school mark of 18, set by Callie Newton in 1993. Twenty-three rebounds in a game would be tied for the 16th-best single game total in Missouri, according to the Missouri State High School Activities Association record book. Bekemeier already owns the single-game scoring record for Republic, set in the first game of the year, when she scored 37.
Willard led 17-12 at the end of the first quarter, but Republic climbed back to take the lead 20-19. Willard immediately responded with a three-pointer to go up 22-19 and never trailed again. After Bekemeier’s conventional three-point play cut the lead to four points with four seconds remaining in the half, Willard pushed the ball up court quickly and Addy Adamson fired in a three-pointer at the corner to make the halftime lead for Willard 38-31.
Republic briefly cut the lead to four points again in the third quarter, but that’s as close as the score would be the rest of the night.
Willard takes over first place in the COC, improving to 4-0 in league play and 17-1 overall. Republic is 3-1 in the conference and 13-8 overall, and will host Joplin Thursday. Republic Tiger Sports will cover the game live.
Republic Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 25, Rilynn Finley 8, Savana Powell-Goodman 7, Regan Holmes 4, Kaitlyn Ragsdale 3, Hope Schatz 2, Jazzy Kirby 2
