Hope Schatz and Kaemyn Bekemeier fight for a loose ball during the second half of Friday’s win over Norfork, Ark. (Photo by Steve Rackley / Flat Top Photos)

Lady Tigers Rebound Behind Bek’s Double-Double

Republic had three players in double-figure scoring, led by Kaemyn Bekemeier’s 31 points, to knock off Norfork, Arkansas, Friday at the Nixa Invitational, 64-47. Bekemeier added 13 rebounds to go with her 13 field goals.

Rilynn Finley added 15 points for Republic, and Alaina Norman finished with 10 points on 5-for-5 shooting from the floor.

Both teams were coming off overtime losses Thursday in the first round of the tournament. Norfork lost by two points to West Plains and Republic lost by three points to Cape Girardeau Notre Dame. But for much of the game, Republic’s players seemed to have fresh legs, beating Norfork to the ball on the boards and on the floor.

The teams were matched evenly in the first quarter and the third quarter, but Republic dominated in the second and fourth, outscoring Norfork 27-13 during those 16 minutes of play. The Lady Tigers led 19-16 at the end of the first quarter and 32-21 at halftime.

Republic pushed its lead to 17 points at 39-22 in the middle of the third quarter, but Norfork put together a brief run that saw them cut the lead to nine, 50-41, at the end of the third quarter. The Panthers got the ball to start the fourth quarter and took a three point shot that would have cut the lead to six. But that shot was off the mark, and Republic reeled off ten consecutive points to put the game out of reach.

The Lady Tigers took care of the ball better Friday night after turning the ball over 16 times Thursday. Republic had just nine turnovers in Friday’s game. The game featured the return of Miha and Misora Nambara, who had both missed the game Thursday. Neither started Friday’s game, but they both played extensive minutes.

Republic improves to 9-5 overall. The Lady Tigers play Park Hill South Saturday at 12:30.

Republic Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 31, Rilynn Finley 15, Alaina Norman 10, Hope Schatz 8

Editor’s note: Evan Smith contributed statistics for this report.

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