Kaemyn Bekemeier took a break Saturday from breaking other peoples’ school records to break one of her own. Bekemeier scored 38 points to lead Republic past Carthage 76-44 in a Central Ozark Conference home game.
Alongside Bekemeier, the Lady Tigers were in high gear from the outset. Republic outscored Carthage 22-9 in the first quarter and led by 15 points, 39-24, at halftime. A big third quarter – Republic outscored Carthage 18-9 in the period – built the lead to 24 points at 57-33.
Miha and Misora Nambara helped jumpstart Republic alongside Bekemeier. They each had five points, including a three-pointer, in the first quarter to help Republic grab the early lead.
After a slow start, Rilynn Finley got into the act. She had seven points in the second quarter and finished in double figures with 13. She also had eight rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Republic made six of 15 three-point attempts and went 12-for-13 from the free throw line.
Bekemeier’s 38 points are the most ever scored in a single game by a Republic Lady Tiger. It breaks the old mark of 37, which Bekemeier set last year as a sophomore. It’s the second school record Bekemeier has broken in the past week. She set the new career mark for free throws made at Republic against Branson on January 31.
Bekemeier got a higher share of her points Saturday after posting up down low, with her teammates making an effort to find her on the block.
“We usually put Rilynn down there, but we knew their big girl was going to be on Rilynn, so we were like, ‘Maybe if there’s a mismatch on Rilynn, I could go in (and) look to kick out,” Bekemeier said. “That’s what Flood’s good about. We see the defense and we adjust throughout the game.”
The win moves Republic’s record to 15-5 overall and 4-0 in the Central Ozark Conference. The Lady Tigers will be at Willard for a girls/boys double-header Tuesday.
Republic Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 38, Rilynn Finley 13, Miha Nambara 8, Eternity Knotts 6, Misora Nambara 5, Molly Blades 4, Alex Price 2