Five days before the start of district play, Republic sent a statement that it’s ready to take on the top teams in Class 6, wiping out state-ranked Ozark 64-34. After falling behind 8-2 with 1:55 left in the first quarter, Republic ripped off 14 consecutive points and never looked back. Over the next 16 minutes, Republic out-scored Ozark 44-5.
“I didn’t necessarily see that one coming, but I will say that for the first two and a half quarters, it’s probably one of the better defensive games we’ve played in a long time,” said coach Kris Flood. “Tonight it seemed like (they were a little more focused. It’s going to have to be that type of effort from here on, if we’re going to have any success, especially come district time.”
Three different players scored in double figures for Republic. Kaemyn Bekemeier had 21, Hope Schatz added 18, and Miha Nambara, one of Republic’s two seniors, scored 11.
The Lady Tigers made nine three-pointers, including four by Hope Schatz. Miha Nambara had three. After missing six three-point attempts to start the game, Republic made six in a row to finish the half 6-for-12 from beyond the arc.
Before the game, Republic honored Nambara and Eternity Knotts for their contribution to the program.
“They’re just tremendous kids. They’re good student athletes, and they’ve really accepted … their roles,” Flood said. “It’s hard to ride out four years. It take s a lot of commitment.
“E’s always been a little more vocal. Miha’s a little more quiet. She doesn’t show a ton of emotion. But they’re just good kids and they’ve got a tremendous future.”
Knotts had four rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a blocked shot to go with her two points on Senior Night. Nambara was 3-for-5 from beyond the arc to contribute to her 11-point night.
Among Bekemeier’s 21 points, seven were free throws. She now has 147 free throws this season, surpassing her own mark of 144 last year.
Republic has beaten plenty of state-ranked teams this season, but had fallen short against other Class 6 schools, with losses to Incarnate Word Academy, Kickapoo, and Nixa. But with Ozark ranked #7 and Republic #8 before last night, it’s clear that Republic is playing well enough at this point in the season to make noise in the post-season.
Kickapoo, Nixa, and Ozark are all in Republic’s district. Ozark has beaten Kickapoo. Kickapoo has beaten Nixa. Nixa has beaten Republic. And Republic has beaten Ozark. Republic is the #3 seed and will open district play against Lebanon Saturday afternoon.
But before districts begin, the Lady Tigers have one last regular-season game. That’s at Hollister tomorrow night. (Republic Tiger Sports will not carry that game live, because we’ll have the boys’ Senior Night game against Ozark.)
Republic is 19-6. They finish COC play at 8-1. Nixa clinched the conference title with a win at Carl Junction Monday. The Lady Eagles finished 9-0.
Before the game, Republic honored the 2012 girls basketball state state champions as the tenth anniversary of their title approaches. Members of that team were Kayla Bartelsmeyer, Alex Botkin, Lindsey Carlson, Mercedes Doty, Alexis Edwards, Brooke Dutton, Kailey Mathis, Alice Heinzler, Sarah Kreul, Micah Mansker, Baylee Rayl, Tori Taylor, Taylor Wells.
Republic Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 21, Hope Schatz 18, Miha Nambara 11, Misora Nambara 3, Lauren Chastain 3, Molly Blades 2, Alex Price 2, Alaina Norman 2, Eternity Knotts 2