Republic (2) shut down Lebanon (7) all day, then shut them out entirely in the fourth quarter. It was perhaps the best defensive effort of the year for the Lady Tigers, who whipped Lebanon 59-30 to advance to the semifinals of the Pink & White Lady Classic.
Listen to the game replay here.
Kaemyn Bekemeier scored 26 points to lead all scorers, including 15 in the third quarter to help the Lady Tigers put the game away. Republic won all four quarters, and they capped the game by out-scoring Lebanon 13-0 in the final period.
I think our defense really fuels our offense, and that really gets us going,” said Misora Nambara, who helped pressure the Lebanon guards and push the pace offensively and defensively. She finished with eight points and led several fast breaks after Lebanon turnovers.
In the first two games of the tournament, Republic has dominated defensively in the second half. Aurora and Lebanon, Republic’s first two opponents, combined for just 25 points in the second halves of their games.
Tuesday morning to start the tournament, Republic’s defensive intensity disappointed coach Kris Flood, but the intensity was there from the start Wednesday afternoon. The Lady Tigers allowed just nine points in the first quarter, and they were even better in the second, when Lebanon scored seven. Republic led 25-16 at halftime.
Republic moved up a notch in the state rankings before Wednesday’s game. They’re now #6 in Class 6. Raytown, a team they beat 65-61, is ranked #4. Nixa is #5. Incarnate Word Academy is #1, and Grain Valley, the top seed in Republic’s Pink & White bracket, is #2.
Republic improves to 9-1 to start the season. The Lady Tigers meet Kickapoo at 5 pm Thursday in the semifinals. Kickapoo beat Glendale to advance.
Score by Quarters
Lebanon 9 7 14 0 – 30
Republic 15 10 21 13 – 59
Individual Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 26, Molly Blades 11, Misora Nambara 8, Lauren Chastain 5, Molly Mason 5, Alaina Norman 4
