Republic will celebrate the anniversaries of two of its boys basketball state championships on February 17, when this year’s Tigers play Neosho at home. The night will feature commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2013 Class 4 state championship and the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Class M state championship.
Both teams will be honored on the court between the JV and varsity games. Before that, a reception for both teams (and family members) is scheduled at 6:00 in the high school commons.
“We are extremely excited to welcome back two amazing teams from Republic’s storied past. This will be a great opportunity for teammates to reconnect and have the opportunity to reflect on a great time in their lives,” said Republic activities director Trevyor Fisher. Fisher was head coach of the 2013 team.
The two championship teams will always be linked in the minds of many Republic basketball fans because the 2013 state title run occurred during a season in which the ’63 champs were being recognized on their 50th anniversary. The Class M state champs were recognized at the Blue & Gold Tournament and during the Final Four in Columbia, and many of the ’63 players and their coach, Leland Brown, were in attendance when the Tigers beat Normandy to capture Republic’s second boys basketball championship.
