With a schedule stuffed full of state-ranked opponents, the Lady Tigers haven’t had much opportunity to catch their collective breath this season. But they got that chance Thursday night in their belated home opener, whipping winless Central 71-19.
The outcome of the game was never in doubt from the opening tip. Republic raced to a 20-2 lead after the first quarter and led 40-9 at halftime. The lead was 50 points after three quarters, 67-17, even after Republic’s starters had made their exit.
The third quarter was one of the highest-scoring of the season for the Lady Tigers, as they posted 27 points.
Kaemyn Bekemeier, who started the game with 1,900 career points, scored 24 more. That’s right at her season average. She’s now just 76 points away from 2,000 for her career.
Lauren Chastain also scored in double figures, with 11 points. Nine different players scored for Republic. Two of them, Gracie Woods and Lanney Strong, scored their first career varsity points.
The Lady Tigers stand at 12-1 this season as they get ready to begin conference play. They’ll open the COC slate on the road Monday at Carl Junction against another state-ranked opponent. The Lady Bulldogs are ranked #4 in Class 5.
Score by Quarters
Central 2 7 8 2 – 19
Republic 20 20 27 4 – 71
Individual Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 24, Alaina Norman 9, Misora Nambara 8, Molly Mason 7, Alex Price 6, Molly Blades 3, Lanney Strong 2, Gracie Woods 1