The Republic boys basketball team has won 11 straight. The last time that happened was 2016-17. But with one more win, the Tigers will own the longest Republic winning streak in 30 years.
In 1992-93, the Tigers opened their season with 18 consecutive victories. They didn’t lose a game until January 30 in the championship of the Nixa Invitational Tournament, when the Eagles upset them 80-58.
It didn’t take long for the Tigers to turn the tables. The next week, Republic whipped Nixa 71-51. That was a turnaround of 42 points in just three days. Coach Greg Garton remembers that year’s team for its unselfishness, among other traits.
“We had five starters who averaged in double figures, so we were hard to match up with. They really didn’t care who scored and we played great defense,” Garton said. “We had a great mix of scoring inside and outside.”
One of the senior leaders on the team was Lance Bekemeier, seen frequently this year at Republic games rooting for his daughter Kaemyn and his son Cason. He credits the team’s success to “hard work, coaching, and defense. Greg Garton was a very good coach that demanded our best effort, especially on the defensive end.”
During their winning streak to start the season, the Tigers captured a Blue & Gold Tournament championship, just like this year’s team. Republic came back from a 39-33 deficit in the final two minutes to win in double overtime against Aurora. Allan Brown, then a sophomore, made a three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. In the second OT, reserve Jeremy Hopkins made a shot with three seconds remaining to deliver a 45-43 win.
The win was Republic’s first Blue & Gold title since their state championship season of 1962-63.
The Tigers went on to win the district championship that year, overcoming a late six-point deficit to beat Branson. Republic lost its sectional game 59-53 to Mount Vernon, a team it had beaten twice before. The Tigers finished the season 27-3. Jay Riggins earned all-state honors for the Tigers.
Despite the disappointing ending, Garton remembers the season and his players fondly.
“It was a great group of kids who bought in and played for each other,” he said. “(It’s) one of the top one or two teams I’ve ever coached.”
