Republic recognized its four seniors, then pulled away from Willard with contributions from all four, winning 68-48 at home Tuesday. But it was Jordan Douglas, the junior sharp-shooter, who provided the biggest lift for the offense. Douglas led the team with 17 points, including five three-pointers, to help Republic fight off Willard’s upstart effort.
Before the game, Republic recognized seniors Ahlante Askew, Khamari Edwards, Gunner Ellison, and Isaiah Nabors. Coach Tim Brown said all four have contributed to the program in ways that will reach beyond their years at Republic.
“You look at the season we’ve had, and I always say you go as far as your senior class takes you,” said Brown. It’s a group that really cares about each other and looks out for one another and has connected the rest of our classes. This group’s not only tight together, they’ve brought others together, and that’s leadership.”
All four seniors made big contributions to the win Tuesday. Ahlante Askew’s three second-quarter treys were a big factor in Republic’s first offensive outburst. Gunner Ellison added eight points, and Isaiah Nabors was a major factor inside with a big rebounding night. Khamari Edwards had ten points and the exclamation point of the night with a monster two-handed jam off an assist by Nabors.
Willard won the first quarter 12-11, but Republic finally got rolling in the second. Askew and Douglas combined for five three-pointers in the second period, helping Republic outscore Willard 23-9 to take a 34-21 lead at the midway point. Republic scored 23 points again in the third quarter and led 57-36 as the fourth quarter began. The lead eventually reached 28 points before Willard hit some shots to get it back down to 20.
Republic improves to 22-3 overall, and 6-2 in the Central Ozark Conference. Willard falls to 9-16 (3-5).
Republic plays its final regular-season game Thursday at home against Branson. It’s another girls/boys super night, with six games. The varsity girls will play around 6:00 pm, with the varsity boys to follow.
Score by Quarters
Willard 12 9 15 12 – 48
Republic 11 23 23 11 – 68
Individual Scoring
Jordan Douglas 17, Khamari Edwards 10, Ahlante Askew 10, Brenley Hagewood 9, Gunner Ellison 8, Aslan Ebisch 5, James Rexroat 4, Cason Bekemeier 3, Isaiah Nabors 2