Brenley Hagewood scored 25 points to lead Republic to its 20th win of the season at Webb City Friday, 63-50. It’s the fourth time in five seasons the Tigers have reached the 20-win mark during a season.
The Tigers showed no ill effects from a disappointing loss at Nixa earlier in the week. Republic never trailed, and after Aslan Ebisch made a three-pointer in the opening minute, Webb City only tied the score again once all night, at 3-3. Republic closed out the first quarter with a 10-2 run to take a 17-7 lead as the second period began.
When Republic scored four straight to open the second quarter, it looked like the game might turn into a rout, but the Tigers hit a snag when Ahlante Askew went to the bench with his second personal foul. The Tigers struggled offensively, turning the ball over five times in the second quarter, and Webb City closed out the second half with a 13-5 run of its own. At halftime, Republic’s lead was back down to three.
But with its starting lineup back on the floor to start the second half, the Tigers bolted back to a big lead. Republic scored the first eight points of the half to extend the lead to double digits again, 38-27. The Tigers led by as many as 16 points in the third quarter, and Webb City never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.
Republic’s big men, Khamari Edwards and James Rexroat, took turns controlling 6-5 senior forward Alex Martin for Webb City. Martin finished with 12 points, and spent most of the night frustrated by the defense from Edwards and Rexroat. Rexroat and Edwards combined for 17 points at the offensive end of the floor.
The loss drops Webb City to 15-7, and 2-4 in the Central Ozark Conference. Republic improves to 20-2 (4-1).
The Tigers will play next at Ozark Tuesday night.
Score by Quarters
Republic 17 13 18 15 – 63
Webb City 7 20 9 14 – 50
Individual Scoring
Brenley Hagewood 25, Ahlante Askew 10, James Rexroat 9, Khamari Edwards 8, Gunner Ellison 4, Aslan Ebisch 4, Jordan Douglas 3
