Republic out-scored Blue Springs 22-11 in the first quarter and never looked back in a 64-48 win to open the season at the Willard Basketball Classic Wednesday. Three players scored in double figures for the Lady Tigers, led by Lauren Chastain with 14. Misora Nambara and Molly Blades had 13 apiece.
The Lady Tigers opened their season without all-time leading scorer and all-time leading rebounder Kaemyn Bekemeier on the roster for the first time in four years. But Republic’s four-guard lineup still dominated on the glass, scoring second- and third-chance points all night. The Lady Tigers sprinted to a 14-2 lead before Blue Springs managed to find its footing.
The teams each scored 18 points in the second quarter, and Republic led 40-29 at halftime. But the Lady Tigers put the game away in the third quarter, holding Blue Springs to two points and stretching their lead to 52-31 as the fourth quarter began. Blue Springs outscored Republic 17-12 in the final period to close the gap.
The Lady Tigers made eight three pointers, led by Chastain’s three. Junior Lanny Strong made two. Nambara, Blades, and Alex Price added one each.
The Lady Tigers are 1-0, and they’ll play at Willard Middle School Thursday at 7:00 against the winner of the Willard-Kickapoo game. Those schools agreed to move the game ahead a day to allow Republic to attend the state championship football game in Columbia Friday night.
Score by Quarters
Blue Springs 11 18 2 17 – 48
Republic 22 18 12 12 – 64
Individual Scoring
Lauren Chastain 14, Molly Blades 13, Misora Nambara 13, Lanney Strong 9, Alaina Norman 6, Molly Mason 6, Alex Price 3