A fast start for Molly Blades lit a fire under Republic and helped the Lady Tigers storm to a blowout win at Carthage Friday, 65-36. Blades scored 11 points in the first quarter as Republic built a 22-10 lead after the first eight minutes of play. She finished with a game-high 14 points.
The Republic lead was 10-8 before the Lady Tigers closed out the quarter on a 12-2 run to seize control. Republic outscored Carthage 13-9 in the second quarter to extend the lead to 35-19.
Throughout the first half, Republic’s defensive intensity caused problems for Carthage, and when Carthage did manage to get off a shot, Republic was usually there to rebound the miss. Carthage’s Jaidyn Brunnert scored eight points to keep the game close in the first few minutes before Republic began to pull away.
Five different players scored for Republic in the first quarter alone. Misora Nambara joined Blades in double figures with 13 points. Republic’s two forwards, Alaina Norman and Molly Mason, combined for 14 points.
The win was the seventh in a row for Republic, which improved to 14-4 overall and 3-0 in the Central Ozark Conference. Carthage fell to 9-12 (0-3).
Republic has won 11 straight COC games dating back to the conference opener last year at Carl Junction. The Lady Tigers try to keep the streak alive with an important showdown Monday at home against Nixa.
Score by Quarters
Carthage 10 9 12 5 – 36
Republic 22 13 15 15 – 65
Individual Scoring
Molly Blades 14, Misora Nambara 13, Lauren Chastain 9, Alaina Norman 8, Lanney Strong 8, Molly Mason 6, Alex Price 3, Sammi Watson 2, Gracie Woods 2
