Twice in its previous three games, Republic had jumped out to a big lead, only to see that lead disappear before halftime. Tuesday against Ozark, Republic turned its fast start into a strong finish, pulling away for a 63-36 win at home. Brenley Hagewood overpowered Ozark’s defense, scoring 31 points.
Republic jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter, outscoring Ozark 18-11. Guard Brenley Hagewood scored seven points, but it was just a sign of what was coming later in the game. He had help from three forwards. James Rexroat, CJ Uhl, and Davin Parks combined for eight points in the first period, and they dominated on the glass against a big Ozark lineup.
In the second quarter, Hagewood caught fire. He slashed Ozark’s defense to pieces, driving to the hoop from both sides of the lane and finishing with several acrobatic buckets. Republic’s defense continued to disrupt Ozark, and Hagewood, who had 14 points in the second quarter, outscored the entire Ozark lineup during the eight-minute stretch. At halftime, Hagewood had 21 and Republic led 39-23.
Despite foul trouble for Rexroat, Uhl, and Parks, they combined for 22 points. Rexroat finished with 10 to join Hagewood in double figures.
Hagewood slowed down in the second half as Republic grew its lead and milked the clock, but he still finished with 31 points.
Republic held Ozark to just 13 points in the second half. Thirty-six points is the fewest allowed by Republic in a Central Ozark Conference game since January 15, 2021, when Carl Junction scored 31 against the Tigers.
Before the game, Republic honored Hagewood with a basketball commemorating his 1,000th point, scored earlier this season at the Bolivar Liberator Tournament.
Tuesday’s game was the first time Republic had beaten Ozark since 2020, after four consecutive losses.
“It was definitely on our mind,” Hagewood said of the losing streak. “Since my freshman year, we just haven’t been able to get over Ozark, and it… losing by 20. We wanted to get this win for sure.”
The win also ended a three-game losing streak by Republic.
Ozark falls to 9-14, and 4-2 in the Central Ozark Conference. Republic improves to 13-10 and 3-3. Republic will travel to Neosho for another conference game Friday.
Score by Quarters
Ozark 11 12 7 6 – 36
Republic 18 21 16 8 – 63
Individual Scoring
Brenley Hagewood 31, James Rexroat 10, CJ Uhl 8, Jordan Douglas 6, Aslan Ebisch 4, Davin Parks 4