When a game hinges on defense, the Republic Lady Tigers usually hold the edge. That was the case Monday at home for the Lady Tigers, who overcame a slow start to knock off Ozark in a Central Ozark Conference matchup, 45-31. Republic held Ozark to fewer than 10 points in three of the four quarters to remain unbeaten in the COC.
Ozark opened in a zone defense that caused Republic some difficulties in the opening period. Three three-pointers by Ozark’s Macey Sult helped the visitors grab an 11-10 lead through the first eight minutes.
“We were just constantly trying to figure out how to adjust to that zone they ran,” said coach Kris Flood. “That was not totally unexpected, but at least at the beginning, I didn’t expect them to come out automatically in it. But once we made some adjustments there, that was it.”
Lauren Chastain helped Republic climb into the lead in the second quarter, not only because she scored six points, but with strong work on the glass. Chastain had defensive rebounds on four consecutive possessions at one point, and when she fired in a 23-footer with 2:20 left in the half, it put Republic on top by five, 21-16, and that was the score at halftime. Republic outscored Ozark 11-5 in the second quarter.
In the second half, Republic came out in a zone defense that gave Ozark fits. Ozark managed just three field goals in the third quarter and three in the fourth, as Republic gradually extended its lead. Republic led 32-24 at the end of the third quarter before eventually finishing with a 14-point win.
Molly Blades was the only Republic player in double figures, with 12 points.
“This game is always tight. It’s always low-scoring,” Flood said of the rivalry with Ozark. “I told the kids afterwards, ‘Just take the W and move on.’ We’re trying to keep our eye on that COC (race) and trying to maintain focus on that.”
The win keeps Republic in first place atop the COC at 6-0. The Lady Tigers have three games left: at Neosho Thursday, at Willard on February 20, and at home against Carl Junction to close out the regular season. They are 18-4 overall and have won 11 games in a row. Their last loss was December 30 against Skyline in the Pink & White Lady Classic.
Before the game, Republic recognized two of its previous state championship teams. The 1994 Lady Tigers were Republic’s first girls state champion, winning the class 3A title 30 years ago. Ten years later, the 2004 Lady Tigers won the Class 4 state championship, and they celebrated their 20th anniversary.
Score by Quarters
Ozark 11 5 8 7 – 31
Republic 11 10 11 13 – 45
Individual Scoring
Molly Blades 12, Alaina Norman 9, Lauren Chastain 8, Misora Nambara 7, Alex Price 6, Lanney Strong 3