Republic’s rock-solid defense allowed just six points in the first quarter, then somehow got even better in the second. The Lady Tigers outscored Webb City 30-10 in the first half, giving up just four points in the second period, and cruised to a 51-28 win at home Thursday.
The Lady Tigers came out of the gate with a deft shooting touch. Alex Price sank a couple of three-pointers and Molly Blades added four points in the quarter, as Republic sprinted to a 14-6 lead after one.
In the second quarter, Lauren Chastain picked up the slack. She made three three-pointers and tallied 11 points in the quarter to push the Lady Tigers’ halftime lead to 30-10.
Each team scored ten points in the second quarter, and Republic outscored Webb City 11-8 in the fourth to finish the night.
Chastain finished with 17 points to lead all scorers. Blades had 10 points to join Chastain in double figures.
Thursday’s game was the third time this season that Republic has held an opponent to fewer than 30 points. Mount Vernon scored 28 on December 27, and Joplin scored 21 on January 11.
The win is the 10th in a row for the Lady Tigers, who last lost on December 30th to Skyline in the Pink & White Lady Classic. Republic is 17-4 overall and 4-0 in the Central Ozark Conference (COC). The Lady Tigers have won 12 consecutive COC games dating back to last season.
The Lady Tigers will be in action at home Monday, February 12, when Ozark comes to town. The night will be a busy one, because in addition to the game, Republic will recognize two previous state champions: the 1994 3A state champs on their 30-year anniversary and the 2004 4A state champs on their 20-year anniversary.
Score by Quarters
Webb City 6 4 10 8 – 28
Republic 14 16 10 11 – 51
Individual Scoring
Lauren Chastain 17, Molly Blades 10, Misora Nambara 9, Alex Price 8, Alaina Norman 3, Molly Mason 3, Gracie Woods 1