Republic dominated from the start at Neosho Monday, scoring the first eight points and jumping to a 25-2 lead on the way to a 76-29 victory. The win is the 12th straight for Republic, and it keeps the Lady Tigers unbeaten in Central Ozark Conference (COC) play with two games remaining.
Republic made 12 three-pointers despite slowing the pace of the game drastically after building a 55-12 halftime lead. Nine of those three-pointers came in the first half. Republic’s starters were all on the bench for the entire fourth quarter.
Molly Blades scored a career-high 25 points to lead Republic. She had six three-pointers, two short of the single-game record, despite her limited playing time. Blades had 19 points in the first half.
Misora Nambara had 17, Alex Price scored 12, and Lauren Chastain scored 10 to join Blades in double figures.
Republic has won 15 consecutive COC games dating back to last season. The Lady Tigers will play at Willard, then host Carl Junction, next week to close out the regular season. Two wins would clinch Republic’s first conference championship since 2021 and the ninth under coach Kris Flood.
Republic improves to 19-4 and 7-0 in the COC.
Score by Quarters
Neosho 7 5 12 5 – 29
Republic 28 27 19 2 – 76
Individual Scoring
Molly Blades 25, Misora Nambara 17, Alex Price 12, Lauren Chastain 10, Alaina Norman 6, Lanney Strong 2, Sammi Watson 2, Gracie Woods 2