Fair Grove’s defense stifled Republic early, holding the Lady Tigers to a single free throw by Awbree Berning in the first quarter of a 47-29 win Thursday night. The Lady Tigers didn’t manage their first field goal until nearly 10 minutes into the game, as Fair Grove built a 15-1 lead early in the second quarter.
“Offensively, we struggled tonight against an athletic team. We let the pressure get to us,” said Republic coach Tori Mooneyham. “I think it was an example of kids out there with no experience and having to handle that pressure, and I think we kind of panicked and didn’t know how to handle it.”
Despite offensive struggles, Republic’s defense kept them within striking distance. The Lady Tigers trailed by 12 points at halftime, 20-8.
“When you go in the locker room holding the two-time state champions to 20 points, you feel pretty good about that,” Mooneyham said. “But when the other side says eight, that’s when you start hanging your head a little bit.”
Fair Grove opened the third quarter with seven straight points to extend the lead to 19. They pulled away for good with a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter, matching their biggest lead of 19 points in the final minutes.
Abbey Green led Fair Grove with 13 points. Ashton Bell added 10 and Camdyn Hart scored nine for the Lady Eagles, who remained undefeated at 4-0.
Lanney Strong led Republic with eight points. Josie Stalzer and Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs scored five apiece.
Mooneyham said her team showed improvement after halftime. “I think we looked a little better second half. I think it’s just a matter of some of them getting confidence in themselves and not letting the pressure get to them.”
Republic (0-2) plays Kickapoo Friday.
Score by Quarters:
Fair Grove: 12 8 18 9 – 47
Republic: 1 7 12 9 – 29
Fair Grove Scoring:
Abbey Green 13, Ashton Bell 10, Camdyn Hart 9, Brooke Daniels 7, Emma Padgett 5, Shea Skouby 2, Sage Crowley 1
Republic Scoring:
Lanney Strong 8, Josie Stalzer 5, Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs 5, Charlie Hagewood 3, Addie Brown 3, Kaylee Cornelsen 2, Cora Cutbirth 2, Awbree Berning 1
