Republic overcame an 11-point halftime deficit and held Norwood to 11 second-half points in a 39-37 victory in the Pink & White Lady Classic fifth-place game Tuesday. Lanney Strong’s free throws with 6.3 seconds remaining provided the winning margin.
The Lady Tigers (3-6) trailed 26-15 at halftime before storming back with 10 straight points to open the third quarter. Addie Brown, who started the second half, sparked the comeback with two three-pointers. A Charlie Hagewood three-pointer gave Republic its first lead at 30-28 with 3:15 left in the third quarter.
“I was a little tough on them at halftime,” coach Tori Mooneyham said. “I felt like first half we kind of took a couple steps back again and looked like what we had a few weeks ago. But the important thing is they responded and came back and were more focused and played hard and got the job done.”
Brown’s insertion into the lineup came after Republic noticed a defender giving her extra space on the perimeter.
“I give credit to my coaching staff on that,” Mooneyham said. “That’s why Addie started the second half, and she was told to shoot the ball. Then Norwood made an adjustment and switched. So we put Charlie in, and Charlie came in and did the same thing.”
The teams traded leads in the fourth quarter. Awbree Berning’s put-back gave Republic a 33-31 advantage with 5:30 remaining, and a steal and layup by Josie Stalzer made the lead four points. After Norwood scored six straight to go ahead 37-35, Sammi Watson’s layup tied the score with 1:30 left. Strong’s steal in the final minute set up her game-winning free throws, and Cora Cutbirth sealed the win by intercepting a pass in the backcourt.
“It’s promising to know in the last two days we’ve been able to win a close game. And I think that’s encouraging as a coach,” Mooneyham said.
Republic will be back in action Friday night at home against Waynesville during a boys and girls super night featuring six games total. The girls’ varsity game is scheduled to begin around 6 p.m.
