With leading scorer Brenley Hagewood sidelined, Keiran Govan stepped into the spotlight and delivered a career-high 28 points to lead Republic past Lebanon 67-59 Friday night.
Lebanon buried 12 three-pointers and jumped to a 15-6 first-quarter lead, but Govan took over in the middle quarters. He scored 21 of his 28 points in the second and third periods combined, helping Republic erase the early deficit. His night included two breakaway dunks.
“I knew I had to step in and play a big role in this game,” Govan said. “They couldn’t miss a shot, so I knew I had to (step up).”
Republic trailed by one at halftime, 30-29, then outscored Lebanon 23-13 in the third quarter to take control. Lebanon made one final push in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 57-55, but Republic closed with a 10-4 run.
Govan said Lebanon’s defensive approach, leaving him open in the middle of their zone defense, fueled his performance.
“They just didn’t respect it. They didn’t think I could do it, so I showed them I could do it and went out there and had 28 points,” he said.
C.J. Uhl scored 14 points for Republic and Brody Blades added 12.
Bristol Burtin led Lebanon with 19 points. Noah Boggs scored 16.
Republic improved to 13-1. Lebanon fell to 4-8. The Tigers play again next Tuesday against Springfield Central.
Score by Quarters
Lebanon 20-10-13-16–59
Republic 15-14-23-15–67
Lebanon Scoring
Bristol Burtin 18, Noah Boggs 16, Blake Coffman 9, Brock Piercy 6, Nolan Fort 5, Noah Thornhill 3, Urijah Jones 2,
Republic Scoring
Keiran Govan 28, C.J. Uhl 14, Brody Blades 12, Ryder Davis 6, Kaden Howard 4, Trenten Coleman 3
