Republic cut a 13-point deficit to five points in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t overcome a sluggish start in a 44-36 loss to Kickapoo Monday night. The loss snapped Republic’s eight-game winning streak, but showed dramatic improvement from the teams’ first meeting of the season.
Republic fell behind 12-2 in the opening period before Paelyn Gilmore and Cora Cutbirth scored to make it 12-5. Kickapoo extended its lead to 13 points on two occasions in the second quarter, and the Lady Chiefs held a 25-14 lead at halftime, with Josie Salazar scoring eight of her game-high 16 points in the first two quarters.
“I was a little disappointed in the first quarter. We’ve been there so many times that I thought maybe this time we would get over the hump with it,” said coach Tori Mooneyham. “We just didn’t shoot the ball well in the first half. I think someone said we were one for 14 or something from the three-point line. It’s hard to compete against a good team when you’re not knocking down shots.”
Republic’s offense found its footing in the third quarter, with Gilmore scoring eight points to help Republic cut into the lead. After trailing by 11 to start the period, Republic got as close as five points late in the period before Amari Perry’s basket made it a seven-point game at 34-27 heading into the fourth quarter.
Republic cut the lead to five one more time in the final period, but Kickapoo gradually stretched the margin to 44-36 by the final buzzer.
The loss dropped Republic to 14-9, while Kickapoo improved to 20-3.
Despite the loss, Republic showed big progress from its first meeting with Kickapoo, a 55-34 defeat in the Stephanie Phillips Classic. Mooneyham said Kickapoo’s defense was just too much for her team to handle Monday night.
“They’re really good defensively, and… I feel like we have to work twice as hard to get open, and at times that affects our shot because we put forth so much energy just trying to get that separation,” Mooneyham said.
Gilmore led Republic with 16 points, including three 3-pointers. For Kickapoo, Salazar’s 16 points led the way. Mikayla Pilley added 10.
Republic is back in action on the road Friday at Carthage.
Score by Quarters
Kickapoo 12-13-9-10-44
Republic 5-9-13-9-36
Kickapoo Scoring
Josie Salazar 16, Mikayla Pilley 10, Taylyn Whited 8, Ni’ell Ross 3, Amari Perry 2, Lexi Ringgold 2, Allison Scott 2, Anyiah Doig 1
Republic Scoring
Paelyn Gilmore 16, Josie Stalzer 7, Awbree Berning 6, Lanney Strong 4, Cora Cutbirth 3
