Republic’s season-long improvement was on full display in a commanding 69-45 victory over Ozark in the district quarterfinals. The win advances the Lady Tigers to the semifinals against Kickapoo on Saturday.
After needing overtime to defeat Ozark in January, Republic controlled this matchup from start to finish. The Lady Tigers led 17-14 after one quarter, then extended the advantage to 34-20 by halftime.
Republic’s defense limited Ozark to six points in the second quarter, and coach Tori Mooneyham said containing Ozark’s offense was key to the win.
“We executed the plan well,” Mooneyham said. “I felt like with us switching, we kind of gave Ozark some fits where they couldn’t get to the basket.”
Paelyn Gilmore led Republic with 20 points, including two 3-pointers and 10 free throws. Lanney Strong and Cora Cutbirth each contributed 16 points.
The Lady Tigers built their lead in part through strong interior play. Cutbirth was active early, grabbing rebounds that led to scoring opportunities.
“If she can get going with the rebounds, typically, then the points follow,” Mooneyham said of Cutbirth. “We got some easy baskets tonight. We got some points down low, and that’s something that we don’t always do.”
Republic out-rebounded Ozark, unofficially, 21-13.
Lauren Carson scored 20 points for Ozark in her final high school game.
The win improves Republic’s record to 18-9 after starting the season 0-5. The Lady Tigers now face top-seeded Kickapoo on Saturday in the district semifinals. Kickapoo won a December meeting by 21 points, but Republic played Kickapoo to within eight points in mid-February.
“I feel like we’re going to go into this game with some confidence,” Mooneyham said. “We know that we competed against them last time. We played well tonight. And so hopefully we can try to pull that upset.”
Ozark’s season ends at 13-13.
The semifinal game with Kickapoo is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30.
Score by Quarters
Ozark 14-6-18-7-45
Republic 17-17-18-17-69
Ozark Scoring
Lauren Carson 20, Kori Roussell 8, Avery Havens 7, Bria Wright 4, Kelly Navizovskyy 3, Maggie Sult 2, Carsyn Wood 1
Republic Scoring
Paelyn Gilmore 20, Lanney Strong 16, Cora Cutbirth 16, Josie Stalzer 7, Awbree Berning 6, Sammi Watson 4
