Republic raced out to a 16-0 lead and never trailed, defeating Jefferson City 76-56 to remain unbeaten. Addie Brown scored 24 points and made six three-pointers to lead the Lady Tigers offense.
Republic controlled the game from the opening tip, holding Jefferson City without a field goal for the entire first quarter. Brown connected on two early three-pointers, and Paelyn Gilmore added another during the opening run. The Lady Jays scored their only points of the period on three free throws to trail 18-3.
The Lady Tigers extended their lead to as many as 22 points in the second quarter, going up 36-14 on a three-pointer by Jordin Quessenberry. Jefferson City managed to close the gap slightly before halftime, but Republic took a 36-19 advantage into the break.
Jefferson City made its strongest push in the third quarter. The Lady Jays used a 7-0 run to trim the Republic lead to 39-26. Republic responded with key minutes from its bench to halt the momentum. Kinley Kilburn scored seven points in the third period, helping Republic stabilize the game. A late 10-4 spurt, capped by a three-pointer from Josie Stalzer, restored a 20-point cushion heading into the fourth.
Republic’s perimeter shooting was a major factor, as the team combined for 12 three-pointers. In addition to Brown’s six, Quessenberry and Gilmore made two apiece.
Defensively, the Lady Tigers relied on ball pressure to disrupt Jefferson City. Republic forced 25 turnovers while committing just 10.
Cora Cutbirth joined Brown in double figures with 12 points, doing most of her work inside the paint. Quessenberry finished with 10 points.
Alaya Johnson led Jefferson City with 20 points, scoring 10 of them from the free-throw line. Charley Burks added 15 points, including four three-pointers, and Isabell Miller scored 14.
Republic improves to 2-0. The Lady Tigers play again tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. against Lutheran St. Charles.
**Score by quarters**
Jefferson City 3 16 18 19 — 56
Republic 18 18 21 19 — 76
**Individual scoring**
Brown 24, Cutbirth 12, Quessenberry 10, Gilmore 8, Kilburn 7, Stalzer 6, Hagewood 5, Berning 4.
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