Republic bounced back from a semifinal loss to defeat West Plains 50-46, claiming third place at the Pink & White Lady Classic on Tuesday. The Lady Tigers built a double-digit lead in the first half and held off a late Zizzer rally to finish the tournament with a 3-1 record.
“I think it’s a game you just have to put behind you and keep it in perspective,” coach Tori Mooneyham said of the quick turnaround after a semifinal loss to Strafford. It was clear from almost the start that Republic did put that loss behind it.
Republic took control with a 10-0 run spanning the first and second quarters. Trailing 7-6, the Lady Tigers held West Plains scoreless for several minutes while building a 16-7 lead. Kinley Kilburn scored six points in the first quarter, helping Republic establish an inside presence early.
In the second quarter, Republic extended the lead to as many as 14 points. Awbree Berning drove repeatedly to the basket, scoring five points in the period, while Paelyn Gilmore added a three-pointer to push the score to 28-14. West Plains closed the half on a 6-2 run, cutting Republic’s advantage to 30-20 at the break.
West Plains chipped away throughout the second half behind Gillian Green and Ainsley McWilliams. Green scored 15 points to lead all scorers, doing most of her damage in the paint. The Zizzers used a 5-0 run in the third quarter to close the gap to 37-31, but a jumper by Libby Steele and free throws from Gilmore kept Republic in front 40-33 entering the fourth.
The Zizzers made their final push in the closing minutes. A bucket by Green and a three-pointer by Zoe Shrubb brought West Plains within two points at 46-44 with under a minute remaining.
Republic sealed the game at the free-throw line. Kilburn sank two free throws to make it 48-44, and after a defensive stop, Charlie Hagewood hit two more to push the lead to six.
Berning led Republic with 12 points. Gilmore finished with 11, including three 3-pointers, and Kilburn added 10.
Republic improves to 6-2 with the victory.
Individual Scoring
Awbree Berning 12, Paelyn Gilmore 11, Kinley Kilburn 10, Charlie Hagewood 9, Josie Stalzer 4, Addie Brown 3, Libby Steele 1
Score by Quarters
West Plains 7 13 13 13 — 46
Republic 14 16 10 10 — 50
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