With three starters sidelined during the game and Republic already playing without another, Kinley Kilburn provided the scoring lift the Lady Tigers needed to open the Pink & White Lady Classic. Coming off the bench, Kilburn scored a career-high 19 points to lead Republic to a 56–19 win over Springfield Catholic on Friday.
Republic entered the game without Cora Cutbirth and lost Charlie Hagewood, Josie Stalzer, and Paelyn Gilmore to injuries before the final buzzer. Kilburn’s production helped stabilize the offense as the Lady Tigers worked through lineup changes and a slow start.
Kilburn scored her first field goal with 2:30 left in the opening quarter, giving Republic a 6–2 lead. She finished with three 3-pointers and went 4-for-5 at the free-throw line. Republic took control from there, limiting Springfield Catholic to seven points in the first half and three in the third quarter.
Kilburn’s 19 points were not the highest total recorded in the opening rounds of the Blue & Gold and Pink & White tournaments. Given the circumstances, they were among the most significant. Her scoring came at a time when Republic needed reliable offense with several top players sidelined.
The performance has carried beyond one night. Kilburn has led Republic in scoring in all three tournament games so far, but her first tournament game was our Performance of the Week.
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