For the second time this week, Republic had to weather a late storm to secure a victory. After fighting off a rally against Branson earlier in the week, the Tigers again saw a comfortable lead shrink in the fourth quarter Friday, hamstrung by turnovers and a cold shooting stretch. But for the second straight time, Republic made enough plays at the end to survive, defeating Blue Valley West 50–45.
Republic took a 43–35 advantage into the fourth quarter but failed to record a field goal in the final period. Turnovers in the backcourt helped Blue Valley West generate momentum, fueling a 7–0 run that cut the deficit to 43–42 with under four minutes remaining. Max Orr, who led the Jaguars with 16 points, and Cade Wysong powered the comeback as the Tigers struggled to find an offensive rhythm.
Despite the offensive drought, Republic’s defense tightened when it mattered most. The Tigers forced key stops down the stretch, and Blue Valley West missed several opportunities around the rim to take the lead.
With the offense stalled, the Tigers turned to the free throw line. Although Republic shot just 16-for-27 (59 percent) from the stripe for the game, they delivered with the game on the line. Brody Blades and Trenten Coleman combined to hit seven free throws in the closing minutes, extending the lead back to 50–43 before a late basket by Wysong set the final margin.
Blades led Republic with 16 points, including three 3-pointers. AJ Uhl added 14 points, doing most of his damage in the first three quarters to help build the lead.
The game was tight early, with the teams tied at 15 early in the second quarter. Republic created separation before halftime behind perimeter shooting from Blades and inside scoring from Uhl. The Tigers closed the half on a 15–8 run to take a 30–23 lead at the break. They briefly pushed the lead to double digits when Blades dropped in a three-pointer to open the second half.
Coleman finished with nine points, and Keiran Govan added eight.
Republic improves to 4-1, while Blue Valley West falls to 4-2. The Tigers are off until December 26, when they open the Blue & Gold Tournament against Springfield Catholic. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at Hammons Student Center.
Score by quarters
Blue Valley West 12 11 12 10 — 45
Republic 15 15 13 7 — 50
Individual scoring
Blades 16, Uhl 14, Coleman 9, Govan 8, Villasica 3.
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