Republic overcame the unique atmosphere of “The Pit” and a history of struggles at Central High School on Tuesday, relying on a balanced offense and a stifling first-half defense to defeat the Bulldogs 52–33. Republic had lost its last two games at Central, including a 31-point drubbing two years ago, but there was no such danger on Tuesday night.
Before the game, Republic coach Tim Brown emphasized the importance of the “little things”—shot selection, running the offense, and solid defense—to handle the loud, enclosed environment at Central. The Tigers executed that plan early, holding the Bulldogs to single-digit scoring in three of four quarters.
After Central opened the game with a 3–0 lead, Brody Blades answered with back-to-back three-pointers to get the Republic offense moving. Trailing 7–5 midway through the first quarter, Republic took control with a decisive 13–0 run that bridged the first and second periods.
Keiran Govan started the stretch with free throws, and AJ Uhl and Camden Dunn contributed baskets inside to push the lead to double digits. By the time Central scored again—a basket by Donte Pierce midway through the second quarter—Republic led 20–7.
The Tigers held Central to just three points in the second period, building a 26–8 halftime advantage. Republic’s defense limited Central to 29 percent shooting from the field (12-of-41) for the game and just 20 percent from three-point range.
Republic maintained its cushion in the third quarter with efficient interior scoring. Braxton Lundberg scored twice early in the half, and Trenton Coleman added five points in the period. Late in the third, Govan capped the quarter’s momentum with a breakaway dunk, extending the lead to 44–17.
Central found some rhythm in the fourth quarter, putting together a 6–0 run late, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
Offensively, Republic found success inside the arc, shooting 56 percent (15-of-27) on two-point attempts. Three Tigers finished in double figures. Blades led the team with 11 points, including three 3-pointers. Lundberg scored 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and Uhl added 10 points.
Cordell Dyson led Central with 10 points.
Republic improves to 9-5. The Tigers are off until they face Hillcrest next week at home.
Score by quarters
Republic 10 16 18 8 — 52
Central 5 3 11 14 — 33
Individual scoring
Brody Blades 11, Braxton Lundberg 10, AJ Uhl 10, Keiran Govan 9, Camden Dunn 7, Trenten Coleman 5.
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