Republic had no illusions about what happened in its first meeting against state-ranked Kickapoo, a 59-26 thrashing on February 17. So the Tigers came back Thursday night with a better plan — and for most of the first half, it paid off. In the end, though, Kickapoo pulled away for another win, 65-38.
Republic held Kickapoo to seven points in the first quarter, got out to a 9-7 lead after eight minutes and pushed the advantage to four points early in the second quarter. For a team that had trailed 35-15 at halftime in the first meeting and never made it a game, this was a different Republic squad.
“I was proud of the way our kids came out and competed tonight,” coach Tim Brown said. “We did everything we could in the first half to give ourselves a chance to stay in the fight. I thought we took care of the ball better and were able to hunt some matchups offensively in the first half.”
The Chiefs eventually turned things around in the second quarter. Kickapoo went on a 10-0 run, turning a 14-12 deficit into a 22-14 lead, and never trailed again. By halftime they led 26-19. By the end of the third quarter it was 51-32, and Republic’s chance had passed.
“The third quarter hurt us,” Brown said. “They sped us up a little bit, and we were unlucky on a few plays that we really needed to go our way. It seemed like they made us pay on those trips.”
Keiran Govan carried the offensive load for Republic, finishing with 18 points. Reese Kimrey scored 18 points for Kickapoo on 4-of-6 shooting from three.
With the loss, Republic ends its season at 19-9. The Tigers won the COC West title and the Bolivar Liberator Tournament.
“Going 19–9 with the schedule we play, winning the COC West, and bringing home a regular season tournament championship says a lot about our players and our program,” he said.
Thursday’s game was the final one for three Republic seniors: Braxton Lundberg, Camden Dunn and Jin Villasica.
“I especially appreciate our three seniors for everything they sacrificed and gave to this program throughout their careers,” Brown said.
Kickapoo advances to face Nixa for a district championship Saturday afternoon.
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