Rogersville used a dominating performance on the offensive boards to whip Republic in the district semifinals, 49-45. The Wildcats avenged two earlier losses to the Tigers and advanced to play Hillcrest for the district championship Saturday.
Rogersville made the most of its second chances, scoring nearly half its points after missed shots. Coach Gary Stanfield says that was a key to the Rogersville victory.
“We were counting on them trying to get 1/3 of their points on offensive rebounds, and we were trying to block them out where they wouldn’t get that number,” says coach Gary Stanfield. “But they’re quick to the glass, and we didn’t get bodies on them. To their credit, that’s what they’re good at.”
Republic led 25-22 at halftime despite struggling on the boards. But Rogersville dominated early in the 3rd quarter, going on a 13-2 run to take an eight-point lead. They pushed the lead to 10 points early in the 4th quarter before Republic made a final charge.
A Pierce Pittman 3-pointer, a couple of Cody Geiger free throws, and a 25-footer by Nick Yocum cut the lead to four. That was as close as the Tigers would get.
Yocum, in his final game at Republic, scored 21 points to lead the way.
The Tigers end their season with a record of 21-6.
In the other semifinal, Hillcrest defeated Marshfield 67-58.