Republic wins Bolivar Tournament with three straight, solid wins

Republic rebounded from a loss to Springfield Catholic early in the week to win three straight games and capture the championship of the Bolivar Liberator Tournament. The Tigers finished up their week with a win over state-ranked Bolivar (#7, Class 4), 57-49. The victory avenged an earlier loss to the Liberators, who had beaten Republic on Dec. 20.
The difference this time around was Republic’s post defense. Using freshman Ahlante Askew in a roving double-team on the low post, the Tigers shut down Bolivar’s two big men, Kyle Pock and Brodie Pollock, both 6’5”. The two had combined for 32 points in the teams’ first meeting, but they managed just 16, Saturday. Askew drew five offensive fouls as part of Republic’s double team strategy.
“Our game plan was to make ‘Te a designated trapper, and anytime the ball went in to those guys, he was leaving his man and trapping the ball out. And my goodness, he executed so well tonight, and to think he’s only a freshman,” said coach Tim Brown. “Our whole game plan was predicated on our post guys doing a good job of not letting them catch it deep, and they did a great job. And then that’s a lot of responsibility that we put on a freshman tonight, and not only did he execute, but man, he dominated that game plan. It was ... just a great job by him and everyone else.”
Republic advanced to the finals with wins over Camdenton (80-60) and St. Joseph Benton (78-57). Drew McMillin scored 30 points in the semifinal win against Benton.
Republic is 14-6 as COC play resumes this week. Bolivar falls to 17-2.
The Republic JV team also won its bracket at Bolivar, completing a Republic sweep of the event.
Republic scoring (Championship game): Race Looney 21, Joe Rexroat 12, Drew McMillin 9, Ahlante Askew 8, Nate Woolford 6, Carson Neff 1