Lady Tigers’ win streak grows to 10 with three more victories

Republic knocked off three more opponents last week, including two state-ranked teams, to run its current winning streak to 10 games in a row. The Lady Tigers opened the week with a one-point win over Central Ozark Conference rival Nixa (Class 6, No. 9), then eked out a three-point win over Fair Grove (Class 3, No. 2) before blowing out Webb City.
Monday at home, Republic took the driver’s seat in the COC race by coming from behind for a 59–58 win against Nixa. Republic trailed by 12 points in the first half and by 10 points in the middle of the third quarter before rallying. Misora Nambara led Republic with 19 points, and Lanney Strong and Alex Price were also in double figures, with 14 points and 11 points, respectively.
Price had a strong first half to help the Lady Tigers stay within striking distance. She made two three-pointers and finished the half with nine points.
In the second half, the Lady Tigers threw the ball inside to Alaina Norman more frequently, and Norman helped turn the momentum with five points on two consecutive possessions. Nambara tied the score with a three-pointer to close out the third quarter. She redeemed herself after a late turnover by hitting the game-clinching free throw with less than two seconds remaining.
Republic had to come from behind against Wednesday at Fair Grove. The Lady Eagles used fast and physical defensive pressure to knock Republic off-balance early, and foul trouble forced Republic to make lineup adjustments to stay close. But in the second half, the Lady Tigers clamped down on defense, allowing just 22 points to a Fair Grove team that had been averaging 60 per game.
“I think on the offensive end, it was just slowing down and not letting them out-physical us,” said coach Kris Flood. “We were assuming they could come out fast and play pretty physical with us, and they did, but I think the kids adjusted well. We just calmed down a little bit on offense.”
Republic got consecutive baskets from Lauren Chastain and Lanney Strong to take the lead for good with 4:50 remaining.
Republic’s defense was in control throughout the night Thursday against Webb City. The Lady Tigers allowed just 10 points in the first half, building a 30–10 lead on the way to a 51–28 victory. It was the third time this season that Republic has held an opponent under 30 points. Republic finished the week with a 17–4 overall record and a 4–0 record in the COC.