Lady Tigers win Willard Classic

Republic swept all three games at the Willard Classic to capture the tournament championship, finishing up with a come-from-behind win against Blue Springs, Saturday.

The Lady Tigers opened the season with a 59-53 win over state-ranked Strafford. They did it despite losing leading scorer Kaemyn Bekemeier early in the fourth quarter after she fouled out. Without Bekemeier, though, Republic outscored Strafford 9-5 to pull away from the Lady Indians.

"I think that helps those young kids and gives them a little confidence," said coach Kris Flood.

Republic had led 30-16 at halftime, but a big third quarter by Strafford helped them get back in the game. The Lady Indians made five three-pointers during the eight-minute period to cut Republic's lead to four points at 43-39. They eventually took a brief lead before Bekemeier's three-point play put Republic back on top for good.

Despite playing in constant foul trouble, Bekemeier still managed to score 17 points. She had nine in the first quarter. Alaina Norman also finished with 17. Misora Nambara was also in double figures with 12.
Friday, Republic followed up its first win with 61-48 victory over Harrison, Ark. The Lady Tigers scored 11 straight points in the first quarter and never trailed from that point on. The Goblins stayed within striking distance most of the night, but never got closer than three points the rest of the way.
Bekemeier led Republic with 26 points. Misora Nambara and Lauren Chastain each scored 10.
In the championship game, Republic trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half but fought back for a 44-42 win against Blue Springs. Bekemeier made two free throws with less than five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give Republic the win. Coach Kris Flood said his team's response to their early deficit showed him "they've got some toughness. Some of those kids have been through it a little bit, but I feel good about some of the kids that we bring off the bench that can help and contribute. Not just relief minutes, but they come in and make a contribution and are factors in the game."
Republic tied the game early in the third quarter and re-took the lead with about five minutes left in the third quarter when Misora Nambara made a three-pointer to make the score 26-24. That capped a 13-1 run for Republic that had begun in the second quarter.
Republic led 33-32 when the fourth quarter began, and the final eight minutes was back and forth. Blue Springs took a 34-33 lead, but Bekemeier answered with a three-pointer to make it 36-34. Blue Springs trailed by three points when Nikole Schnell made a three-pointer to tie the game again, 42-42, in the final minute.
That set up the Lady Tigers' final winning possession. After a couple of timeouts, Bekemeier got the ball and drove to the basket, drawing a foul on the way with 4.4 seconds remaining. She made two free throws, and Molly Blades stole a long pass downcourt on the ensuing in-bounds play to seal the win.
Bekemeier led the team with 17 points, and Nambara also finished in double figures with 11.
Republic earned the tournament championship in its first year in the field. And Flood said the three victories over Strafford, Harrison, Ark., and Blue Springs set his team up for future success.
"With the three teams we just played, I think that will only help us as we progress forward," he said.