Republic Sports 4-9-2025

Republic baseball drops non-division games to Ozark, Nixa
Republic’s baseball team suffered back-to-back losses last week against Central Ozark Conference cross-division opponents, falling to Ozark 8–4 at home and getting shut out by Nixa 10–0 on the road.
Republic’s late rally fell short as Ozark built an eight-run lead and held on for an 8–4 win Tuesday at Republic. Cooper Pilkinton’s three-run homer in the seventh inning closed the gap, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Ozark’s early advantage.
Republic struggled at the plate, as Ozark starter Cooper Pumphrey held them hitless through three innings while striking out 10 batters in five innings of work. Landon Perkins finally broke up the no-hit bid with an infield single in the fourth. Overall, Republic batters struck out 13 times in the loss.
Cannon Ellison suffered his first loss for Republic, allowing seven runs (six earned) over four innings. Kyler Tate pitched three innings of relief, giving up one run on two base hits.
On Wednesday, Nixa pitcher Jackson Gamble controlled Republic’s lineup, striking out 11 batters in a complete-game shutout as the Eagles rolled to a 10–0 victory at Nixa.
Republic managed just two hits against Gamble, who walked only one batter and faced just three over the minimum in his five-inning performance. The Eagles supported their pitcher with 10 runs on eight hits.
Wyatt Vincent powered Nixa’s attack, going 3-for-3 with three RBI’s, including a sacrifice fly. Preston McCracken took the loss for Republic, allowing six runs (two earned) on four hits in three innings while striking out six and walking two. Ryder Davis pitched the final 1⅔ innings, surrendering four runs (three earned) on four hits.
Brennan Overstreet and Ryder Davis had the only hits for Republic, which struck out 11 times against Gamble - their second straight game with double-digit strikeouts.
The losses dropped Republic’s record to 7-4 for the season.
Republic tennis opens season with back-to-back victories
Republic’s tennis team kicked off its season with impressive performances, securing wins over Willard and Springfield Central. The Tigers beat Willard 8-1 in their opening Central Ozark Conference West matchup. The team established control early with a sweep of all three doubles matches and maintained momentum throughout singles play.
Freshman Lucas Riffe made a statement in his varsity debut, partnering with Gavin Collyott for an 8–0 victory at No. 1 doubles before claiming his No. 1 singles match 8–2. Collyott, who has committed to Cornell College in Iowa, followed with an 8–1 win in the No. 2 singles position.
“I’m really happy to get this first match under our belts,” said coach David Smashey. “Our doubles was really outstanding. Gavin and Lucas really set a tone for the match with their quick, one-sided victory at 1 doubles.”
Nathan Henry and Cooper Choate secured an 8–5 win at No. 2 doubles, while Andrew McCord and Nico Lugli captured the No. 3 doubles match 8–4. In singles competition, Henry won 8–2 at No. 3, McCord prevailed 8–5 at No. 4, and Lugli earned a hard-fought 9–7 victory at No. 6. Willard’s only point came at No. 5 singles, where Choate fell 4–8.
Republic continued its strong start by defeating Springfield Central 6–3 at Cooper Tennis Complex, securing its first victory over the Bulldogs since 2019. During the four-match losing streak, the team had managed just seven individual wins out of 33 contests against Central.
Riffe and Collyott again led the way, losing only two games combined in their singles matches and shared doubles contest. The duo began with an 8-1 win at No. 1 doubles.
“Lucas and Gavin at 1 doubles returned serve and defended at a really elite level,” Smashey said. “They are starting to have a clear identity as a team.”
After Henry and Choate fell 4-8 at No. 2 doubles, McCord and Lugli earned a crucial 8–6 victory at No. 3 doubles to give Republic a 2-1 advantage heading into singles play.
In singles competition, Republic claimed four of six matches. Riffe won 8-0 at No. 1, while Collyott followed with an 8-1 win at No. 2. Henry lost 6-8 at No. 3, but McCord contributed an 8-1 victory at No. 4. After Choate lost 3-8 at No. 5, Lugli completed a perfect day with an 8-0 win at No. 6.
“I’m really encouraged not just by the high quality of our play, but how we are developing as a team,” Smashey said. “Our guys are encouraging and supporting each other in a very positive way. That’s going to be key if we are to accomplish what we hope to do this year.”
Republic soccer falls short at Ozark
A single, wind-aided goal proved the difference Tuesday night as Republic fell to Ozark 1-0 in girls soccer action. Ozark’s Annabelle Kruse found the net with 31 minutes remaining on a long shot from 25 yards that caught the wind, sailed over Republic goalkeeper Awbree Berning, and tucked just under the crossbar.
Republic pushed for the tying goal in the final minute. Sophie Woolfenden found Cadence Lugar in traffic near the goal, but an Ozark defender cleared the ball out of the box. Bria Claxton recovered the loose ball and fired from 30 yards out, but Ozark’s keeper collected it before Lugar and Adison Gibbs could touch it.
Despite the loss, Berning turned in an outstanding performance with 18 saves in the difficult conditions.
The defeat dropped Republic to 3-4 this season, while Ozark improved to 3-3.
Republic track opens strong at home meet
Republic track and field teams enjoyed a successful week, capturing team championships at the Republic Classic before posting several first-place finishes at the Branson Invitational.
At the Republic Classic, the boys scored 158 points while the girls amassed 198 points to sweep the team titles. Keiran Govan led the boys with victories in high jump (1.78m) and triple jump (12.60m). William Payne won the 300-meter hurdles (42.88), Danny Fair claimed the pole vault title (4.11m), and Aiden Schaefer won the discus throw (41.82m). The boys 4x400 relay team also took first (3:49.74).
Gracie Troester paced the girls with wins in the 1600-meter run (5:31.39) and 3200-meter run while participating in two winning relays. Nevaeh Ghan (high jump, 1.47m), Avery Rossow (discus, 32.68m), Sienna Blankenship (pole vault, 2.59m), and Josie Stalzer (800-meter run, 2:38.88) added victories for the girls.
At the Branson Invitational, Troester again won the 1600 and 3200-meter events. Will Payne (300-meter hurdles), Treyton Gray (100-meter dash), and Peyton Ash (200-meter dash) claimed individual victories for the boys. The 4x200-meter relay team also won. Field event winners included Ghan (girls high jump), Rossow (girls discus), Sammi Watson (girls javelin), Kate Mitchell (girls long jump), Govan (boys triple jump), Fair (boys pole vault), and Kaleb Norman (boys javelin).
Republic returns to action in Springfield with Girls Night Out on April 10 and Boys Night Out on April 11.
 
Republic’s Hagewood commits to Drury, earns All-State honor after exceptional season
Republic senior Brenley Hagewood committed to play basketball at Drury University last week, just days after being named to the Class 6 All-State Team by the Missouri High School Basketball Coaches Association.
“Drury is a school that takes pride in its academic excellence and prepares students for the world beyond college, which I really enjoy,” Hagewood said. “I also really like the coaching staff and everything they have to offer when it comes to my success on the court. Drury also is home to some of the best D2 facilities in the country, possibly even the best. It just feels like the place for me.”
Hagewood averaged nearly 24 points per game this season, connecting on 45 percent of his three-point attempts and shooting better than 50 percent from the floor overall. His strong performance earned him Player of the Year honors in the Central Ozark Conference West Division.
Looking ahead to college basketball, Hagewood said, “I think what I’m most excited for is probably just getting the chance to become the best player I can possible be. College basketball brings a whole new level to the sport and will push me even more to really reach my potential as a player.”