Republic wins 3 more COC Games, Bekemeier tops 2 school records

Lady Tigers remain undefeated in conference play, reach 15-5 overall mark
 
The Republic Lady Tigers ran their league record to 4-0 with three wins last week – at home against Branson, on the road at Neosho, and home again Saturday against Carthage.
Republic 50, Branson 34
Republic overcame a turnover-filled first half to pull away from Branson for a 50-34 win at home.
The two teams combined to give the ball away 29 times in the first 16 minutes of play. Republic also shot just 31 percent from the floor in the first half, and made just two of 10 three-point attempts.
"We were kind of our own worst enemy... with our lazy passes. (We were) too loose, too nonchalant," said coach Kris Flood. "But it's a conference win here at Republic. We've got to take care of our house."
Republic turned things around in the second half and pulled away from the Lady Pirates. Kaemyn Bekemeier scored 21 points and Rilynn Finley had 20 for the Lady Tigers.
Bekemeier made 12 free throws, and in the process, she surpassed Republic’s career record for three throws made. The old mark was 356, set by Michelle McGill from 1984-87.
Republic 59, Neosho 25
Republic shut out Neosho in the second quarter and allowed just three points in the third quarter, dominating most of the night in a 59-25 win. Neosho managed to stay close through one quarter, and the teams were tied 14-14 as the second quarter began. But Republic went on a 32-3 run, outscoring Neosho 13-0 in the second quarter and 19-3 in the third.
Kaemyn Bekemeier led Republic with 19 points. Hope Schatz had 11, and Misora Nambara had 10, joining Bekemeier in double figures.
Republic 76, Carthage 44
Kaemyn Bekemeier broke her second school record of the week, but this time she didn’t have to take a record away from someone else. Bekemeier scored 38 points to lead Republic to a 76-44 win over Carthage. That broke the old mark of 37 points, set by her last season.
Republic bolted to an early advantage, leading 22-9 by the end of the first quarter and 39-24 at halftime. An 18-9 third quarter helped Republic close the door on Carthage.
In addition to Bekemeier’s big game, Rilynn Finley was in double-figures scoring with 13. She added eight rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Bekemeier got a higher share of her points Saturday after posting up down low, with her teammates making an effort to find her on the block.
"We usually put Rilynn down there, but we knew their big girl was going to be on Rilynn, so we were like, 'Maybe if there's a mismatch on Rilynn, I could go in (and) look to kick out," Bekemeier said. "That's what Flood's good about. We see the defense and we adjust throughout the game."
Republic improved to 15-5 overall and 4-0 in the Central Ozark Conference.