Tigers earn two non-conference wins

Republic whipped Clever and Monticello, Ark., last week to run its win streak to three games after starting the season 0-2.
At home against Clever, Tuesday, Republic overcame an early deficit by scoring 22 consecutive points in the first half. The Tigers eventually ran away to an 86-37 win over the Blue Jays. Freshman Brenley Hagewood scored in double figures for Republic, finishing with 19 points. He was one of four different players to score in double figures, and every player who got into the game scored. Ahlante Askew scored 15, Devon McMillin added 14, and Khamari Edwards had 10 for Republic. In addition to Hagewood, four others posted career-high scoring totals for Republic: Edwards, James Rexroat (6), Gunner Ellison (5), and Landon O’Dell (3).
“Once we got that urgency offensively, I really felt like the ball had energy. We were able to throw it up the floor and get into things quick. That’s the way we’ve got to play to have success,” said coach Tim
Brown.
The night featured three dunks by Ahlante Askew, including a break-away one-hander on a fast break in the second half.
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Saturday, the Tigers traveled to Harrison, Ark., to participate in the Border War Shootout on the campus of North Arkansas College. The event paired teams from Missouri with teams from Arkansas, and the Tigers squared off against the Monticello Billies.
Republic’s defense highlighted the day, especially in the first half. The Tigers allowed just 15 points in the first two quarters and did not allow a field goal for nearly seven minutes to open the game.
Ahlante Askew led Republic with 16 points, and six others scored. Five of them – Devon McMillin, Gavyn Beckner, Khamari Edwards, Brenley Hagewood, and James Rexroat – scored at least six points in the win.
The win improved Republic’s record to 3-2. The Tigers will be in action next Friday at home against Bolivar. A scheduled home game against Springfield Hillcrest, Tuesday, was postponed from Dec. 14 to Dec. 21.