The Republic Lady Tigers are Final Four-bound after a come-from-behind win over Jefferson City Helias in the state quarterfinals, 46-37. The Lady Tigers trailed 19-13 at halftime, but their fierce defense sparked a big third quarter and they outscored Helias 33-18 the rest of the way.
“The kids just absolutely took it up another notch. It boiled down to them,” says head coach Kris Flood. “They flat out stepped up.”
The second half started with two steals by Alex Botkin, and that set the tone for the rest of the game. The defensive intensity helped Republic speed the tempo of the game and take advantage of their quickness against the much bigger Lady Crusaders.
“We got some easy baskets, and it ignited us a little bit, and got us a little intensity,” says Flood. “Instead of it being kind of a half-court game, we extended it up and made it a full-court game.”
Botkin and Alice Heinzler keyed the full-court pressure and the half-court perimeter defense, and both finished with 13 points to lead the Lady Tigers. Twelve of Heinzler’s points came in the second half. Alexis Edwards scored 10.
Helias was led by Taylor Hagenhoff’s 16 points. Olivia Hackmann scored 13 points in the first half, but a halftime adjustment by Republic kept her scoreless after the break.
Republic’s full-court pressure caused problems for Helias the entire game, but Republic couldn’t take advantage early. The Lady Tigers forced eight turnovers in the first half, but found no rhythm offensively. They scored only eight points in the first quarter, and 13 in the half.
This year’s quarterfinal was almost a mirror image of last year’s, which the Lady Tigers lost to St. Francis Borgia 41-38. In that game, Republic jumped on top, but let a lead slip away in the final minutes. That didn’t happen this year, as the Lady Tigers played smart defense, took care of the ball, and drained their free throws down the stretch.
Flood says last year’s experience played a role in this year’s victory.
“We kept reminding them, it’s been about 365 days since we were up here,” says Flood. “This time the shoe was on the other foot.”
Republic takes a 21-8 record into the state semifinals next Friday in Columbia. They’ll face Miller Career Academy (22-5) Friday at 3:20 p.m. at Mizzou Arena. Miller Career Academy beat Dexter 51-34.
For Republic, it’s the first girls Final Four since 2004.
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The Republic Booster Club is selling Final Four T-shirts for $10. Orders are due via email by 8 a.m. Monday morning. Email republicboosterclub@yahoo.com to place your order with sizes.