Republic got double-figure scoring from three different players, led by Tristan Ollar’s 15, as they pulled away from Rogersville for a 70-62 win in the consolation finals of the Republic Invitational. The Tigers outscored the Wildcats 22-15 in the final quarter to improve to 3-1.
Republic trailed by two points (12-14) after one quarter. A three-pointer by Brock Yocum at the end of the first half tied the game 30-30. Rogersville jumped back on top in the 3rd quarter and stretched its lead to 44-39, but the Tigers reeled off nine straight points to take a four-point lead and never trailed again.
For the Tigers, it was the third time this year that three players have reached double figures in scoring. In addition to Ollar’s 15, Brock Yocum scored 14 and Tim Brazeal had 13. Brazeal and Yocum had for 21 of their combined 27 points in the second half.
Mitch Coiner and Blake Fanning each scored eight points, Brady McGill scored seven, Ty Stevens had three, and Jace DuVall scored two for the Tigers.
Coach Trevyor Fisher loves seeing the balance in his offense.
“It’s huge, because on most nights, the game plan’s going to be take Brock away. So we need for those other guys to step up and hit big shots,” Fisher says. “It wasn’t just one or two guys. It was the other seven that played all did great things and stepped up and made bit shots at big times. To have that balance is huge.”
Fisher says the Tigers were more patient at the offensive end of the court in the second half, and that paid dividends. “I thought we did a better job the second half of moving the ball first, then attacking. You’ve got to get the defense moving then look to attack,” he says.
Republic wraps up its home tournament with two wins and a loss. Fisher says the performance is a confidence builder.
” a great team that won 20-plus games last year and lost one starter. For us, being an inexperienced new group, to come in and get two wins and play a good West Plains team close, I think that gives us some confidence. I think at the same time our guys know there’s still a lot to learn and to get better at as the season goes.
Republic is back in action next Friday at Carl Junction. That game will be broadcast live on Republic Tiger Sports.