Republic coach Trevyor Fisher knew the guards from Hazelwood West wanted to drive to the hoop. The Tigers made sure that didn’t happen. Republic used stiff half-court defense to pull away for a 57-28 win at the Rt. 66 Shootout in Waynesville.
“We were in the right spots defensively for the most part,” says Fisher. “They’re a team that likes to get to the basket, and our whole focus was to plug the gaps and shut off the paint and make them beat us with contested jump shots, and I think that frustrated them a little bit.”
Unable to penetrate the lane, the Wildcats settled for three-point shots. They didn’t hit one all night, despite chucking up 17 attempts.
At the other end of the floor, the Tigers put together a balanced offensive game, led by 17 points from Brock Yocum. Yocum had four three-pointers.
“Offensively we had a good flow to start with,” says Fisher. “We got some people involved. We got some easy baskets, made some shots, and built a nice lead in the first half.”
The win breaks a two-game losing streak for the Tigers. Fisher says it’s an important win heading into the Blue & Gold Tournament.
“You’ve got to be happy with every win that you get,” he says. “At the same time, I think we can play better. And I think they feel that way. It’s always good to learn and figure out what you’ve got to work on, and at the same time get a win and end that little losing skid.”
Brady McGill scored ten first-half points to get the Tigers started. He ended with 12. Tim Brazeal added eight. Tristan Ollar scored seven. Ty Stevens had five. Travis Sly and Mitch Coiner had three apiece, and Cameron Doke scored one.
Republic improves to 4-3. The Tigers play their opening-round game in the Blue & Gold Tournament at 2 pm on December 26 against Reeds Spring at Hammons Student Center.