Belton controlled the opening tip. Devon Ward stole the ball, and that “set the intensity for the rest of the game,” according to Treydon Rackley. That intensity helped Republic to a 61-49 win in the semifinals of the Republic Invitational. The Tigers bolted to a 12-6 lead after the 1st quarter and a 30-16 lead at the half. Rackley led the way with a monster game, scoring 28 points as the Tigers improved to 2-0.
I thought we had good defensive intensity in the 1st half. We were locked in and boxed out for the most part,” says coach Trevyor Fisher. “We did what we wanted to by getting the ball to the middle and attacking inside-out.”
Rackley was the biggest factor in that inside-out game, repeatedly slashing the Belton defense for easy layups, or getting fouled on his way to the bucket.
“He’s got that knack of just being able to slither in there and find a crease,” Fisher says. “We have to get to the foul line. That was huge in the 1st half––getting to the basket and hitting free throws.”
Rackley was 9-for-10 from the free throw line. The Tigers made 24 of 32 free throws overall. Republic outshot Belton from the floor 50% (16-of-32) to 41% (15-of-37). The Tigers made five of 12 3-point attempts and Belton was 6-of-19 from beyond the arc.
In addition to Rackley’s 28 points, Republic got ten from Ty Stevens, seven from Broc Smith, five from Devon Ward, four each from Cameron Doke and Caleb Singley, and three from Mitch Coiner.
The Tigers advance to the championship game of the Republic Invitational at 3:30 Saturday. They’ll meet the winner of the Rogersville/Ozark game.
Crackerjack Shack Player of the Game
Treydon Rackley exploded for 28 points, including nine of ten from the free throw line, to help Republic beat Belton. Rackley says he’s not sure if it’s a career high — but it was enough to make him our Player of the Game.
Our Tiger Player of the Game Honor is sponsored by the Crackerjack Shack. When it comes to Screen Printing, Embroidery, and Promotional Products, they’ve got your back! Check out their website for sales and design ideas.
