By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The reward outweighed the risk, so Clara Fronabarger ignored her nerves and fired away.
The sophomore’s go-ahead 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds remaining gave Republic a 38-36 win over Ozark on Monday night and a conference championship.
Fronabarger came off a screen and caught the ball on the right wing. A few moves later, she had space.
Elevate, release, swish.
“(The clock) was going by so fast,” Fronabarger said. “I could see the clock going down. I get out on the 3-point line and see two defenders rushing at me, and I decided to take (the shot). It felt good, but I was so nervous because I knew if that shot didn’t go in, I was dead.”
With the win, Republic (18-7 overall, 9-0) claims the outright Central Ozark Conference championship and denies Ozark’s bid at a repeat.
Republic has won eight straight games since a blowout loss at Strafford in late January. Seven of those wins have come against conference opponents.
“For one, I think it’s a bit unexpected with this group,” said Republic coach Kris Flood. “We (graduated) a lot of kids from last season. But this group persevered and they battled. They will battle until the end.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Republic last won the conference in 2016, with a senior class that included current Drury player Brooke Stanfield.
“It means the world, but especially for our seniors,” said Fronabarger, who scored a game-high 14. “I’m so happy to do it for them. Our friendships are built around them and this really solidifies memories.”
A Republic foul after the ensuing in-bounds pass put Ozark at the free throw line with 1.9 seconds left and a chance to tie the game. Ozark (18-6 overall, 8-1) missed the front end of a one-and-one and later a desperation heave from half-court.
“We didn’t mean to foul, but they missed the free throw and we got the rebound,” Flood said.
Ozark also missed the front end of a one-and-one with about 50 seconds left that set the stage for Fronabarger’s 3-pointer.
“The best part of it was when (the shot) went in,” Fronbarger said. “My teammates (celebrating) and just the roar of the crowd… We knew that shot could win the game. We were all so pumped up.”
Katie Mayes led Ozark with 11 points and Madi Braden added 10 points. Halli Bartelsmeyer scored 12 for Republic.
A pair of Braden 3-pointers gave Ozark a 32-29 lead early in the fourth quarter. Mayes’ basket put Ozark up 36-31 with about four minutes remaining.
Republic led 19-18 at halftime. Bartlesmeyer scored 10 of her 12 points in the first half.
Flood said his team has come a long way over the last four months. The Tigers have re-tooled their lineup after losing senior Avy Powell-Qualo to a season-ending injury in the Pink and White Lady Classic.
“We’ve come together a lot more,” Fronabarger said. “With Avy’s injury, it’s brought us all closer because we’re playing for her.”
Added Flood: “Unbeievable job by this team. I give all the credit to the kids.”
Republic concludes the regular season Wednesday night at home versus Logan-Rogersville. Republic is the top seed and host for next week’s Class 5 District 12 tournament.
“Hopefully we can keep this going,” Flood said. “We’ve built a little momentum toward the end.”
Ozark is the No. 2 seed for the Class 5 District 11 tournament at Kickapoo and faces No. 3 seed Nixa at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Republic 38, Ozark 36
Republic 8 11 6 13 – 38
Ozark 8 10 8 11 – 36
Republic – Clara Fronabarger 14, Halli Bartelsmeyer 12, Jade Kirby 6, Shealyn Barrett 4, Jazzy Kirby 2
Ozark – Katie Mayes 11, Madi Braden 10, Anna Hitt 9, Annie Scheer 3, Alexis Barber 3
