By Nolan Epstein
Republic, MO – Clutch play over the final eight minutes of regulation sparked the Republic Lady Tigers (5-2) to a thrilling 49-44 home victory over Waynesville (3-2) on Thursday night.
The win marks the third time this season that the Lady Tigers have prevailed in a game that was decided by seven points or less, and the fourth such game they’ve played overall.
“Over the last four or five games, we’ve had games like this,” Republic head coach Kris Flood said. “We got some key stops there in the fourth quarter and we were able to do some stuff there at the end to hold on and pull that one out. It’s another good win.”
Both teams played virtually evenly throughout the night as neither club gained more than a five-point advantage on the scoreboard, but Republic managed to close out the game admirably – stringing together a 10-3 run in the final minutes to close it out.
Flood’s team, dealing with some inexperience issues, was in good hands with senior leader Taylor Fergen, who paved the way for the tight victory with 21 points.
“She’s the one kid that does have some big game experience as far as varsity experience from last year,” said Flood of Fergen. “She has to play a lot of minutes and has to carry a lot of responsibility for us, but I think she’s more than willing to do it.”
Despite Fergen’s offensive fireworks, the biggest play of the night arguably came with just over 30 seconds to play when junior forward Brylee Manes blocked a potential game-tying shot by Waynesville with Republic holding a narrow two-point edge at the time.
After two free-throws by Fergen stretched the lead to 48-44 with 14 seconds remaining, Republic got one final stop – further proving that defense is the team’s M.O. this season.
“For the most part, that may be the most consistent thing we have going for us,” Flood said.
Dealing with its own challenges after the graduation of Kallie Bildner, the reigning Ozark Conference Player of the Year, Waynesville received a valiant showing from junior Kiara Shoulders.
On the night, Shoulders put up 21 points to lead her team and provided an optimistic sign that head coach Brittany Matlock’s team is getting back on track after a slew of questions marks followed Bildner’s departure.
“It’s good to see that we’re figuring that out sooner than later,” said Matlock. “[Shoulders] is doing a great job and she’s becoming more comfortable with her role. Hopefully, she’ll just continue to excel.”
Republic, which could very well see more nail-biters in the near future, travels to Springfield on Monday for a tough battle with Kickapoo.
“It’s good to be playing those tight games,” Fergen said. “It’s definitely a challenge, but I feel like it’s preparing us for later in the season and it’s making us better for sure.”
Waynesville plays host to Union in the Route 66 Shootout on Saturday.
Box Score
Waynesville – 16 10 11 7 – 44
Republic – 13 13 11 12 – 49
Waynesville – Kiara Shoulders 21, Nina Kizzee 12, Re’Shawna Stone 8, Ashton Pilz 3
Republic – Taylor Fergen 21, Brylee Manes 12, Megan Branstetter 7, Madison Beckham 6, Allyson Barrett 3
