Feeling cold? Tired of ice? Need some warm thoughts? Here you go:
Pitchers and catchers report today.
If you’re like me, then you’re already done with the Roger Clemens thing. I couldn’t tell you what happened yesterday, and I’m glad of it. I’m ready to move on and what better way than real, on-the-field baseball?
You can get it after the jump.
It was an inspired performace by the Republic Tigers Friday night, one that should open some eyes around the area.
The Tigers flat-out dominated Lebanon from the second quarter on, controlling the boards, forcing Lebanon into contested perimeter shots and finding the open man offensively. It’s a far cry from the team that wore orange and black between the championship game of the Blue and Gold Tournament and now.
Republic showed flashes of the dominating defense it displayed early in the season by holding Lebanon without a field goal for more than seven minutes of the first half, allowing the Tigers to take their first lead of the game.
What was even more encouraging was the way the seniors rallied when Lebanon tried to get back into the game. The Yellow Jackets were within 34-31 when Cory Dummit and Mitch McHenry scored on back-to-back possessions and – after Lebanon got a 3-pointer – McHenry went off for five straight points. He worked off a Nathan Hopkins screen to bury a 3-pointer from the left wing – screaming “Let’s go!” as he headed back down the court – then made a dazzling drive through the lane for a one-handed lay-up to push Republic’s lead to 43-34.
Ryan Montgomery tacked on a pair of free throws to effectively put the game out of reach.
“Confidence” was the word RHS coach Denny McHenry used to explain the difference in his team, and it was easy to understand. The team seemed sure of itself on the defensive end and trusted in the defensive gameplan the coaches compiled, weathering an early run by Lebanon before the Jackets, effectively, wore themselves out.
Now comes the real test, a showdown with familiar nemesis Rogersville in the championship game. Rogersville enters the game well tested this weekend, having held off a late Chadwick rally Thursday and escaping with a 50-46 win over Marshfield tonight. Is this a sign that Rogersville is coming back down to earth a bit, or just an aberration? We’ll find out on the floor Saturday.
What is certain is that Rogersville catches Republic at a time that had traditionally been good for the Tigers and this particular team is playing its best basketball of the season. A win sends Republic into the homestretch on a four-game winning streak and feeling pretty good about itself. If that comes true, it’s bad news for the rest of District 11.
–Jeff
We chatted briefly with Republic High School activities director Greg Garton at the Republic-Lebanon boys’ basketball game tonight and he said the football schedule is practically finalized. We’ll post it as soon as we get a hard copy, and know it’s final and official.
Here’s what we can tell you: It wasn’t easy for Garton to get the two games they needed scheduled and the two opponents will be new for RHS. Should be interesting.
–Jeff
We’ll delve into this topic in print next week, but things look pretty good for Republic’s district football chances next season.
New district assignments were handed out this morning and the Tigers will face a new-look Class 4 District 11. Gone are Carthage, Hillcrest and Willard, traded out for Branson, McDonald County and Neosho. Those three teams were a combined 9-21 last season and Republic beat two of them (Branson, Neosho) on the field.
McDonald County played Neosho last year, falling 14-10.
More after the jump… Keep reading →
We were at Republic’s wrestling Senior Night last night, so we missed the basketball game with Camdenton (both started at six). Here’s our analysis of the basketball game, an 83-29 blowout.
Republic more than took care of business in the rout, perhaps sending a message that they’re here on business. There are less than 10 games remaining in the regular season and RHS coach Denny McHenry knows as well as anyone that it’s time to build some consistency and intensity. A close win over a clearly struggling Camdenton team would not bode well for the rest of this week.
It’s encouraging to see the number “13” next to Mitch McHenry’s name. He’s had some good games and hit some big shots in the gym at Rogersville and the Tigers need him to get rolling offensively. They need another perimeter weapon and he’s the best candidate to do it. They will need him down the stretch if they hope to defend their title.
More after the jump.
We’re taking a short break after another busy week, but here are a couple of quick notes for Wednesday.
The Republic Lady Tigers dropped one spot, to No. 7, in the Class 4 rankings. Marshfield is still No.1, followed by Bolivar. Branson (also No. 7) is the only boys’ COC team ranked.
Clever, meanwhile, remains No. 2 in Class 2. The Blue Jays trail unbeaten South Iron.
The Branson Daily News checks in with this story on former RHS standout Josie Sparkman and her impact on the College of the Ozarks Lady ’Cats.
Have a good afternoon.
–Jeff
Seven different Republic Tigers have a great shot at coming away with medals this Saturday at the Central Ozark Conference Wrestling Tournament. That meet will be held in Reeds Spring. The seeds for the COC Tourney were posted late last night and seven Tigers are in the top four, meaning they are in great position to shoot for a conference gold medal.
The obvious favorite is Kyle Noblitt, the top seed at 285 pounds. He defeated Willard’s Chris McMullin – the second seed – to win the COC last year and will try to repeat. This could be the only meeting between the two this season. Noblitt missed the Republic-Willard dual with an ankle injury and the two schools are not in the same class for the purposes of Districts and State. Reeds Spring’s Kale Crosby is third, followed by Ozark’s Drake Holland. Noblitt defeated Crosby to win the Republic Invitational last weekend.
The Tigers’ next best shot at a medal is Curt Trimmell, seeded second at 152 pounds. Trimmell was a state qualifier last year, at that weight, and finished third in the COC last year at 145 pounds. Willard’s Garrett Mayfield grabbed the top seed in this weight class, with Aaron Ward (Nixa) third and Chad Payne (Buffalo) fourth.
More seeded Tigers after the jump.
Google Video is on notice.
I discovered iMovie recently and spent many hours editing together an awesome highlight reel from the Tigers’ basketball win over Bolivar recently. We’re talking music, captions, the whole nine. I was ready to share it with the world, but Google Video couldn’t be more uncooperative. I am taking a cool-down period away from that place for a bit, but may try again soon. I’d consider using another service – perhaps a YouTube channel would give me some street cred – but I can’t access some of them from my ax at work. What’s a blogger to do?
Back with more in a bit. The Central Ozark Conference Wrestling Tournament has been seeded and several Tigers will enter that event in good shape to contend for a medal.
–Jeff
Now listening to: Belle & Sebastian – “Take Your Carriage Clock and Shove It”
So it wasn’t as easy tonight as it was last week, but Republic topped Willard 65-38 in the Lady Tigers’ Central Ozark Conference opener.
It was in fits and starts, but it worked. Willard got saddled with foul trouble early and never got into an offensive rhythm. I’ve got them with 22 turnovers as Republic’s full-court pressure defense kept WHS uncomfortable all night. RHS coach Kris Flood was frustrated with the inconsistent effort – like scoring 20 points in the first quarter and eight in the other – but, like any COC coach, he’ll take a league win.
More after the jump…
Briefs from tonight’s games will be up at www.republicmonews.com as soon as we can get them posted.
–Jeff
