By Chris Parker
The Republic girls have a lot to replace after graduating seven seniors that won 101 games in their four years as Tigers, including a 25-2 mark last year as seniors.
“The senior class was a unique group with seven of them remaining with the program all four years which is very unusual,” Republic coach Kris Flood said. “They played a huge part in the success we have had the last few years and they left a mark that we hope rubs off on the underclassmen.”
One of those key seniors lost was four-year star Brooke Stanfield who is now at Drury. The Class 5 All-State selection averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game in her senior season.
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The other seniors Republic lost are Jordan Kabetske, Alexis Ladwig, Logan Flood, Brylee Argo, Jade Sawyer and Carly Bayans.
Even with the great loss of experience, Flood brings back a group of five seniors who will lead the team including Taylor Fergen (5’5 guard), Allyson Barrett (5’8 guard/forward), Madison Beckham (5’9 forward), Madison Appleberry (5’5 guard) and Natalie Bennett (5’5 guard).
“This group will need to pick up in all our stat categories with the seniors from last year leading us in most of them,” Flood said. “This group has been together for several years and they have good chemistry which we hope will pay off this year.”
Flood will rely on some junior varsity players to step up to help fill out the varsity rotation as well. Megan Branstetter (5’5 guard), Brylee Manes (5’8 guard/forward), Morgan Mcguire (5’7 guard/forward), Tatum Carter (5’5 guard) and Hallie Bartelsmeyer (5’6 guard) are all candidates to see varsity minutes.
Republic has had a successful run, and expectations are not being tempered this year.
“Expectations are always high at Republic, but we believe the kids have adjusted to it. We have another tough schedule that we believe prepares us for the time when conference and post season rolls around,” Flood said. “Our style of play might change as far as how we play due to our personnel that we have this year but we had time this summer to work on it and the kids seemed to adjust well.”
That tough schedule starts with Republic opening its season on Nov. 21 on the road at Lee’s Summit West.
Republic’s district remains largely unchanged with Joplin, Nixa and Neosho all returning. The one change is Carthage moving in from Class 4 and Willard moving out to another district.
