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For the second straight game in the Blue and Gold, Republic opened with a sluggish first quarter.
But for the third straight game in the Blue and Gold, Republic’s defense – overall – was exceptional.
The Tigers shut down Parkview in the second and third quarters on their way to a 47-36 victory in the Blue Division semifinals Wednesday night at JQH Arena. Republic faces 2-seed Glendale at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Blue Division championship game.
“Coach (Trevyor) Fisher preaches: ‘Defense, defense, defense. You have to lock down, you have to get into gaps,’” said Republic’s Broc Smith. “We did that for the most part, just have to contain the ball a little bit better.”
Republic sealed the win at the free throw line, finishing 23-for-25 overall. The Tigers converted 17 of 19 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter.
Parkview led 13-7 after the first quarter, but Republic’s defense smothered the Vikings over the next two quarters.
Republic limited Parkview to one point in the second quarter. It marked the third time in this year’s tournament that Republic has held its opposition to no field goals in a quarter.
Additionally, Parkview did not make a field goal for around 12 minutes worth of game time – a span that stretched from late in the first quarter into the early portion of the third quarter, when J.T. Brown scored to end the drought and bring the Vikings within 20-16.
“We got out on them defensively after a slow start and guarded them, forced them to take perimeter shots,” said Republic coach Trevyor Fisher. “That kind of got us going offensively, loosened us up a bit. We relaxed and were able to get in to the game.”
Republic (7-1 overall) has now held all three of its Blue and Gold opponents so far this year to fewer than 40 points, after beating Mt. Vernon 71-38 on Monday and Marshfield 53-17 on Tuesday.
Republic led the entire second half, although Brown revived Parkview’s chances by scoring six straight points – on a three-point play and 3-pointer – in about 30 seconds to cut Republic’s 11-point lead down to 34-29 with three minutes remaining. Brown scored a game-high 18.
“For the most part, with the exception of four or five minutes there in the first quarter when we let them get to the paint too many times, we guarded well,” Fisher said. “That’s what we hang our hat on and talk about constantly in practice. It’s just carrying it over from practice to a game.”
Broc Smith came off the bench to score a team-high 14 for Republic. Cameron Doke added a season-high nine points.
“I just give the team energy,” Smith said. “I do whatever I can to help out. Even if shots aren’t falling, you have to do whatever you can to help out your team and win the game.”
Parkview plays Hartville at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Blue Division 3rd place game.
Parkview 13 1 6 16 — 36
Republic 7 11 8 21 — 47
Parkview – J.T. Brown 18, Lencorya Grady 9, Damarcus Mason 5, Brady Hill 2, Gage Clark 2
Republic – Broc Smith 14, Cameron Doke 9, Ty Stevens 7, Treydon Rackley 7, Devon Ward 6, Mitch Coiner 4
