By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2022 proved to be another successful season for Republic Basketball.
The Tigers posted a 21-7 record, falling to Nixa in the Class 6 District 5 semifinal.
Head coach Kris Flood, entering his 24th season at the helm, was pleased with his team’s effort stepping into new roles.
Graduated seniors Miha Nambara and Eternity Knotts departed the program over the summer.
“I felt like we played up to our potential as we were adjusting to losing a good group of seniors that had success,” Flood said. “We did incur some injuries and illness that changed lineups at times but, in the long run, I believe it helped us.”
Republic will once again be led this season by all-state standout and Missouri State commit Kaemyn Bekemeier.
Bekemeier, a 5-foot-10 senior and Central Ozark Conference Player of the Year, averaged 22.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists last season.
“Bekemeier led us in many statistical categories last year,” Flood said. “She is the type of player that can actually play all five spots on the floor as she has the ability to score from anywhere, plus she can also guard all five spots on defense. I am expecting her to take on the challenges of high expectations and have a great senior season.”
5-foot-5 classmate Hope Schatz, an all-conference honoree, also returns to help lead the Tigers after averaging 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 2022..
“Schatz is another senior starter that will be looked upon to step up this year after a good junior year. She will play more as the shooting guard with good range and can get to the basket also. She is a good ball handler, but will be asked to help out with scoring.”
Misora Nambara, Lauren Chastain and Alania Norman round out Republic’s returning core.
Nambara, a 5-foot-3 junior, averaged 6.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists last season.
“Nambara started last year and ran the point for us,” Flood said. “Sneaky strong with the ball with her size. She is tremendous with the ball but is also capable of scoring.”
Chastain, a 5-foot-6 junior, averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists as a sophomore.
“Chastain started at the beginning of last season but suffered a knee injury during the Pink and White and had to sit out the rest of the season,” Flood said. “Looking for her to bounce back and be a major contributor.”
Norman, a 5-foot-11 junior, averaged 4.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists last season.
“Norman split time with JV/Varsity last year and stepped up at the end of the year when injuries/illness hit,” Flood said. “She will contend for a lot of varsity time and will contend for an open starting position.”
In addition to its returning core, Republic will welcome a host of varsity newcomers including juniors Alex Price (5-foot-5), Molly Blades (5-foot-5), Gracie Woods (5-foot-6), and Molly Mason (6-foot).
Sophomore newcomers include Addison Walker (5-foot-4) and Laney Strong (5-foot-6).
“These young ladies will give us depth especially at the guard position and will be asked to step up and contribute at any given point during the season,” Flood said.
With several players in new roles, Flood believes his team chemistry could take some time to fully develop this season.
“Patience will be an early expectation as we as a coaching staff figure out roles, especially with the young players,” Flood said. “I believe we have good guard depth, which we can combine with some players that can play multiple positions when they are on the floor. I believe we can build off these strengths as the season progresses.”
Known for relentless defensive pressure, Republic will again attempt to force opponents into turnovers and transition to easy baskets at the other end.
“Look for us to try to get out and guard hard as I believe we have the speed and mentality to do it. We hopefully have the depth that can help us to do this. On the offensive end we have several different players that can play on the perimeter so expect us to spread it out some and rely on some dribble drive with perimeter shooting mixed in. We will have good post players to go along with this.”
Following a Nov. 14 home jamboree with Miller, Kickapoo and Rogersville, Republic tips off its season Nov. 30 in the Willard Basketball Classic.
