White Division semifinals: Bekemeier, Republic prevent Kickapoo three-peat
When a pump-fake near the corner didn't create enough separation for Kaemyn Bekemeier, the Republic star improvised with a leaning 3-point attempt.
After it dropped through the cylinder to give the Tigers their first double-digit cushion against Kickapoo in the third quarter of the Pink and White Lady Classic semifinals on Thursday night at the O'Reilly Event Center, it became clear that it was the Missouri State recruit's night.
The 5-foot-10 guard poured in a game-high 25 points in a 55-48 win, helping No. 2 seed Republic snap a five-game losing streak against the third-seeded Lady Chiefs and advance to Friday's White Division championship round.
"That 3 she hit in the third quarter was big," longtime Republic coach Kris Flood said. "She has the ability to hit those off-balance shots."
Republic (10-1), ranked sixth in the latest statewide poll, will face No. 1 tournament seed Grain Valley at 6 p.m. in a marquee Class 6 clash.
If the Tigers want to claim their first Pink and White title since 2012, they'll have to get through a second-ranked Eagles team that features high-scoring Mizzou recruit Grace Slaughter.
Avenging last year's Pink Division championship loss to Kickapoo was sweet for Bekemeier. Bringing home Republic's third tournament championship trophy this month would be even sweeter.
"It would put the cherry on top," of her Republic career, she said.
The Tigers held a 35-33 halftime edge before pulling away in the second half from a young Kickapoo team (8-3) with several new pieces.
The Lady Chiefs lost the bulk of their talent from last year's state runner-up squad, including Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and current Baylor freshman Bella Fontleroy.
But Kickapoo did return a pair of all-conference selections in Kya Johnson and Miya Nieto, who Republic held to a combined eight points on Friday.
Delainey Wylie, a 6-foot-3 forward who is headed to NCAA Division II Newman University, led the Lady Chiefs with 10 points.
Kickapoo, tournament champions in 2020 and 2021, got the bulk of its scoring inside, hitting just a single 3-point attempt and contrasting Republic's offensive approach.
Misora Nambara, Lauren Chastain, Hope Schatz, Molly Blades, and Bekemeier each hit early 3-pointers for Republic, which totaled nine triples.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Republic beats Kickapoo in Pink and White tournament
