REPUBLIC — With longtime high school and College of the Ozarks George Wilson passing away over the weekend, hoops fans have been sharing their memories of him.
A famed numbers-cruncher, one of Wilson’s favorite go-to stats involved the high probability that the first team to call a timeout would go on to lose. But of course, and as Wilson had to remind his teams on occasion when he would be the first to call time, there are exceptions.
Ozark’s 63-34 loss to Republic on Monday was such an exception, boy was it ever.
With Ozark jumping on top 8-2, Republic was the first to call a timeout.
Republic went on to take the lead with a 12-0 run to end the first quarter. The hosts made five straight 3-point attempts during one stretch in the first half.
By the midway point of the third quarter, Republic had gone on a 44-5 run to lead 46-13.
Ozark’s ball-handlers were susceptible to forced and unforced, mostly unforced, turnovers.
The outcome decided second place in the COC, as both teams entered the game at 7-1 in conference play.
Ozark (19-6 overall and 7-2), saw its winning streak end at seven games. Coach Doug Hepler’s bunch had won 17 of its previous 18 games.
With Class 6 District 5 play at Joplin tipping off Saturday, Ozark will go for only its second 20-win season over the past nine years.
Ozark meets Carthage (11-14) at 12:30 p.m.
OZARK (34) — Boggs 2 2-9 6, Foley 2 4-6 8, Haymes 0 1-2 1, Watson 2 2-2 8, Kent 0 0-3 0, Putt 2 0-0 4, Soloman 2 1-1 5, Sult 1 0-0 2.
REPUBLIC (64) — Mis. Nambara 1 0-0 3, Chastain 1 0-0 3, Schatz 4 6-7 18, Blades 0 2-2 2, Price 1 0-0 2, Mih. Nambara 3 2-2 11, Norman 1 0-0 2, Bekemeier 7 7-7 21, Knotts 0 2-2 2.
Ozark 8 4 5 17 - 34
Republic 14 13 21 16 - 64
3-point goals - Schatz 4, Mih. Nambara 3, Foley 2, Watson 2, Chastain, Mis. Nambara.
