The Lady Roadrunners split their past two games, picking up a big region win in Winslow last Thursday night, then falling in a big way to visiting Valley Christian on Saturday afternoon. Winslow’s Lady Bulldogs started quickly on their home court, jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the first minute of the game. They extended the margin to 7-0 before Madison Chappell finally put the Roadrunners on the board. Holbrook fought back to lead 11-9 by the end of the first period. Dakota Dick’s three-point shot and four from Chappell, along with a full court drive by Elena Smith paced the Lady Birds. In the second, Rayanna Wauneka’s three-point shot was Holbrook’s only field goal of the period and the Roadrunners headed to the half trailing 26-15. Danielle James took charge on the offensive end for the Bulldogs, scoring eight of her game high 13 points. Trailing by double digits to start the second half, Holbrook came out with full court pressure and quickly gained the momentum. By the end of the period, the Roadrunners had outscored Winslow 18-2 and built a 33-28 lead. The fourth quarter became an offensive struggle for both teams, which combined for just 10 total points. Between the two squads they missed 14 free throws in the fourth, with 10 of those missed by the Roadrunners, who held on to win the critical region game 37-34. Chappell led Holbrook with 11 points. Smith added 7; Wauneka, 6; Dick and Dishie Kinlicheenie, 5 each; Ariyana Pratt, 2; and Twyla Clark, 1. The Roadrunners made four three-point shots, but went just 13 for 33 at the charity stripe. Winslow was led by James, who scored all 13 of her points in the first half. Justine Butterfield and Jenna Yazzie added 8 each; Brianna Little, 3; and Lynae Mitchell, 2. The Bulldogs went 3 for 8 at the line and made three treys. “This wasn’t the prettiest game for either team,” said Holbrook Coach Greg Perkins. “They jumped on us quick, but we fought back to get the lead. Then in the second, we went cold. Their defense was solid and Danielle James really took it to us. In the third we knew we had to pick up the defensive effort and it started to pay off. Holding them to just eight second half points was huge for us. “Our performance at the free throw line kept the game close. We missed 20 free throws, which let them stay in the game all the way to the end. They also missed some close shots and free throws, which could have won it for them. “It didn’t feel like we won, but in the end we now have an advantage in the East region standings. We must shoot the ball better to be competitive though.” On Saturday, Holbrook didn’t shoot much better despite making eight three-point shots in a 69-37 blowout loss to top ranked Valley Christian. The Lady Trojans have pretty much destroyed all 3A teams they have faced this year and they left Holbrook with yet another lopsided win. The Roadrunners started well in the first two minutes with back-to-back three-point shots from Pratt, but that was about the end of the Holbrook highlights. Valley Christian heated up from three-point land and quickly gained a 10-point lead heading to the second. Holbrook stayed within reach in the second period, trailing by just 10 when they turned the ball over on six straight possessions to close the first half. The Trojans turned those miscues into 10 quick points and led 40-20 at the half. Alishea Kee gave Holbrook a spark in the third period with three shots from distance, but Valley Christian continued its assault extending the lead to 58-32. Holbrook scored just five points in the fourth in the big loss. The Roadrunners were led by Kee with 9 points. Tyler Pacheco added 8; Pratt, 6; Chappell, 5; Clark and Wauneka, 3 each; and Dick and Tyanna Smith, 2 each. Holbrook made only 1 of 5 free throws and hit eight treys. Top ranked Valley Christian was led by Megan Timmer with 26 points. “We knew how good they were and we just made too many turnovers to keep us in the game,” said Coach Perkins. “Good teams take advantage of turnovers and they certainly did. We had 18 first half turnovers and, along with our continued poor shooting, that put us in a big hole. Now we know what it is going to take to compete at the highest level in 3A. We have work to do. I trust my girls are ready to put in that work. We are still in great shape to win our region and be seeded very high in the state tournament.” With the split the Roadrunners moved their overall season mark to 15-4. After hosting Payson on Tuesday they will have time to prepare for their rematch with Page on Saturday, Jan. 21, in Holbrook. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, they play at Show Low.