The Roadrunners of Holbrook won their second region game of the season Jan. 17, a 53-37 victory over the visiting Payson Longhorns. The Roadrunners entered the game ranked 22nd in power points, with the Longhorns close behind in 26th position. Both squads are hoping for a late season run to propel them safely into the top 24 and the state tournament field.
Elliot Pete got things started quickly for the Birds, nailing two first period treys. Tynen Thomas added seven in the frame, moving Holbrook out to a 15-6 lead. Hayden Kinlichee made a trio of treys in the second, but Payson trimmed one point off the margin at the break to trail 26-18 at the half.
Korey McReeves took over scoring duties in the third with six points, helping Holbrook extend its lead to 10 points with just one quarter left. In the fourth the Roadrunners’ defense limited the Longhorns to single digits to pick up their seventh win of the campaign.
Pete led Holbrook’s offense with 15 points. Kinlichee added 11; McReeves, 10; Thomas, 7; JE Cummings, 4; and Lane Goldtooth, 3. Holbrook made seven three-point shots and went 10 for 18 at the line.
Payson was led by Ryan Rickie with 9. The Longhorns made one trey and went 2 for 6 at the line.
With the win the Roadrunners moved their season mark to 7-9. They are now 3-7 in power point contests.
