The Lady Roadrunners backed up their regular season East region crown with the East Region tournament title last Friday night with a 45-30 home court win over Winslow. Holbrook had a first round bye, then as the top seed hosted Blue Ridge last Thursday night. The Roadrunners hadn’t seen the Lady Yellowjackets since mid-December, but after a close 10 minutes, the final result was the same with Holbrook prevailing 63-31. Holbrook built a seven-point lead in the first, but saw it cut to two just before the half. In the third quarter the Roadrunners got the ball to Madison Chappell and she picked up 11 quick points, helping the team build a big lead. The Birds’ defense clamped down in the second half, limiting Blue Ridge to just 10 over the final two minutes. “Madison got into early foul trouble, and the rest of the team picked things up in the first half,” noted Coach Greg Perkins. “We shot the ball well against their zone, making six treys in the first half with three coming from Elena Smith. Twyla Clark also hit a couple and Tyanna Smith had one. It is good to see that aspect of our game returning in time for the state tournament.” Chappell led the team in scoring with 14 points, all coming in the second half. Clark added 10; Elena Smith, 9; Tyanna Smith, 8; Dakota Dick, 6; Ariyana Pratt, Rayanna Wauneka and Aiyana Gary, 4 each; and Tristen Ambrose, 2. Holbrook went 11 for 14 at the line and made six three-point field goals. With the win the Roadrunners advanced to host the championship game against second seeded Winslow last Friday night. Their third season meeting was close early, with both netting 8 in the first quarter. In the second Holbrook edged out to a five-point lead at the break behind five points from Dick. The game was really decided in the third. Holbrook moved the ball well and scored 16 while limiting the Lady Bulldogs to just two points. Elena Smith and Dick combined for 10 points in the critical scoring run. Holbrook went on to win the game 45-30 and claim the tournament title. “Once again we were able to play well in the second half. Dakota had a big game for us with the ball, and Elena really helped us out with her scoring and passing,” said the coach. “These two teams know each other so well, and now it looks like we will meet again in the state tournament. It’s tough to beat a good team three times, now we will have to try to do it four times. I have a ton of respect for Jerron’s program, and I know, like us, they will be wanting this one badly.” The Roadrunners were led by Dick with 11. Chappell added 7; Elena Smith, 6; Wauneka, 4; Clark, Dishie Kinlicheenie and Tyanna Smith, 3 each; and Shoshawnna Jack, Pratt, Alishea Kee and Gary, 2 each. Holbrook made 6 of 7 free throws and hit three treys. Winslow was led by Lynnae Mitchell with 10. Justine Butterfield and Jenna Yazzie added 7 each; Tatiana Waconda, 4; and Danielle James and Sirena Begay, 1 each. The Bulldogs made 8 of 18 free throws and hit two three-point field goals. The Roadrunners enter the tournament as the No. 4 seed and will receive a first round bye. They will play either 12th seeded Winslow or 20th seeded North Pointe Prep on Friday night, Feb. 17, at a neutral site yet to be determined. Based on the regular season it will be Holbrook and Winslow for round four on Friday night. The winner of Friday night’s game will play on Monday, Feb. 20, in Prescott Valley against either No. 5 Pusch Ridge, No. 12 Yuma Catholic or No. 24 Northwest Christian. A win in Prescott Valley leads to a final four berth in Glendale.