The Lady Roadrunners played another close game on Friday night but again came away with a win despite not playing especially well. Fountain Hills entered the game with a 1-2 record but like Holbrook they had been in close games.
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Holbrook started slowly in the first, getting five of their 11 first period points from Madison Chappell. In the second they found themselves in foul trouble and managed just five points, three of which came from Freshmen Abigayle Nez and Terry Nez.
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“We came into the game hoping to be able to play our young girls quite a bit but we really didn’t want to be forced to play all of them at once. Our early foul trouble on most of our starters in the second period left us no choice. The young girls proved they still have a lot to learn but I think the overall experience will be valuable for them in the long run,” stated Holbrook Coach Greg Perkins.
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Fountain Hills took advantage of Holbrook’s youth, outscoring them 14-5 in the second period to hold a four-point lead at the half. With their starters back on the court in the third it didn’t take Holbrook long to get back on top. Three-point shots from Megan Cummings and Desirae Bain, along with six points in the paint from Matehya Aberle helped Holbrook build a two-point lead heading into the fourth. Holbrook’s defense held the Falcons to single digits in both the third and fourth quarters helping them improve their regular season mark to 4-1 with a 43-37 win.
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“We were able to overcome our foul problems and played a little better in the second half. Madison did a good job of running things on both ends of the floor and Mateyha played well in the paint. Also I thought Mika (Joe) bounced back well from some early game struggles. We didn’t shoot as well as we have been, making just two three-pointers and we know we will have games like that. The young girls got some good experience and despite their struggles they moved forward for the most part. Now we can get six games in the Round Valley tournament and spend some time working out some of the kinks. This was another ugly win, but it was still a win,” stated Perkins.
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Chappell led the team in scoring with 13 points; Matehya added 11; Cummings, 5; Bain, 5; Nez, 2; Talynn Spencer, 2; Joe, 2; Shilaine Gorman, 2; and Nez made one free throw. Holbrook made just two three-point field goals and went 7 for 13 at the free throw line.
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Fountain Hills was led by Jocelyn McCarthy with 25 points. The Falcons made 13 of their 19 free throws, with 12 of those attempts coming in the second period and like Holbrook, they connected twice from long range.
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Holbrook will face Pinon at 1:30 p.m. in the first game at the Round Valley Tournament on Thursday. Their second game of the day will be against unbeaten American Leadership North and will be played at 4:30 p.m. Holbrook will return to Round Valley on Friday at 12 noon to face Camp Verde in the opening round of bracket play. Tournament action will continue on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.
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The Roadrunners will play their final regular season game prior to Christmas on Dec. 21 when they travel to Window Rock for a rematch with the Scouts. The Lady Roadrunners will be in action at the Chandler Prep tournament held Dec. 27- 29.
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