Snowflake entered Tuesday’s game at Holbrook on the heels of a three game winnings streak after opening the new calendar year with three consecutive East Region wins, which had moved them up into the 23rd position in the power rankings.
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Through halftime it appeared they would be entertaining thoughts of a fourth straight win as they held a 19-17 halftime edge. After holding the Roadrunners offense down in the first two period, the Lobos struggled with more of a veteran Holbrook line-up in the second half where Holbrook outscored the visitors 44-23 to secure the 61-42 win bringing Snowflake’s win streak to a close.
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Holbrook netted just seven points in the first period and had only 10 in the second, thanks in part to Snowflake’s defense, and some missed easy opportunities. Madison Chappell kept the Birds within striking distance scoring eight of the teams first half points. Tristen Ambrose added four in the second period, as did Desirae Bain.
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Holbrook came out of the break and played with better determination. Matehya Aberle quickly went to work inside scoring 10 of her 14 points in the eight-minute period. Megan Cummings added a couple of driving lay-ups and Sam Billie nailed a three-pointer that helped Holbrook turn a two point half time deficit into an eight point lead going into the final stanza.
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In the fourth, Cummings found her range from the outside with three three-point shots. Chappell netted six in the paint and Aberle added four to her total as Holbrook opened up a comfortable margin before going on to win.
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“We started a younger line-up in this game and they kind of struggled with Snowflake’s physicality. Once we got the ball to Madison and Tristen in the first half, we did better. In the second half our traditional line up entered the game and did very well. Matehya knew she had the size advantage inside and quickly went to work. Megan also found the range in the fourth and the rest of the girls played well. It was a good way to bounce back after Friday’s game.
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“Now we need to work even harder, to keep building towards the post season. Every game we need to see improvement in all areas if we expect to make some noise in the state tournament,” stated Roadrunner Coach Greg Perkins.
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Chappell and Aberle each finished with 14. Cummings added 13; Bain, 9; Ambrose, 7; Billie, 3; and Talynn Spencer added 1. Holbrook made 19 of 35 free throws, and connected on four shots from behind the arc.
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Snowflake was paced by Kaylee Thomas with 11 points. Trysten Hancock, Shelby Larson and Aubree Cardon each netted 8; Heather Whipple added 4; and Taryn Flake helped with 3.
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The Lobos made eight of 18 free throws and Thomas had both of the team’s three-point goals.
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With the loss, Snowflake dropped their overall record to 8-11, and they are now 3-8 in power point contests. They hosted Show Low on Jan. 18, then were welcomed in Winslow on Jan. 22.
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With the win Holbrook improved to 15-4 overall and pushed their regular season mark to 6-3. The Roadrunners entered the game ranked ninth in the 3A power points.
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Holbrook played at Blue Ridge on Jan. 18, then welcomed in a hot shooting team in Valley Sanders on Jan. 19.
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