By Greg Perkins Holbrook’s boys team played four close games through their first seven contests and unfortunately four of the team’s five losses on their record have been by six points or less including a six-point overtime loss at Blue Ridge last Monday night. Holbrook’s overall record is 2-5 heading into this week’s schedule but could easily be different with a couple of late game shots going the other way. The Roadrunners just wrapped up a busy part of their schedule having played five games in seven days. Two of those five games were rescheduled from earlier in the season. Holbrook started that trek on Monday with a hard fought overtime loss at Blue Ridge. This game came on the heels of Saturday’s four point loss in Flagstaff. Blue Ridge doubled up the Birds in the first to lead by six points. Holbrook’s best quarter came in the second where they outscored the Yellowjackets by 15 points, grabbing a 29-20 halftime lead. Anthony Nelson and running mate Damien Clark combined for 15 second period points. Blue Ridge trimmed three points off Holbrook’s lead in the third despite Brandon Tapaha’s seven points with six of those coming from behind the arc. Holbrook led by six points going into the fourth, but down the stretch of regulation Blue Ridge took advantage of their size and forced overtime at 55-55. In the extra four minute session the Jackets scored 13 points while holding the Birds to only seven to win the game 68-62. Holbrook was paced by Clark’s 16 points. Nelson was close behind with 15, Tapaha also scored in double figures with 10. Quentin Thomas counted for 9; Caden Tom, 6; Nick Begay, 4; and Kyle Jones added two. Holbrook made six three-point shots and went 5 for 8 at the free throw line. Blue Ridge had three players in double figures. Zane Rex netted 22, including six in overtime. Logan Joe added 16, and PJ London helped with 12. The next day Holbrook played at home for the first time this season. They found their home surroundings favorable with a 52-19 strong defensive win over visiting Payson. Tapaha hit a pair of three-point field goals in the first and Nelson also canned one from distance. In the second, Holbrook made their way to the free throw line, making eight of nine charity tosses to lead 29-8 at the half. Payson struggled with Holbrook’s pressure throughout the game. Holbrook netted just six in the third but again the Longhorns were held to their third consecutive four-point period. The fourth period again went Holbrook way for their first region win of the season. Tom led the Birds in scoring with 15; Nelson, 14; and Tapaha finished with 10. Thomas netted 5; Jones, 3; Begay, 3; and Clark added two. Holbrook made three treys and went 17 for 22 at the line. Payson was led by Hunter Lee with six points. The Longhorns made one three-point field goal and converted two of three free throws. After just one day of practice Holbrook was back on the court on Thursday hosting a tough and tall Thatcher team. The Eagle’s four hour bus ride didn’t seem to have an effect on them, as they took a 17-9 lead through the first eight minutes. Tapaha and Nelson both connected from long range in the quarter for the Roadrunners. Thatcher built on their lead in the second with Thomas keeping Holbrook within range with an eight-point quarter, which included two three-pointers. Holbrook trailed by 11 at the half but cut all but one point off that in the third. Two long bombs by Nelson and three tradition field goals from Thomas, along with four from Begay made it a one-point game heading to the final eight minutes. Nelson hit two treys in the fourth and Begay had one old fashioned three-point play, but Holbrook was unable to overcome a late game traveling call in the final 15 seconds, which basically ended their chances in the 56-54 home court loss. Back in east region play on Friday in Winslow, the Roadrunners ran into a very talented Bulldog team. Winslow is unbeaten on the season with an average win margin of 20 points. The Bulldogs were impressive behind their new transfer students Cauy Silversmith and Jermiah Byjoe who combined for 29 points in the 68-49 win over the Birds on Friday night. Winslow came out on fire early in the traditional rivalry, pouring in 25 points in the opening eight minutes building an 18-point lead. Holbrook played better in the second with seven points from Clark and five from Nelson but still trailed by 17 at the half. Winslow opened up the game in the third then finished off the Roadrunners with a solid final period. Clark led Holbrook in scoring with 13 points. Nelson added 12; Tom, 6; Begay, 5; Thomas, 4; Damen Attakai, 3; Vann Dewey, 2; Heavyn Halwood, 2; and Tapaha added 1. Holbrook made five three-point shots and went 9 for 15 at the line. Winslow was paced by Silversmith’s 19 points. Roy Billups added 11, and Byjoe netted 10. The Bulldogs made three treys and went 3 for 5 at the free throw line. Holbrook enters this week’s two game schedule with an overall record of 2-5. After playing in Show Low on Tuesday they will have a rematch with Blue Ridge in Holbrook on Friday. Next Tuesday the Birds will welcome in Snowflake on Tuesday.
