The Lady Roadrunners started the season with a blowout loss to the defending 3A state champion Alchesay Falcons. Holbrook was outplayed from the outset with the Falcons jumping on them early. Holbrook really struggled with the Falcon press and trailed 19-5 after the first period. The Ladies netted just another five in the second quarter and trailed 43-10 at the half. Holbrook played better in the second half but the damage had been done in what finally resulted in a 64-27 home-court loss. Holbrook’s meager offense was led by Dishawni Yazzie and Maya Francisco each with 5 points. Lei Smith added 4; Alexis Gene, 3; and Raelle Yazzie, Deya Guerrero, Sara Billy, Nikol Gombos and Noheah Aberle each netted just 2 points. Holbrook made only three, three-point field goals, and went eight for 17 at the free throw line. The team struggled to take care of the ball both against full court pressure and in half court sets. Holbrook had 25 turnovers at half time and finished the game with 39 total turnovers. “I knew we would struggle early on this season, but I didn’t think it would be as bad as it was. The girls were really nervous and it showed in front of the big crowd. Alchesay didn’t do anything we didn’t expect, in fact, they did exactly what we had talked about and worked on. We just didn’t execute on either end of the floor. This team is young and our starting group scored just eight total points. That has to change. You also can’t turn the ball over 25 times in a half and expect to be in any games against the level of teams we play. Our schedule won’t get any easier, but hopefully, our performance will be better,” stated Coach Greg Perkins. “I know we are going to take our lumps this year especially early on, we just need to keep focused on January and February and use these early tough games to help us get better. We have the girls to get the job done they just have to learn to play with confidence. Once they do, we will be alright. It is just going to take some time. With all of last year’s starters gone, girls need to learn to step into those starting roles,” he added. Holbrook’s schedule will be busy over the next two weeks. After playing in Chinle on Tuesday, they will host the Page powerhouse on Wednesday night. Saturday will be a trip to another tough north opponent in Tuba City. Next Tuesday they play in Ganado. Next Thursday through Saturday Holbrook will play six games in the Round Valley Roundball Tournament. A tournament they have won three of the past four years.
