The Lady Roadrunners began to see an improvement in their overall play at the holiday tournament, and that growth continued in their first two games back for the new year. Hosting Round Valley on Thursday night, Holbrook managed a 50-36 win over the Elks. Raelle Yazzie and Nohead Aberle each netted five in the first eight minutes helping Holbrook build a 12-9 lead through the first eight minutes. Holbrook’s defense showed gains as well, especially in the second period where they held the Elks to just two points while building a 29-11 halftime lead. Deya Guerrero netted 7 in the second and Kim Billie had 4. Holbrook was outscored in the second half by three but held on to get their first regular season win of the season. Raelle Yazzie and Nohead Aberle led in scoring with 13 apiece. Guerrero added 11, Billie and Nikol Gombos each had 4, Alayna Yazzie added 3, and Alexis Gene helped with 2. On Saturday, Holbrook was in Chandler facing the 15th ranked Valley Christian Trojans. Playing in a playoff-type atmosphere in front of a packed house, Holbrook played hard and came away with a six-point win. Five different players each made one field goal in the first eight minutes, helping Holbrook stay within 3 points at the end of the first. In the second, Holbrook trimmed another point off the lead and trailed 25-23 at the half. In the third quarter, back-to-back big plays from guard, Yazzie sparked the Holbrook crowd and the team to a three-point lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The sophomore nailed Holbrook’s only three-point field goal of the night on one end then took a defensive charge on the Trojan’s top player on the other end of the floor giving Holbrook momentum heading to the fourth. Gene and Brooklyn Tsabetsaye each netted a pair of crucial buckets in the fourth quarter helping Holbrook secure the upset win. Guerrero led in scoring with 9; Alexis Gene added 8; Alayna Yazzie, 7; Noheah Aberle, 6; Nikol Gombos, 4; Tsabetsaye, 4; Billie, 3; and Raelle Yazzie chipped in 2. “This was a big win in a tough atmosphere. The girls played hard and stepped up our physical play in both the Round Valley game and this one. Nikol Gombos sets the tone for us with the overall effort she gives us in every game. Alayna and Nohead had to fight through some foul trouble but still played well, Alexis and Brooke came off the bench and gave us some huge baskets at critical times. Kim’s defense on their best player helped to cause them problems. Deya made a couple of clutch free-throws late and we were able to get out with a win. The girls continue to show improvement, but now we need to get it done in regional play. We dug ourselves a large hole with our first five games, now we are beginning to climb out of it bit by bit,” stated Coach Greg Perkins. With the two wins, Holbrook improved their overall record to 7-9. They are now 2-5 in power point contests. Holbrook entered Saturday’s game ranked 28th and should move up near the top 24 entering this week. The team will host ninth ranked Blue Ridge on Tuesday night, then will travel to face eighth ranked Show Low on Friday night. Next Thursday they take on the 11th ranked Bulldogs in Winslow.