Holbrook had their season come to a close in Tucson on Saturday night with a tough 56-50 loss to Sabino in the second round of the 3A State Playoffs.
The Roadrunners earned that trip thanks to a 72-61 come from behind win over Show Low on Wednesday night.
The No. 12 seed Roadrunners lost to Show Low in the regular season finale and through the first few minutes of the opening round of the state tournament on Wednesday night it looked as if the No. 20 Cougars would win again. Show Low led 11-0 before the Birds’ Eric Baldonado broke the ice with a three-point bucket. The senior guard poured in 10 points in the first eight minutes and Anthony Nelson added a trey, helping to keep Holbrook close. In the second, Kobi Koerperich hit a three-point shot despite playing on a bum ankle. Holbrook trailed 34-39 at the half, in front of yet another packed house at Munoz Gym.
Holbrook took the lead for good in the third behind six points from Ethan Bahe, and another eight by Baldonado along with matching treys from Koerperich and Nelson.
In the fourth, the Cougars put the Birds on the line where they converted seven of nine free throws to seal the 11-point win and advance to the second round of the state tournament.
Baldonado finished with 36 points in his final game at Munoz Gym. Nelson added 11; Bahe, 10; Koerperich, 9; Damien Clark, 4; and Brandon Tapaha added 2. The Roadrunners made 13 of 18 free throws and hit nine three-point field goals. Show Low was led by Cougar Cooke with 26 points. Colton McGinnis added 13, and Thadeus Carlyon had 12. They made nine of 12 charity tosses and hit six three-point field goals.
A long road trip to Sabino on Saturday had the Roadrunners facing the Sabercats and their impressive 22-3 record. Koerperich, despite still not playing near 100 percent drained two treys in the first period, which ended with Sabino on top 15-10. In the second, Baldonado found his stroke netting 10 and Koerperich hit more three’s pulling Holbrook to within three points at the half.
Following Nelson’s six points in the third, Holbrook went to the fourth trailing by just two points at 41-39. In the final stanza Sabino was able to hold off Holbrook, outscoring them by four to win the game 56-50 and bring an end to Holbrook’s impressive season.
Baldonado finished with a team high 17 points. Koerperich added 14; Nelson had 11 and Ethan Begay helped with six. Holbrook made two of five free throws and hit eight three-point field goals in their final game of the season.
The Roadrunners finished the season with an overall record of 20-11. They were also recognized in the end of season all region awards for the 3A East.
Baldonado was named the 3A East Player of the Year. Koerperich joined him on the first team all-region squad. Nelson was selected to the second team all-region. Bahe and Clark were both selected to the honorable mention all-region team.
