Snowflake regained their second place in the 3A rankings this week despite losing one of their three games. Playing in Show Low on Tuesday night, the Lobos fell to a strong defensive Cougar team 56-46.
The game was close throughout with Show Low leading by 2 at the end of the first and by 5 at the half. They built the 10-point margin in the third, then played even with Snowflake in the fourth to secure the win.
Ryan Denhalter led in scoring with 13 points. Nicole Hipps added 9; Ranell West, 8; Kenadi Stuart, 8; Bryn Kupfer, 4; Tayli Hancock, 2; and Hailee Westover added 2 in the loss.
Hosting Payson on Thursday night, the Lobos survived a scare from the top 10 Longhorns. Payson played well early and led 27-19 at the half. In the fourth, Snowflake pulled out to a 7-point lead but saw the visitors battle back to make it a 2-point game inside the final minute. Payson had a chance to send the game to overtime, but their final possession ended with a tough shot and Snowflake closed the game out at the free throw line to secure the 49-45 home court win.
Stuart led in scoring with 14. Denhalter added 11, as did Hipps. West added 6; Klaire Reidhead, 4; and Jayci Ballard helped with 3.
Hosting Blue Ridge on Friday night Snowflake had a much easier time. They met little resistance from the Yellowjackets in a 69-29 win.
Snowflake heads into this week’s action with an overall record of 21-4. They were ranked second in the 3A rankings entering the weekend. They play just twice this week and next to close out the regular season. Thursday they will host Winslow, and then Friday night will be a trip to Holbrook to face a Roadrunner team that upset them a couple of weeks ago.
They are currently 12-3 in regular season games and 4-2 in the East region. Show Low sits atop the region standings with a perfect 5-0 mark.
