The Lady Roadrunners finally picked up a home-court win on Saturday afternoon, holding on to defeat visiting Valley Christian, 53-49. The Trojans entered 7-0 in regular season play, and Holbrook was yet again without their full complement of healthy players, but the team played well enough to secure a much-needed win.
Raelle Yazzie started things off well, draining a pair of first-quarter treys, and Deya Gurrero added one of her own, helping Holbrook take a 14-13 first-period lead. In the second, a hobbling Noheah Aberle netted 6 and Guerrero dropped in another 5, also freshman Bailey Williams helped with 2 points, giving Holbrook a slim 27-23 halftime cushion.
Holbrook played well in the third, building the lead to as much as 11 points before giving some back at the end of the quarter. Raelle Yazzie hit another trey, as did Guerrero. Alayna Yazzie and Aberle both had a field goal and two free throws with Holbrook heading to the final eight minutes on top, 43-35.
In the fourth, Alayna Yazzie hit two critical driving layups and Aberle added a nice post move for 2. The team made four of six free throws down the stretch including the final two from Guerrero to seal the 53-49 win.
Guerrero led Holbrook in scoring with 15 points. Aberle added 14; Raelle Yazzie, 11; Alayna Yazzie, 9; and Bailey Williams finished with 4. Holbrook took much better care of the ball in this game, finishing with just 13 total turnovers. Holbrook made six 3-point field goals and went nine for 12 at the line.
The Trojans were led by Ellie Phillips who finished with 15. Gracie Miraglia added 14. They made just three long-range shots and hit only eight of their 19 charity tosses.
“We caught a bit of a break with them struggling at the free throw line, especially in the final minute. Overall, I was proud of the way our girls played. With our current situation with some injuries and health issues, we haven’t been able to practice anywhere near how we should be, but the girls did a good job of working through it. We have one starter still out and two more a little banged up but they hung tough. We needed this win and still need at least five or six more to qualify for the state tournament. Our region is very tough with Show Low sitting on top of everyone and Snowflake right behind them. We have a difficult busy schedule ahead and hopefully can get everyone healthy in the next couple of weeks. I feel like once we have all of our pieces in place, we can compete with anyone in our region. Until then our young girls, including Bailey and Maya will have to continue to play well as they have been,” state Coach Greg Perkins.
Holbrook is now 1-5 in regular season games and just 5-11 overall. After playing in Blue Ridge on Tuesday, they will host top-ranked Show Low on Friday, then travel to take on a very good Monument Valley team on Saturday. Next Tuesday they host Payson.
