Holbrook played better on Monday last week in a 3-point loss to visiting Tuba City, but the final minute of action went the Warrior’s way as they prevailed 63-60 at Munoz Gym. Noheah Aberle netted 8 first-quarter points, and Raelle Yazzie added 4 more, helping the Lady Roadrunners build a 17-6 first-quarter lead. The visitors trimmed four off Holbrook’s lead in the second but the Birds still led 27-20 at the break. Holly Casamero hit the first of her three treys in the period. The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with the two teams combining for 40 points. Holbrook netted 19 behind 10 more from Aberle and treys from both Casamero and Raelle Yazzie. Holbrook led this game until the final minute where the Warriors capitalized on a couple of critical Roadrunner errors to secure the 3-point win. Aberle played her best game of the year thus far, finishing with a game-high 26 points. Casamero and Raelle Yazzie each added 13. Alayna Yazzie finished with 5, Kylia Chee had 2, and Bailey Williams added a single point. Holbrook made 10 of 16 free throws and hit six long-range shots. “This was our best game to date. We still had way too many turnovers and a couple of poor decisions late in the contest let this one slip away. We have to take better care of the ball, but it was good to see the girls playing better.” Tuba City was led by Briana Begay’s 18 points. The Warriors made 11 of 19 charity tosses and like Holbrook made six treys. Playing in Page on Saturday night with a short bench was a different outcome. The Sand Devils prevailed in a big way 54-26. Holbrook failed to score in double digits in any of the four periods. The team made just one three-point field goal and went 2 for 6 from the line. Raelle Yazzie led in scoring with 9. Aberle added 8; Casamero, 3; KC Tsosie, 3; Sami Thomas, 2, and Williams added 1. “Pretty much a rough night all the way around. We have had small numbers at practice for three straight days, with multiple players out with illness. Not a way to prepare for a quality program like Page has. Honestly, I’m just glad nobody got hurt. We knew it was going to be a long night and it was. Now we hope to get back into the gym with a full squad, get kids healthy and go back to work for our upcoming tournament, and get prepared for a solid January,” stated Coach Greg Perkins. With the two losses Holbrook falls to 0-5 in power point contests and they are now 2-9 overall. They will play in the Epic Tourneys Chandler Prep New Year’s Eve Classic from Dec. 28-30. Holbrook returns to regular season action on Jan. 6, when Valley Christian arrives in Holbrook.
