Snowflake had an up and down season this year under first year coach Matthew Smith but they are peaking at the right time, winning four of their past five games including a 65-46 win over Tuba City in the pool round of the 3A state tournament on Friday night.
Snowflake finished the regular season ranked 12th in the final power rankings and was seeded in that position when they hosted 23rd ranked Tuba City on Friday night.
The Lobos started well defensively, holding the Warriors to just 2 points through the first eight minutes of action. Both teams caught fire in the second, combining for 42 total points but the Lobos extended their lead to 38-22 at the break.
In the third, another solid defensive effort moved the margin to 50-26, then in the fourth the Lobos cruised to the comfortable win.
With that win they now head to Holbrook on Tuesday night where they will face a Roadrunner team coming off their first round Copper Tournament exit to top ranked San Tan Charter.
Snowflake and Holbrook have played twice this year with both contests close for at least six of the quarters. The game in Snowflake prior to Christmas saw Holbrook hold a 2-point lead at the half only to see the Lobos pull away for a 62-40 win with 38 second half points.
The game in Holbrook was close throughout. Snowflake held a 1-point lead late, but a late turnover saw Holbrook move in front by 1. The Lobos had their chance to tie and possibly win the game at the free throw line in the final seconds but came up just short in a 48-47 Holbrook win.
This time the loser goes home. Both teams are playing well, despite Holbrook’s loss to a very talented San Tan Charter team in the Copper tournament. Prior to that the Birds had won eight of their last nine including the last three in a row, all by at least 20 points.
This game should be close throughout and will more than likely come down to the final couple of possessions. The winner will advance in the bracket to face either No. 2 Payson or No. 15 ALA -West Foothills in Friday’s quarterfinal round.
Snowflake is 14-11 on the season. Holbrook is 18-9.
