Holbrook’s basketball programs have both advanced to the Elite 8 round in the 3A state tournament.
The seventh seeded Lady Roadrunners defeated No. 10 Eastmark on Friday night by a final of 48 to 39. Playing in front of their home fans for the final time this season, Holbrook utilized their speed and full court press against the taller Firebird team from the East Valley. They built a double-digit half time cushion behind the strength of their bench personnel who had to fill in for starters in foul trouble.
In the second half, Holbrook maintained a 10-point lead throughout, resulting in them advancing to Prescott on Monday. The Ladies were to face No. 2 Gilbert Christian at 5:30 p.m. at Findley’s Toyota Center. With a win they will have advanced to the final four played at Veterans Memorial Coliseum with the semi-final round played on Friday. With a loss to the higher seeded Knights, who have just one loss this year, the Lady Roadrunners will have their season come to a close.
Holbrook’s boys team also will be playing in the Elite 8 round in Prescott after getting past No. 22 Sabino in front of a packed house on Saturday evening in Tony Munoz Gym. The Sabercats came in on the heels of their upset win over No. 11 Eastmark, and with a talented group, but Coach Delmar Johnsons’ group was up to the task. The game wasn’t decided until the final minutes, but Holbrook prevailed 56-49 to advance to Prescott.
The sixth seeded Roadrunners will face off with No. 3 Camp Verde on Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. The Cowboys have just one loss on the season and will be a tough out. Holbrook’s has a group of talented shooters and hard-working defenders and may well advance to the semi-final round on Friday evening at Veterans Coliseum in Phoenix. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, possibly both basketball teams will play in the final four over the weekend.
