Holbrook’s boys team kept their unbeaten regular season mark last week but had a close call in the process.
Playing in Payson against a tall and athletic Longhorn team the Roadrunners had to play four extra minutes before prevailing 59-54 in overtime. Holbrook led by one at the end of the first and by seven at the break. Payson trimmed all but two points off that margin in the third then closed the gap completely in the fourth forcing overtime.
Noah Brown netted six of Holbrook’s eight points in the extra four minutes helping the Birds hold off the Longhorns. Brown finished the game with a team high 13 points. Brandon Tapaha added 11; Caden Tom, 10; Quentin Thomas, 9; Tyler Tapaha, 9; Stran Bain, 3; and Nick Begay added 3.
Hosting Chinle on Thursday night, the Roadrunners trailed the hot shooting Wildcats by one after the first eight minutes. In the second, they quickly took care of that problem outscoring the visitors 23-10 to lead by 12 at the half. Holbrook added to their lead in the third then eventually cruised to the 74-59 home court win.
Holbrook had just six players score, but five of them were in double figures. Thomas and Brandon Tapaha led the team in scoring with 18 points apiece. Tyler Tapaha added 13; Begay, 12; and Kyle Smith netted three free throws.
With the two wins the Roadrunners improved to 7-0 in regular season contests and they are now 15-2 overall having won 15 consecutive games. Holbrook enters this week ranked third in the 3A power points.
The team has been on a five-day COVID pause and will not play until Friday when they host Winslow, who is also coming off an extended amount of time off due to COVID. Holbrook is slated to host Snowflake on Tuesday next week. Their missed games with Blue Ridge, Show Low and Tuba City are in the process of being rescheduled.
