Holbrook won a nail biter in the first outing of the season for new head coach Delmar Johnson last Tuesday night with a 54-52 victory over visiting Show Low.
The Roadrunners started quickly, jumping out to a 13-7 lead in the first. Sylas Chevarillo nailed a three, while Marlin Martin and Miireux Begaii each canned two field goals. In the second Nathan Johnson went to work in the paint, scoring seven of his team high 17 in the frame to help Holbrook maintain its six-point lead at the half.
Marcel Young found the range in the third, dropping in four field goals while Johnson tacked six more onto his total. Show Low got back into the game behind a strong performance from senior point guard Sean Potterm who scored 17 of his game high 32 points in the third, to move the Cougars into a 44-all tie heading into the fourth.
In the final period Johnson scored twice more inside and Marcos Clark nailed a big late game three point shot, putting Holbrook on top 54-52. Show Low got a decent look at a potential game winning three, but it was off the mark, leaving Holbrook with a two-point victory to open the season.
Johnson led Holbrook in scoring with 17 points. Young added 11, Clark, Chevarillo and Begaii, 6 each, and Martin and Quinlan Keoni, 4 each. Holbrook made seven of 10 free throws and hit three shots from behind the arc.
Show Low countered with five three-point field goals and made nine of 13 charity tosses. The Cougars were led by Potter with 32 points. Sam Tate added 11.
Holbrook was slated to play in the Rain and Drain Tournament last weekend in Phoenix. On Tuesday night, the Roadrunners were to travel to Chinle for a big matchup with the Wildcats. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, they will face their rivals the Bulldogs in Winslow.
