Holbrook’s boys team has logged their first season tournament playing four games at the Benjamin Franklin/Gilbert Christian Thanksgiving Classic held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30.
Holbrook went 2-2 in their four games, which started with a 49-41 win against 4A Vista Grande on Friday afternoon. Holbrook senior guard duo of Eric Baldonado and Kobi Koerperich each netted 20 in the win.
Friday evening the Roadrunners faced one of the host schools 3A Gilbert Christian. The Knights turned a six-point halftime edge into a 69-48 win in front of their home fans. Holbrook got 13 points from Baldonado and Koerperich netted 10 in the team’s first loss of the season.
Saturday morning Holbrook met up with 6A Tolleson Union and through the first half the Roadrunners were able to keep pace in a high scoring game. In the second the Wolverines were able to pull away late, handing Holbrook the 80-74 loss.
Junior guard Anthony Nelson had the hot hand for the Birds netting 24 points. Baldonado and Koerperich had 15 each. Sophomore post Nick Begay helped with 10 in the loss.
Following a scheduling mix up with another school, the Roadrunners managed to pick up a game with Marana from Tucson for their final game. The 5A Tigers were playing fresh off a huge loss to Shadow Mountain and Holbrook took advantage of a tired team, which had to finish the game with three players due to injuries and foul troubles.
Holbrook led 38-25 at the half and cruised to a 72-52 win.
Koerperich led the attack with 26 points. Baldonado added 15, Zeke Begaii and Ethan Bahe each had 8 in the win.
With those four games in the bank, along with their season opening win over Chinle, the Roadrunners headed into this week with a 3-2 season mark. After playing at Window Rock on Tuesday night, the Roadrunners will travel to Chinle for a quick turnaround rematch with Chinle on Friday night. Next Tuesday they play their third consecutive road game with a trip to Ganado to face the Hornets.
