Holbrook had their season come to a close on Tuesday night in Coolidge against the Bears in the first round of the 3A state championship bracket. The Birds had advanced to that round with an easy win over Payson in the pool round of the state tournament.
Facing the seventh-seeded Bears on their home court was a tough task. Holbrook struggled from the field in a loud gym. Shooting just 18% from the 3-point line against Coolidge’s zone defense was too much to overcome. Holbrook went seven for 39 from behind the arc in the game and came up 5 points short in a 49-44 final outcome.
Holbrook led 10-7 after the first quarter but fell behind 25-18 at the half. In the third, the Bears extended their lead to 10 points. Holbrook made a late run in the game, cutting the lead to 4 points, but that was as close as they would get.
Tyler Tapaha led Holbrook with 15 points. Jaron Becenti added 14; Manny Rico, 5; Chase Salabye, 4; and Manny Guerrero hit one 3-point shot. Holbrook made six of their eight free throws. They hit eight 2-point field goals and made seven shots from behind the arc.
Holbrook’s senior heavy roster put together an overall record of 21-8.
