The Roadrunners dropped a home game with Winslow on Thursday, then fell on the road at Valley Christian on Saturday. Hosting the third ranked Bulldogs the Birds fell behind by 10 after the first period. In the second, Winslow edged ahead by two more to lead by double digits at the half. Ricardo Villanueva drained nine points of his game high 19 points in the third period putting Winslow in control by 17 going into the final period. In the fourth, Holbrook managed to fight back to a seven point deficit but they would get no closer in the 65-51 loss.
Terrence Kelly made a living at the free throw line in the game making nine of his 10 attempts to lead Holbrook in scoring with a 17 point effort. Eric Baldonado added 10; Anthony Nelson had 5 as did Tynen Thomas. Kobi Koerperich and Emerson Begay each had 4, Tyrell Nelson and Josiah Freddie helped with 3 apiece. Holbrook made 17 of 25 free throw attempts and connected on four shots from behind the arc.
Winslow was led by Villanueva’s 19 points. Davis James added 18; Zach Wagner, 9; Yoann Djassa, 8; Theron Olney, 5; Skylar Barlow, 3; Eli Stewart, 2; and Cedric Benally helped with 1.
On Saturday the Roadrunners made the long trip to Chandler to face the ninth ranked Valley Christian Trojans. Either the long bus trip or the talented Trojans caught up with the Birds who managed just two points in the opening frame and trailed by 14 points after the first eight minutes. Holbrook scored 11 in the second, but trailed by 20 at the break. The second half went much like the first for the many Holbrook fans who packed the smaller Trojan gym. Eventually, the Roadrunners lost 59-30. Tyrell Nelson was the lone bright spot for Holbrook. Nelson made four treys for 12 points. Eric Baldonado added 5; Jaren Jackson, 4; Terrence Kelly, 3; Anthony Nelson, Kobi Koerperich and Emerson Begay each finished with 2. Holbrook made six three-point shots and went two for six at the line.
The much taller Trojans were six for nine at the charity and finished with seven triple shots.
With the two losses the Roadrunners dropped their season record to 11-10. They are 1-9 in regular season contests leaving them ranked 28th at the onset of this week. Holbrook needs to climb into the top 24 in the rankings to make the state tournament. With their strong strength of schedule they may need just a couple of wins to make that goal. Three games are on the docket this week. After playing at 30th ranked Payson on Tuesday, Holbrook will have to play at top ranked Blue Ridge on Friday. On Saturday they entertain the eighth ranked Page Sand Devils.
