Holbrook holds off late Winslow rally in 50-42 win

By Truman Begaye
Special to the Times

HOLBROOK, Ariz. – The Holbrook Lady Roadrunners pulled away late to secure a 50–42 victory over the Winslow Lady Bulldogs on Friday night.

Junior Angelica Uranga led Holbrook with 11 points, while junior guard Camesha Bahe added nine to pace the Roadrunners.

“Their press hurt us, and we try to practice press every day,” Holbrook coach Greg Perkins said postgame. “I like to save timeouts for the end, and we had to use our fourth one early. But the girls did a great job keeping their composure and finishing the game without a timeout for about four and a half minutes.”

Winslow was led by senior forward Taylin Puhuhefvaya, who finished with 13 points. Freshman guard Tatum Upshaw added 10 points on five field goals, most of which came in the fourth quarter as the Bulldogs mounted a late comeback attempt.

“I knew they were going to come back on us,” Perkins said. “I also knew they were going to press at some point, and they did a good job with it. You have to give Winslow credit tonight.”

Holbrook set the tone early in the first quarter, jumping out to a nine-point lead. Bahe knocked down two 3-pointers for six points, while sophomore Channing Harrington, junior Sami Thomas, Uranga, and senior Klarencita Tsosie each added two points. Junior Bailey Williams chipped in one of two free throws. Holbrook’s defense limited Winslow’s scoring, with freshman guard Kyron James and Puhuhefvaya combining for six points as the Bulldogs trailed 15–6 after one.

The Roadrunners continued to control the pace in the second quarter, though the scoring slowed. Harrington and senior guard Maya Francisco each scored four points, and Williams added a field goal to give Holbrook 10 points in the frame. Winslow matched that total, as Puhuhefvaya scored six points, with senior center Ayla Curling and Upshaw each adding two. Holbrook carried a 25–16 lead into halftime.

Holbrook leaned on balanced scoring in the third quarter, getting two points apiece from Harrington, Thomas, Uranga, Tsosie, Williams, and senior guard Heidi Bahe. Winslow responded with eight points from a four-player effort, as Curling, Upshaw, Puhuhefvaya, and James each scored. The Roadrunners maintained control, leading 37–24 heading into the fourth.

Winslow made its push in the final quarter, outscoring Holbrook 18–13. Upshaw and sophomore forward Emiah Yazzie scored six points each, Puhuhefvaya added four, and freshman guard Nalani Chee contributed a field goal to cut the deficit to five, the closest the Bulldogs would get. Uranga answered for Holbrook with seven points, while Thomas and Camesha Bahe each hit a 3-pointer to seal the win.

“We knew the press was coming,” Perkins said. “I’d hoped we handled it a little better, but the good news is we never really gave up the lead. The girls regained their composure, made enough shots down the stretch, and did a good job moving the ball.”

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