Undefeated Young Lady Birds Win WML Title

The Holbrook Junior High School eighth grade girls’ basketball team won the White Mountain League regular season conference championship with an unblemished 10-0 record.
   The team includes eighth graders Janecia Nez, Bridgette Reynolds, Shianne Nez, Tamika Baldwin, Aaren Billie, Shantina Kinlicheenie, Kellin Bakurza, Emberly Yazzie, Sharon Young, and seventh grader Jessica Paz. Other seventh grade players providing solid contributions were Corazon Alvarado, Allison Keesee and Tiana Yazzie.
   Their season started with a come from behind victory over Show Low at home Jan. 10. Additional and convincing home victories were garnered over Mogollon, St. Johns, Winslow and Snowflake. Road wins over Joseph City, Blue Ridge, Round Valley, Rim Country of Payson and finally Canyon Day on Feb. 21 completed their clean sweep of the White Mountain League.
   Perhaps the most exciting victory of the season occurred against Blue Ridge in Lakeside. The young Lady Roadrunners were behind the entire contest, trailing by as many as eight, yet keeping it close. This group of talented and experienced ball players made their run with under a minute left, scoring two buckets and preserving a one-point triumph with a defensive stop as time expired.
   Their success can be attributed to many factors. A majority of these young women played extensively last year as underclassmen, participated in the Holbrook Youth League and developed their skills during the off season. This experience has translated into a fundamentally sound ball club known around the league for its defensive intensity and aggressiveness. Secondly, every player on this team maintained eligi-bility throughout the season, both academically and behaviorally. Finally, and possibly the most significant ingredient to their success, was their true team camaraderie. These young women were unselfish, and val-ued and respected each other as teammates.
   They will be hosting a quarterfinal game at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at Mike Starr Gym as they attempt to capture the end of year WML Tournament trophy. Their opponent will be the winner of the Mogollon-Show Low game. This game will be immediately followed by the boys’ eighth grade quarterfinal contest.
   Special thanks go out to the HJHS administration, teaching and support staff, and in particular to Ath-letic Director Chris Symancyk for their support and assistance.