Runnin’ Cubs Advance to Regional Championship After 64-56 Win Over Holliday
The #9 Brownfield Runnin’ Cubs are headed to the Class 3A Division I Region I Championship after a solid 64-56 victory over the #20 Holliday Eagles Tuesday night. With the win, Brownfield moves one step closer to the state tournament and will now face regional rival #7 Shallowater in what promises to be a classic West Texas showdown.
The 3A Region I Championship matchup is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at the LCU Rip Griffin Center, located at 5502 26th Street in Lubbock, with tipoff set for 2:00 p.m. The game will feature two of the top programs in Region I and sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between two teams with remarkably similar statistical profiles.
Brownfield Controls Game Early
Brownfield entered Tuesday night’s contest fresh off a narrow 58-57 win over Dalhart in the previous round. While that game came down to the final possession, the Runnin’ Cubs showed more control and confidence against Holliday, never trailing in the contest and building a lead that stretched to 18 points.
In the first quarter, Brownfield set the tone early, outscoring the Eagles 15-13. Senior Jeron Lawrence led the early scoring effort with six points in the paint and went 3-for-3 from the free throw line. Fellow senior Trae Timmins added six points of his own, hitting a three-pointer, converting a layup, and completing a traditional three-point play at the line.
The Runnin’ Cubs began to separate themselves in the second quarter, outscoring Holliday 19-10 to take a 34-23 halftime lead. Timmins caught fire during the period, pouring in 11 points and helping Brownfield establish control before the break.
Even Third Quarter Before Holliday Push
After halftime, both teams matched each other point-for-point in the third quarter, each scoring 11 points. Lawrence contributed seven points during the stretch, although Brownfield struggled somewhat at the free-throw line, where Lawrence finished 1-for-5 during that span.
Despite the Eagles attempting to chip away at the deficit, Brownfield maintained its lead heading into the final period.
Late Push by Holliday
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Runnin’ Cubs appeared to have the game well in hand, holding an 18-point advantage at one point. However, the Eagles refused to go quietly.
Late in the game, Lawrence fouled out with about two minutes remaining, giving Holliday an opportunity to make one last push. The Eagles responded by increasing the pressure and outscored Brownfield 22-19 in the final quarter, but the Runnin’ Cubs managed to hold off the comeback attempt and secure the 64-56 victory. Brownfield’s offensive production was led by Trae Timmins, who finished with a game-high 28 points, while Jeron Lawrence added 24 points in the win. The duo continues to be a driving force behind the Runnin’ Cubs’ playoff success.
Regional Championship Showdown with Shallowater
Next up for Brownfield is a highly anticipated Region I Championship matchup against the #7 Shallowater Mustangs, a program that has consistently been one of the region’s top contenders.
Shallowater enters the game with an impressive 27-3 overall record and a 13-1 district mark, earning co-champion honors in District 2-3A. The Mustangs are currently riding a 13-game winning streak heading into the regional final.
Their three losses this season came against strong competition:
- #4 Estacado (4A) – 54-51 in December
- Permian – 60-59 during the Caprock Classic
- #8 Slaton – 60-58 in district play
Shallowater later avenged the Slaton loss with a 68-55 victory in their second district meeting.
Common Opponents and Previous Matchups
Both teams share a common opponent in Slaton.
Brownfield defeated the Tigers 68-64 in early December, when Slaton was ranked #4 in the state and the Runnin’ Cubs had not yet cracked the Top 25. Shallowater split their two meetings with Slaton during district play, losing 60-58 in the first matchup before winning 68-55 later in the season. The two regional finalists also faced each other earlier this season in the Brownfield Cub Hoopin’ Classic, where the Mustangs defeated the Runnin’ Cubs 66-54.
Nearly Identical Team Statistics
Both teams enter the regional championship with remarkably similar numbers.
Brownfield is currently riding an impressive 22-game winning streak, averaging 74 points per game through district play and the playoffs while allowing 44 points per game.
Shallowater has posted similar production, averaging 72 points per game while allowing 42 points per game during the same stretch.
The Mustangs played 14 district games, compared to 12 for Brownfield, but the statistical comparison shows just how evenly matched these teams are heading into the regional final.
Keys for Brownfield
If the Runnin’ Cubs want to advance to the State Semifinals, several areas will be critical.
Free throw shooting will be one of them. Against Holliday, Brownfield went 12-for-22 from the free-throw line, which equals 54 percent. In a game that is expected to be tightly contested, converting opportunities at the line could make a major difference.
Brownfield also hit only two three-pointers in Tuesday’s game. Increasing production from beyond the arc could help stretch the Mustangs’ defense.
Finally, the Runnin’ Cubs will need to stay out of foul trouble and maintain discipline defensively. Losing Lawrence late in the fourth quarter against Holliday nearly allowed the Eagles to stage a comeback.
Most importantly, Brownfield will need to control the tempo of the game and play the same confident, balanced basketball that has fueled their 22-game winning streak.
With a trip to the Class 3A State Semifinals on the line, Friday’s regional championship between Brownfield and Shallowater is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season for both programs.