The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans boys’ varsity basketball team battled through four intense quarters on Monday, Dec. 22, ultimately falling 60–56 to Innovations International Charter School of Nevada in a game that remained within reach until the final seconds.
Innovations controlled the opening tip, and both teams felt each other out early. Keir Sheppard was whistled for a foul less than a minute into the game, setting a physical tone. After an early Innovations basket, Sheppard responded with a fast-break finish to tie the game at 2–2. Pahrump Valley went to a full-court press, creating pressure but also working through early miscues, as turnovers piled up in the first quarter.
Trae Plein tied the game again at 4–4 with a strong finish, and Lucas Gavenda followed by rebounding an Aydon Veloz shot and scoring inside to give the Trojans a brief lead. A three-pointer pushed Pahrump Valley ahead 9–4, but Innovations broke the press for a basket and later capitalized at the free-throw line. After a timeout, Sheppard knocked down a three from the top of the key to even the score at 14–14 heading into the second quarter.
The Trojans began to find rhythm in the second period. Plein attacked the rim on a fast break and converted both free throws after being fouled. Sam Mendoza buried a three from the right wing, forcing Innovations to call a timeout. Inside, Kris Trejo made his presence felt with a strong rebound and finish, while Gavenda powered through traffic for another basket.
Defensively, Pahrump Valley stepped up, drawing back-to-back charges from Trejo and Gavenda to halt Innovations’ momentum. Late in the half, Trejo was fouled while posting up; after missing the first free throw, he grabbed his own rebound and scored. The Trojans closed the half on a strong note, taking a 25–18 lead into the break.
Innovations came out aggressive in the third quarter, quickly cutting into the lead and tying the game at 25–25. Gavenda and Veloz answered at the free-throw line, but Innovations knocked down a deep three to regain the advantage. Pahrump Valley stayed composed, with Gavenda hitting a corner three and later finishing a fast-break layup to pull the Trojans within two.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch of the third. Plein scored on a give-and-go with Caden Briscoe, but Innovations answered with another three before the buzzer to take a 43–38 edge into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Pahrump Valley refused to go away. Briscoe opened the scoring with a three, and Plein pushed the tempo with multiple fast-break passes that led to baskets, cutting the deficit to four. Gavenda added a free throw, and Sheppard found Josh Slusher underneath for a key score to make it 55–51 late.
With time winding down, the Trojans continued to pressure. Sheppard hit a three and followed with a late layup to close the gap, but Innovations sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds, escaping with a 60–56 win.
After the game, Head Coach Toby Henry reflected on the challenge and growth shown by his team, noting that Innovations had beaten a strong California opponent the day before and praising his players for taking an athletic team “to the wire.” He emphasized the importance of cutting down on turnovers and missed free throws, adding that every possession must be valued. Henry also highlighted the benefit of facing high-level competition, saying the experience is helping prepare the Trojans for upcoming tournament and league play, and expressed enthusiasm for another tough matchup against a New York team the following day.
Despite the loss, the Trojans showed resilience, defensive effort, and improved execution, continuing to trend upward as they prepare for the next stretch of the season.
