Author: Amy Veloz
Inside a blue metal building on East Mickey Street, tucked just off Pahrump Valley Boulevard, something special is happening on the mats several nights a week. At Mix It Up Academy, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is taught as both a discipline and a journey—one defined not by shortcuts or hype, but by consistency, humility, and hard-earned progress. At the center of that journey are owner and head instructor Robert Wilson, his wife Kimberly Wilson, and their son, 18-year-old competitor Zackery James Wilson, whose breakout year in 2025 put both the athlete and the academy firmly on the competitive map. Robert Wilson’s relationship…
A new youth athletic training opportunity is launching in Pahrump this month, with local coach and trainer David Wilson introducing Pahrump Valley Junior Athletics, a program designed to help young athletes build strong foundations in movement, strength, and overall athleticism. Pahrump Valley Junior Athletics will focus on boys and girls ages 5 to 18, bringing together youth of similar ages to train in structured group sessions. The goal of the program is to enhance overall athletic performance in a fun, positive, and supportive environment, while helping kids develop skills that carry over to all sports and physical activities. “I’m super…
The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ basketball team opened play at the Holiday Classic tournament in impressive fashion on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, earning a 75–65 victory over Chaparral High School in a fast-paced, physical matchup that showcased depth, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring. Pahrump Valley set the tone early with full-court pressure, forcing turnovers and turning defense into offense. After Chaparral scored first, Caden Briscoe answered with a three-pointer from the top of the key, sparking a run fueled by steals and transition buckets. Keir Sheppard and Lucas Gavenda were especially active in the opening quarter, combining for steals,…
The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ varsity basketball team faced a tough road challenge on Monday, January 5, traveling to Sunrise Mountain High School to take on the Miners in a non-conference matchup designed to prepare the Trojans for league play. Playing against the physical, fast-paced style of the Sunrise Mountain High School Miners, Pahrump Valley was tested early by full-court pressure and aggressive rebounding. Despite falling behind in the opening minutes, the Trojans continued to compete, showing composure against the press and finding scoring opportunities through ball movement and transition. Keir Sheppard provided early energy with a strong finish…
The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ flag football team took the field at home in Pahrump on Wednesday, January 7, hosting Clark High School in a game that showcased the Trojans’ resilience, effort, and determination from start to finish. Jazymyn Herrera opened the game at quarterback for Pahrump Valley as the Lady Trojans worked to establish their offense early. Clark struck first with a punt return touchdown, but the Trojans continued to battle on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Ma’liyah Collins made her presence felt right away, pulling a quick flag after an interception to limit additional yardage. Despite…
The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ varsity basketball team delivered a complete road performance Wednesday night, January 7, pulling away early and maintaining control throughout an 51–8 win over the Cristo Rey Royals. Pahrump Valley set the pace from the opening tip. The Trojans won possession and immediately settled into their offense, finding Ella Odegard cutting down the lane for the game’s first basket. On the next trip, Odegard worked to the left block and banked in another shot, giving Pahrump a quick 4–0 lead. Applying full-court pressure from the outset, the Trojans forced turnovers and capitalized on second chances.…
The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ basketball team put together a strong, well-paced performance on the road Wednesday night, January 7, rolling past Cristo Rey behind active defense, quick ball movement, and steady scoring throughout the lineup. Pahrump Valley controlled the opening moments right from the tip. Aydon Veloz and Lucas Gavenda went to work on the glass early, with Gavenda drawing a foul on a putback attempt and converting both free throws to open the scoring. The Trojans immediately settled into a full-court press that set the tone for the rest of the night. Gavenda followed with a strong…
LET THE PEOPLE OF PAHRUMP VOTE “YES” or “NO” TO THE QUESTION !!!!!The question I am proposing for the BALLOT is whether or not the Town of Pahrump should have an “Elected” Town Board beginning in January 2027 as a result of the November 2026 election. If we are successful in getting the required number of signatures, then it will all be worthwhile. Five members of the Pahrump Community went to the Nye County Clerk’s Office because they were willing to stand up for the nearly 47,000 residents of Pahrump. So, we hope that the 47,000 residents will stand WITH…
The past year was a time of uncomfortable growth for me. I’m a people pleaser by nature, and it was the first time I’ve had to come to grips with not pleasing everyone while trying my hardest to. A few friendships ended, a few new ones began, and my priorities dramatically shifted. I’m proud to look back and see that I stuck to my values the entire year – choosing my kids’ well-being over everything and focusing on our little family above all else. Most of the lessons I learned the hard way are a bit gruff – but they’ll…
The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ basketball team wrapped up Holiday Classic play on Saturday, Jan. 3, with a hard-earned 77–66 victory over the Amplus Academy Archers, finishing the tournament with a strong performance that reflected growth, toughness, and improved chemistry. Playing with a shortened rotation of nine athletes, the Trojans opened the game locked in defensively, starting in man-to-man coverage while applying full-court pressure. Early ball movement paid off as Josh Slusher found Lucas Gavenda underneath for the game’s first basket, followed by a transition three from Keir Sheppard off a pass from Caden Briscoe. Amplus responded with outside…