The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans girls’ basketball team put up a determined fight in their regional playoff matchup against the Virgin Valley Bulldogs. Although the game didn’t go their way, the Trojans showed resilience and heart throughout, closing out a challenging season with effort and determination.
The starting lineup featured Ryleigh Denton, Savannah Thompson, Jules Ondrisko, Trinity French, and Riley Saldana. Virgin Valley struck early, quickly taking the lead, but the Trojans fought back with key plays. Riley Saldana was the first to put PVHS on the board, drawing a foul and making a free throw. Moments later, Ella Odegard drained a three-pointer, giving the team an energy boost.
Despite heavy defensive pressure from Virgin Valley, the Trojans continued to push. Riley Saldana capitalized on an unexpected opportunity when a Virgin Valley player, attempting to save the ball from going out of bounds, tossed it right into her hands for a quick inside basket. Addi Nelsen, Sydney Crotty, Evalenne Armendariz, Autumn Colon, and Natalia Vallin rotated into the game, contributing key minutes and battling against Virgin Valley’s aggressive defense.
The second quarter saw Virgin Valley extend their lead, capitalizing on fast breaks and turnovers. However, the Trojans never backed down. Ryleigh Denton found Savannah Thompson for a clean inside shot, and later, Denton drew a foul from behind the arc, sinking two of her three free throws to end the first half at 56-12.
With a running clock in the second half, PVHS continued to put up a fight. Riley Saldana made the most of her opportunities, sinking free throws and finishing a strong rebound play with a basket and a foul. Natalia Vallin also found the scoreboard late in the game, showcasing the depth of the Trojans’ roster. Despite the final score of 69-23, the Trojans never let up and fought through to the final buzzer.
The PVHS coaching staff expressed their pride in the team, recognizing the effort and dedication the girls showed all season. While it was a tough year, they made it to the playoffs, proving their determination and growth. The future looks bright for the program, with several young players expected to return next season, bringing valuable experience and drive.
The Trojans’ season may have ended in the regional tournament, but their perseverance and teamwork leave a strong foundation for the future. With another year of development and continued effort, PVHS girls’ basketball will be back, stronger than ever.
