The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans Girls’ Varsity basketball team delivered a dominant performance against Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon on Thursday, January 30, securing a 59-33 victory on the road.
The Trojans wasted no time setting the tone, winning the opening tipoff and immediately applying full-court pressure. Riley Saldana got the team rolling early, converting a rebound into a three-point play to give Pahrump a 3-0 lead. From there, the Trojans continued to control the tempo, with key contributions from Ryleigh Denton, Savannah Thompson, Natalie Soto, and Jules Ondrisko in the starting lineup.
Thompson and Ondrisko added to the early lead, and as the first quarter wound down, Ella Odegard made an impact off the bench with a strong finish and a free throw, helping Pahrump close the quarter up 17-2.
Head Coach Bob Hopkins took full advantage of his team’s depth, bringing in fresh legs to start the second quarter. The strategy paid off, as players like Addi Nelsen and Autumn Colon made an immediate impact. Colon’s defensive presence led to multiple steals and quick transition buckets, helping the Trojans extend their lead. By halftime, Pahrump was firmly in control with a 31-11 advantage.
In the third quarter, Pinecrest attempted to fight back with full-court pressure of their own, but the Trojans remained composed. Thompson and Colon continued their strong play, with Colon adding another steal-and-score sequence. Sydney Crotty, Evalenne Armendariz, and Saldana also contributed on both ends of the floor, ensuring Pahrump maintained its commanding lead. The Trojans entered the final quarter ahead 45-24.
The fourth quarter saw Saldana dominate the boards, turning offensive rebounds into second-chance points. Nelsen and Thompson continued to find their rhythm, and the Trojans closed out the game with a strong defensive stand. By the final buzzer, Pahrump had secured the 59-33 win in impressive fashion.
Coach Hopkins was pleased with his team’s effort and the opportunity to give playing time to a deep rotation. “We had a good time tonight. The kids had fun. We played 16 girls in both halves, and so it was fun,” he said. “The second group in the first half actually played better than the first group. They were moving the ball well. One of the girls even said, ‘We went in there, and we didn’t have any nerves today.’ It was fun.”
With the win, the Trojans now set their sights on their upcoming matchup against The Meadows, a game they are eager to avenge. Hopkins also noted the importance of their upcoming senior night and the playoff push ahead. “We’re probably going to have to go to either Mater East or Virgin Valley. They’re both really good this year. But making the playoffs is always a good experience for our young team.”
The Trojans’ strong performance against Pinecrest demonstrated their teamwork and determination as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
