The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ basketball team closed out pool play at the HBCU High School Basketball Holiday Jam with a hard-earned 40–35 victory over the Valley Vikings on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Valley High School. Presented by “Fearless” Freddie Banks, the holiday tournament matchup showcased the Lady Trojans’ composure, defensive pressure, and ability to finish strong in a tight contest.
Pahrump set the tone early with energy on both ends. After forcing a jump ball on the opening tip and regaining possession, Addi Nelsen opened the scoring with a smooth jumper near the elbow. Moments later, Nelsen found Kaitlyn Brown on the left wing for a clean look that put the Lady Trojans in front. Valley answered with second-chance points to tie the game, but Pahrump continued to attack, drawing fouls and capitalizing at the free-throw line.
Riley Saldaña made her presence felt throughout the first quarter, converting trips to the line and finishing inside after strong ball movement. Aurora Bowers delivered a quick entry pass to Saldaña on the block for two more points, and a well-executed out-of-bounds play freed Ella Odegard for an easy basket. Valley trimmed the gap late, but Pahrump carried an 11–7 edge into the second quarter.
The Vikings opened the second with a basket, but Nelsen answered immediately to keep momentum on the Lady Trojans’ side. Brown followed with a strong drive after an Odegard rebound, and despite Valley briefly regaining the lead with a late three, Saldaña’s coast-to-coast finish and trips to the line kept the game within reach heading into halftime.
The third quarter featured back-and-forth play as both teams traded baskets. Saldaña scored on an inbound play and completed an and-one to pull Pahrump closer, then followed with another tough finish to knot the game. Sydney Crotty added a timely jumper, and Brown calmly knocked down two of three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. Full-court pressure from the Lady Trojans forced turnovers late in the quarter, helping Pahrump cling to a slim 30–29 lead heading into the fourth.
In the final period, Pahrump’s defense and execution sealed the win. A technical foul on Valley sent Saldaña to the line, and she converted to extend the lead. Brown continued to attack the rim, scoring off the drive and later converting free throws as Valley was forced to foul. Saldaña added another layup off a rebound, and the Lady Trojans’ relentless full-court pressure produced key steals and disrupted Valley’s rhythm down the stretch.
Despite late free throws from the Vikings, Pahrump stayed composed, securing rebounds and closing out possessions to finish the game on top, 40–35.
The holiday tournament win highlighted the Lady Trojans’ balanced effort, defensive intensity, and ability to execute in crucial moments—an encouraging performance as they continue their season against strong competition.
