The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ basketball team earned a decisive 43-24 victory over the Moapa Valley Pirates in the Region Quarterfinals on Wednesday night at home. After splitting games during the regular season, the Lady Trojans entered the postseason matchup with determination and a focused game plan aimed at securing the win. With the victory, the Trojans advance to the Region Semifinals, where they will host Virgin Valley on Friday, February 13 at 6:20 p.m. at PVHS.
Pahrump set the tone early, winning the opening tip and immediately battling through Moapa Valley’s full-court press. While the Pirates applied pressure from the start, the Trojans found an early spark when Riley Saldaña recognized an open lane and sprinted in for a right-side layup to give Pahrump its first points. The teams traded baskets early, with Moapa briefly grabbing a lead on a three-pointer, but the Trojans countered with aggressive rebounding and physical defense.
Saldaña and Ella Odegard helped control the glass throughout the opening quarter, while Addi Nelsen and Olivia Veloz contributed key defensive plays that helped Pahrump maintain momentum. Autumn Colon added to the effort with a well-timed backdoor setup that led to a Nelsen basket, and later knocked down a free throw to help keep the Trojans in front. Pahrump’s defensive intensity continued to disrupt Moapa’s offensive rhythm, forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities as the Trojans carried a narrow 10-8 lead into the second quarter.
The Trojans began to build separation in the second period behind strong execution in transition and sharp passing. Julianna “Jules” Ondrisko provided a spark offensively, converting a reverse layup before finishing another fast-break opportunity created by a long outlet pass from Saldaña. Although Moapa responded with a three-pointer to stay within reach, Pahrump maintained control behind steady defensive stops and improved ball movement.
Ondrisko continued to lead the offense late in the half, connecting on a clutch three-pointer from the right corner before teaming up with Nelsen on a quick scoring sequence in the final seconds. The late surge pushed Pahrump’s advantage to 21-16 heading into halftime.
The Lady Trojans delivered their strongest stretch of the night in the third quarter, using defensive pressure to fuel a decisive run. Odegard ignited the surge with a steal and a three-pointer from the right wing before setting up Saldaña for another scoring opportunity. Moments later, Nelsen extended the lead with a deep three-pointer from the top of the key, capping a stretch that significantly shifted momentum in Pahrump’s favor.
Saldaña continued to dominate the boards, converting a putback basket while anchoring the Trojans’ defensive efforts. Odegard and Veloz also contributed key steals and defensive rebounds, helping Pahrump stretch its lead to 32-19 entering the final quarter.
In the fourth, the Trojans remained composed while working the clock and maintaining their defensive intensity. Ondrisko orchestrated the offense, patiently drawing defenders before finding Saldaña for another layup. Nelsen later delivered from the free throw line, and Pahrump’s defense continued to frustrate Moapa, forcing missed shots and turnovers down the stretch.
Late-game free throws from Nelsen and steady defensive execution helped seal the victory, while Cindal Monahan added a final basket in the closing seconds to secure the 43-24 win.
Head Coach Bob Hopkins credited the team’s defensive focus as the deciding factor in the victory, particularly against one of Moapa’s top scoring threats.
“I challenged Riley to shut number 12 down. She got 32 against us down there,” Hopkins said. “Riley did a great job on her and everybody played great help defense. We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well and our free throws weren’t great, but we won because of our defense, not anything else.”
Hopkins also noted the team’s discipline helped them avoid foul trouble in a tightly officiated game, which allowed the Trojans to stay aggressive defensively while maintaining control of the tempo.
“It’s a good win for us,” Hopkins said. “We’ve got a tough game on Friday against Virgin Valley, but this is great for our kids. The only way you get those big-game experiences is by playing in them and winning them.”
The Lady Trojans will look to carry their defensive momentum forward when they face Virgin Valley in the Region Semifinals on Friday, February 13 at 6:20 p.m. at Pahrump Valley High School.
