The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ varsity basketball team used steady defensive pressure, strong rebounding, and a balanced scoring attack on Tuesday, January 13, pulling away from the Southeast Career Tech Roadrunners for a 58–35 home victory that grew more decisive as the game wore on.
Pahrump set the early tempo by winning the opening tip, and Riley Saldaña wasted little time getting the Lady Trojans on the board with a jumper from the elbow. The first quarter was fast-paced and physical, with Tech earning several early trips to the free-throw line. Pahrump countered with efficient offense and second-chance opportunities. Sydney Crotty finished a clean inbound play at the rim, Kaitlyn Brown knocked down a three from the perimeter, and Addi Nelsen chipped in at the line. After Tech briefly edged ahead late in the quarter, Pahrump responded immediately. Saldaña scored on a second-chance layup, Brown converted an and-one through contact, Crotty added a free throw, and Cindal Monahan capped the stretch with a short jumper at the buzzer to give the Lady Trojans an 18–14 lead after one.
The second quarter marked a turning point as Pahrump began to assert control on both ends of the floor. Saldaña created opportunities with active hands defensively, turning steals into transition chances, while Addi Nelsen buried a deep three to energize the home crowd. Crotty scored inside through traffic, and Ella Odegard finished from the block as the Lady Trojans repeatedly attacked the paint. Late in the half, Saldaña converted a contested fast-break layup and Brown added another basket just before the buzzer, pushing the lead to 34–20 at halftime.
Tech looked to close the gap early in the third quarter, but Pahrump stayed composed. Brown earned free throws off an offensive rebound, Crotty converted both attempts after being fouled underneath, and Saldaña continued to pressure the ball, turning another steal into a fast-break layup. Even as Tech found a few baskets from midrange, the Lady Trojans answered consistently. Crotty knocked down a midrange jumper, Brown finished inside late in the period, and Pahrump closed the third quarter up 45–29.
The fourth quarter showcased Pahrump’s depth and conditioning. Saldaña opened the period with another steal and layup, followed by a basket from Nelsen at the top of the key. Saldaña continued to attack the rim, drawing fouls and converting in traffic, while the defense limited Tech’s clean looks. In the closing minutes, Adrian Rogers provided a spark off the bench with two strong finishes at the basket, further extending the lead. Pahrump remained disciplined at the line down the stretch and controlled the final possessions to close out the 58–35 win.
With consistent effort across all four quarters, the Lady Trojans combined defensive pressure, rebounding, and timely scoring to turn a competitive opening into a comfortable home victory.
