The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans boys’ varsity basketball team showed steady resolve and flashes of rhythm Tuesday night at home against the Southeast Career Tech Roadrunners, working through a fast-paced game that featured interior scoring, perimeter shooting, and an aggressive finish.
Tech struck first with a three off the opening tip and followed with free throws to set the early tempo. Pahrump Valley answered by attacking the paint. Lucas Gavenda drew a foul on a hard drive and converted both free throws before finishing inside off a foul-related inbound play. After Tech answered with another basket, Gavenda buried a corner three to pull the Trojans closer. Trae Plein added a strong finish on a drive, but Tech closed the quarter efficiently from the line to take a 20–10 lead after one.
The Trojans stayed composed in the second quarter and began to find more balance offensively. Gavenda continued to work inside, scoring on a layup through traffic and battling on the glass for second-chance opportunities. Trae Plein earned trips to the line by attacking underneath, while Sam Mendoza provided a lift from the perimeter with a three that energized the home bench. Keir Sheppard answered Tech’s outside shooting with a corner three of his own. Pahrump Valley closed the half on a positive note—forcing a steal in the final seconds that led to a fast-break layup by Sheppard at the buzzer, trimming the deficit heading into halftime.
Out of the break, the Trojans came out assertively. Gavenda opened the third with another finish at the rim, and Plein followed with a transition bucket after pushing the pace. Despite Tech responding with a pair of threes, Pahrump Valley continued to generate offense by attacking gaps and drawing fouls. Plein converted from the line, then knocked down a corner three midway through the quarter. Mendoza answered again from deep late in the frame, and Plein capped the period with a fast-break layup as the Trojans matched Tech possession for possession through the third.
The fourth quarter showcased Pahrump Valley’s persistence. Caden Briscoe scored underneath to open the period, and Plein went on an extended run—finishing through contact, converting from the line, and scoring off the dribble in the lane. A defensive steal led to another Trojans scoring chance, and Sheppard added a late layup in transition. Plein closed the night with a corner three at the horn, punctuating a strong finish.
Though the final score favored Tech, Pahrump Valley’s effort reflected growth on both ends of the floor. The Trojans consistently turned defensive pressure into transition opportunities, mixed inside attacks with perimeter shooting, and maintained energy through all four quarters as they continue to build momentum moving forward.
