The Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) girls’ basketball team embarked on a challenging but rewarding journey at the Bullhead City Shoot-Out Tournament in Arizona from December 19-21. Over the course of three days, the Trojans faced formidable opponents, showcasing determination and a drive to grow as a team, despite being shorthanded due to injuries and illnesses.
The Trojans opened the tournament on December 19 against Murrieta Valley High School from California. Known as the Nighthawks, their opponents were a larger and highly disciplined team, presenting a tough challenge from the start. PVHS struggled to find its rhythm early in the game, scoring just five points in the first quarter. Riley Saldana contributed four of those points with a combination of free throws and a two-point basket, while Ryleigh Denton added one point with a free throw. The Nighthawks capitalized on their size advantage, building an 18-point lead by the end of the quarter.
Throughout the game, the Trojans showed flashes of improvement, particularly in the third quarter, when they doubled their score by adding 11 points. Denton hit two three-pointers and a free throw, while Saldana contributed four more points. Despite their efforts, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, and the Nighthawks secured a 54-26 victory. Head Coach Bob Hopkins acknowledged the difficulties in the game, saying, “We were a bit outmatched against Murrieta Valley. They’re a disciplined, bigger team, but we played well at times and learned a lot about ourselves.”
On December 20, the Trojans faced Spring Creek High School from Nevada in their second game of the tournament. PVHS started strong, outscoring the Spartans 9-6 in the first quarter. Denton led the charge with six points, while Saldana added a two-point field goal and a free throw. However, the Spartans took control in the second quarter, holding the Trojans to just two points and going into halftime with a 17-11 lead.
The third quarter saw Spring Creek extend their lead, but the Trojans mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth. Scoring 13 points in the final quarter, they closed the gap significantly, with contributions from Denton, Saldana, Trinity French, and Autumn Colon. Despite their strong finish, the Trojans fell short, losing 34-29. “We missed some early opportunities in this game,” Hopkins reflected. “We had a chance to go up 8-0, but we missed four layups, and that changed the momentum. Despite that, the kids never gave up, and we had some great performances from players like Trinity French and Riley Saldana.”
The final game of the tournament, on December 21, pitted the Trojans against Mohave Accelerated Learning Center. This game turned out to be the highlight of the weekend for PVHS. Facing a team that had a size advantage at every position, the Trojans found themselves trailing 22-11 at halftime. Hopkins encouraged his players to adjust their strategy, emphasizing the need to penetrate the opposing zone defense. The results were immediate and dramatic.
In the third quarter, the Trojans scored an impressive 22 points—their highest-scoring quarter of the season—led by Saldana, Denton, French, Nala Dalton, and Ella Odegard. Saldana’s standout performance included 19 second-half points, while French had her best game of the year, contributing nine assists. The Trojans carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, adding 16 more points to secure a 49-40 victory. Hopkins praised his team’s effort, saying, “I was so proud of the kids. They could have quit at halftime, but they came out and played their hearts out. It was a great team effort and a big win for us. Hopefully, we grew up a little bit in that game.”
The tournament wasn’t without its challenges. PVHS entered the weekend shorthanded, missing key players Jules Ondrisko, who is in concussion protocol, and Savannah Thompson, who was out sick. To make matters worse, Natalie Soto sprained her ankle during the trip, further limiting the team’s roster. Despite these setbacks, the Trojans demonstrated remarkable resilience. Hopkins noted, “We go to these tournaments to learn about ourselves and to grow. Even though we faced adversity, the kids stepped up, and I think we’re a better team because of it.”
The Trojans’ experience at the Bullhead City Shoot-Out provided valuable lessons and highlighted areas for growth. They will return to action on January 2 at the Green Valley Christian Tournament. With the momentum from their win against Mohave Accelerated and the lessons learned throughout the tournament, the Trojans are eager to continue their season with renewed confidence and determination.
*Photos are from games earlier this season.
