Pahrump Valley High School’s wrestling team showcased grit and determination last week, both at home and on the road. The Trojans hosted a dual meet on Thursday, December 5, taking on Eldorado and Clark High Schools, followed by a weekend of fierce competition at the Downey 32 Individual Tournament in California.
Dual Meet Dominance
The boys’ Varsity team opened the week with two impressive victories in front of a supportive home crowd. Against Eldorado, the Trojans secured a 58-20 win, with standout performances by Joaquin Flores (126), who won a decisive 13-0 match, and the Bosket brothers, Iyan (175) and Oscar (190), who each claimed victories by pinfall. Billy Sparks (215) added to the momentum with a commanding pin, while several other wrestlers, including Ethan Rouse (106) and Joseph Scheer (113), earned wins by forfeit.
The Trojans continued their dominance against Clark, finishing with a 56-20 victory. Oscar Bosket and Sparks once again delivered wins by pin, while Iyan Bosket capitalized on a default victory. Scheer (113) and Flores (126) showcased their skills with victories by points. Julio Ackerman (Heavyweight) closed out the dual meet with a powerful pin.
Head Coach Frank Lopez praised the team’s effort, emphasizing their toughness and resilience. “Varsity wrestled well—tough, hard-nosed wrestling,” Lopez said. “However, there’s still a lot to be desired in the pace of our wrestling. We need more action and more shots on our feet.”
Lopez also highlighted the Bosket brothers, calling them “momentum builders and hammers” in the lineup, as they continue to energize the team with their consistent performances.
Strong Showing at Downey 32
Over the weekend, the Trojans traveled to Downey, California, to compete in the prestigious Downey 32 Individual Tournament, which featured 36 teams and 32-man brackets. Despite initial concerns about the high level of competition and the young team’s ability to adapt, the Trojans rose to the challenge, placing 15th overall.
Senior Oscar Bosket had an outstanding tournament, finishing second in his weight class after falling to California’s 17th-ranked 190-pound wrestler in the finals. Iyan Bosket also delivered a strong performance, placing fourth after a hard-fought overtime loss in the semifinals. Joseph Scheer impressed coaches and teammates alike with his toughness, battling to an eighth-place finish.
“Our conditioning was showcased and unlocked a lot of wins for us,” Coach Lopez said. “We found our stride with great pace, constant pressure on top, and urgency to get off the bottom. The boys have made incredible improvements in the last seven days, and their attitude and aggression on the mat reflect that.”
Assistant Coach Mike Colucci echoed Lopez’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s progress. “Our wrestlers are improving every day. It’s still very early in the season, but we are seeing our kids buy into what we’re teaching, which includes being in great shape and a commitment to hard-nosed, basic technique. We’re proud of their effort and discipline.”
Looking Ahead
The Trojans are set to host Western High School from Anaheim, California, in a home dual meet this Thursday at 6 p.m. The match promises to be an exciting showdown, as Western’s head coach, Robert Elias, is a former wrestling partner of Coach Lopez from Dickinson State. The meet will serve as a precursor to the Mustang Stampede at Shadow Ridge High School in Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday, where the Trojans will face eight duals over two grueling days of competition.
“Our community always packs the house when we compete at home,” Coach Lopez said. “As long as we keep the same energy and commitment from last weekend, we should do well and compete.”
Pahrump Valley High School wrestling is building momentum with each competition, proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the 3A South this season.
