The Pahrump Valley High School wrestling teams demonstrated grit, determination, and potential during two challenging tournaments held over Christmas break. Both the junior varsity boys and girls showcased their skills, earning podium finishes and gaining valuable experience on the mats.
Trojans Excel at Basic High School Tournament
On December 21, the JV boys’ wrestling team competed in an individual tournament hosted by Basic High School. Facing fierce competition across various weight classes, the Trojans proved their mettle with standout performances and promising results.
Cameron Scherer (132 lbs) led the charge with a strong 3-1 record, earning 2nd place in his weight class. Jairo Bravo and Sonny Skinner (both 190 lbs) displayed resilience, with Bravo achieving a 5-1 record and 3rd place, while Skinner went 3-2 to secure 3rd place in the same division. Kelsen Cross-Smith (175 lbs) and Paul Walker (190 lbs) also stood out, each finishing 3-1 and claiming 2nd place in their respective weight classes.
Other notable performances included Dominic Chiancone (120 lbs), who battled through a competitive field to finish 3-2 and earn 4th place, and Bryce Howard (215 lbs), who also went 3-2. Several other wrestlers gained valuable mat time, including Bryce Whitney (138 lbs), Wesley Cruff (132 lbs), Horus Cantwell (144 lbs), and Ryan Hamlin (150 lbs), who each posted 2-2 records. While a few athletes, such as Samson Wagner (126 lbs) and Blake Donnelly (Heavyweight), did not secure victories, their efforts contributed to the team’s growth and depth.
Strong Showing at Foothill High School
Just days later, on December 30, the Trojans returned to the mats at a tournament hosted by Foothill High School. The JV boys and girls’ teams faced another round of intense competition, with several wrestlers stepping up to deliver impressive performances.
For the JV boys, Paul Walker (175 lbs) continued his strong season, earning a 4-1 record and 3rd place. Ben De Santiago (138 lbs) excelled with a 5-1 record to also secure 3rd place, while Zach Hulderson (120 lbs) finished 2-1, claiming 2nd place. Dominic Chiancone (120 lbs) and Kelsen Cross-Smith (165 lbs) each posted 2-2 records, showing consistency and growth. Unfortunately, Wesley Cruff (132 lbs) had his day cut short due to an injury after winning his first match.
The girls’ team made a remarkable impact, led by Payton Weaver (120 lbs), who dominated her weight class with a perfect 6-0 record to claim 1st place. Despite setbacks for Tiler Ledford (170 lbs) and Amelia Graziano (155 lbs), including injuries and tough matchups, the girls showcased the spirit and determination that define the Trojans.
The experience gained at both tournaments will undoubtedly fuel their preparation for upcoming meets, as they continue to represent Pahrump with pride and determination. The community can look forward to more thrilling performances as these young athletes build on their successes and strive for excellence in the weeks to come.
*A special thanks to Coach Mike Colucci for the medal pictures.
