The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ B basketball team took the court at Liberty High School on Saturday, January 31, facing Del Sol and Sierra Vista in a pair of competitive matchups that showcased the Trojans’ ability to battle through momentum swings and stay engaged from start to finish. With the season nearing its final stretch, the doubleheader gave Pahrump Valley another opportunity to test itself against strong opponents while continuing to sharpen its execution on both ends of the floor.
The Trojans opened the day against Del Sol in a game that started as a defensive battle, with both teams trading turnovers and missed opportunities early. Raegan Saldaña helped set the tone with aggressive defense, forcing early jump balls that kept possession in Pahrump Valley’s favor. Olivia Veloz looked to attack the basket early, driving into the lane, while Kimberly Trejo worked to find scoring opportunities inside.
Del Sol eventually broke through midway through the opening quarter, but Ariana Apolinar answered with the Trojans’ first basket of the game to keep things close. Saldaña followed with a mid-key jump shot, showing poise under pressure as Pahrump Valley worked to keep pace. Despite strong defensive efforts and several forced turnovers, Del Sol capitalized on late possessions to close the first quarter with a 6-2 lead.
The Trojans continued battling in the second quarter, highlighted by strong rebounding and inside play. Jaycie Hayes provided energy on the boards, creating second-chance opportunities, while Adrian Rogers delivered a key basket from the left block to cut into the deficit. Late in the half, Veloz attacked the right side for a layup that trimmed the lead to 10-6 heading into halftime.
Del Sol’s defensive press created challenges in the third quarter, but Pahrump Valley found moments of success by breaking the pressure and finishing at the rim. Hayes scored underneath after the Trojans successfully moved the ball through the press, and Rogers added another inside basket after a strong rebound by Saldaña. Ava Bowers contributed with ball handling and defensive effort, helping the Trojans push the tempo and create scoring chances.
In the fourth quarter, the Trojans continued to fight, highlighted by Aspen Middaugh’s steal and full-court layup that energized the team. Trejo added a strong finish on the right block, while Hayes closed out the scoring with a three-pointer from the top of the key. Despite the steady effort, the Trojans fell to Del Sol 41-21, with several players contributing on both ends of the floor.
The Trojans quickly regrouped to face Sierra Vista in a game that turned into a back-and-forth contest filled with momentum swings and clutch moments from both teams.
Pahrump Valley came out aggressive, with Raenalynn “Rae” Domingo connecting with Saldaña inside for the opening basket. Domingo continued to facilitate the offense, finding Trejo on the left block for another early score. Hayes added defensive intensity with a steal and transition layup, while Veloz showcased her offensive versatility with a floater and multiple drives to the basket.
The Trojans built momentum late in the first quarter as Rogers added a basket and the defense forced several Sierra Vista misses to secure a 13-9 lead heading into the second quarter.
The second period featured physical defense and strong rebounding efforts from both sides. Abbey Sutton created defensive stops with a steal, while Bowers battled inside and earned trips to the free-throw line. The Trojans moved the ball well in transition, with Veloz connecting with Saldaña and Trejo in a sequence that extended Pahrump Valley’s lead to 17-13.
Veloz continued to lead the offensive push, hitting a jumper and later finishing a strong drive to extend the Trojan advantage. Sierra Vista responded with a late run, but Veloz delivered another drive-and-finish sequence in the closing seconds of the half, giving Pahrump Valley a 23-20 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw Sierra Vista begin to chip away at the Trojan lead, but Pahrump Valley answered with strong interior play. Rogers converted multiple scoring opportunities in the paint, including a key basket following a series of missed shots, while Trejo battled for rebounds and drew fouls that helped slow Sierra Vista’s momentum. Veloz continued to attack the lane, adding another drive and finish to maintain the Trojans’ lead as the quarter closed with Pahrump Valley holding a narrow 30-27 advantage.
The fourth quarter turned into a dramatic, possession-by-possession battle. Saldaña delivered a clutch basket underneath to push the Trojans back in front after Sierra Vista briefly grabbed the lead. Hayes added a short jumper during a critical stretch, and Rogers contributed at the free-throw line to help keep the game tied in the closing minutes.
After Saldaña was fouled on a rebound and converted a free throw following a flagrant foul call, the Trojans held a slim late lead. Sierra Vista answered with a three-pointer, but Rogers responded with a basket to tie the game once again. With under a minute remaining, both teams traded trips to the free-throw line and defensive stops, keeping the outcome in doubt until the final seconds.
Sierra Vista managed to take a late two-point lead, and despite a final push that included strong defensive pressure and a last-second shot attempt, the Trojans narrowly fell 41-39 in one of their most competitive contests of the season.
As the season begins to wind down, the Trojans continue to show strong teamwork and composure against tough opponents. The tightly contested game against Sierra Vista highlighted how far the team has come, particularly in its ability to compete in close, late-game situations. With valuable experience gained throughout the season, the group remains optimistic about carrying that momentum forward and building on it as they look ahead to next year.
