Pahrump Valley High School students and staff brought plenty of energy, laughter and competitive spirit to the court on Thursday, May 7, as the annual Staff vs. Students basketball game doubled as a fundraiser for the school yearbook program.
What began as a strong start for the staff squad turned into a thrilling comeback finish for the students, who erased a late deficit and closed the game on a dramatic run to claim a 53-50 victory inside the PVHS main gym.
The opening tip went the staff’s way as Coach Julius controlled the jump ball, helping set the tone early for the adults. After several missed student opportunities to open the game, Mike Abbiss knocked down a three-pointer to give the staff an early 5-0 advantage. Lucas Gavenda answered with a corner three for the students, but the staff continued to capitalize in transition and in the paint to maintain control.
Coach Julius was active throughout the first quarter, scoring inside and helping facilitate the offense, while Brayden Preston added a late three-pointer to push the lead to 17-6 at the end of the opening period.
The staff extended the advantage early in the second quarter behind strong interior play from Bryan Wulfenstein and continued pressure defense. The students slowly began to settle in offensively, however, as Keir Sheppard connected with Caden Briscoe for a basket before Cayden Cowley added points in the paint.
Trae Plein helped spark the comeback effort with a three-pointer before the students forced a turnover and converted another basket to cut the lead to four. Plein later came up with a steal against Coach Julius and finished the play to tie the game at 20-20, bringing the crowd to life.
Erik Odegard responded for the staff with a three-pointer from the wing, helping the adults regain a narrow edge heading into halftime with a 24-20 lead.
The students continued to chip away in the third quarter. Gavenda opened the scoring with a layup before Briscoe knocked down a jumper from the left side. Coach Julius continued to make an impact for the staff, drawing fouls and battling for offensive rebounds, while Coach Toby Henry scored several key baskets in the paint to help maintain the lead.
Sheppard delivered one of the biggest moments of the quarter when he buried a three-pointer to tie the game at 29-29, but the staff answered again with inside scoring from Henry and Julius to carry a 35-31 advantage into the final quarter.
The adults appeared to be in control midway through the fourth quarter, stretching the lead to eight points after back-to-back defensive plays from Julius and Henry led to transition baskets. But the students refused to back down.
Sheppard ignited the comeback with a trio of clutch three-pointers, including two from the corner, while the student defense increased its pressure and forced several key turnovers in the final minutes. Briscoe added an important basket with just over a minute remaining to keep the deficit manageable.
Trailing by two in the closing seconds, the students came up with another steal and converted the tying basket to make it 50-50. Moments later, with just 10 seconds remaining, Sheppard drilled a deep three-pointer from the wing to give the students their first lead of the game at 53-50.
The staff attempted a final three-point shot in the closing seconds, but the attempt fell short as the students completed the comeback victory.
Following the game, several student players were recognized with awards. Cayden Cowley earned Student MVP honors, while Caden Briscoe received the Defensive Award. Trae Plein was named Offensive MVP, Lucas Gavenda earned the Spirit Award, Kamden Moore received the Kindness Award and Keir Sheppard was presented with the Coaches Award after his late-game heroics helped seal the win.
Beyond the final score, the evening served as a fun and spirited fundraiser that brought students, staff and the community together in support of the PVHS yearbook program.
