The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans boys’ basketball team opened their week with an impressive road victory on Monday, December 4, defeating the Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Falcons 56–47 in a fast-paced, high-pressure matchup defined by defensive intensity and relentless effort. The Trojans kept their composure through four quarters of full-court pressure on both sides of the ball, turning steals into momentum and teamwork into points.
Pahrump Valley struck early in the first quarter when Trae Plein put the Trojans on the board at 6:32, and from that point forward the team settled into a steady rhythm. After early fouls and back-and-forth possessions, Josh Slusher connected with Keir Sheppard for a clean bucket to tighten the gap. Sheppard later drew contact driving to the rim and knocked down both free throws, helping shift control in Pahrump Valley’s favor. An inbound to Lucas Gavenda tied the game at 8–8, and moments later Sheppard attacked the lane again to give the Trojans their first lead. Aydon Veloz entered for Gavenda after early foul trouble and immediately forced a jump ball, adding to the team’s defensive surge. A strong rebound by Caden Briscoe set up a fast-break opportunity for Sam Mendoza, who earned a trip to the line and helped close the quarter with the Trojans ahead 12–8.
In the second quarter, Briscoe continued to anchor the defense with rebounds and a key block, while Plein powered to the rim and drew a foul to keep the Trojans in front. Full-court pressure paid off when Plein swiped a pass and scored, followed seconds later by a Sheppard steal and dish to Gavenda for another quick basket. Another fast steal led to a Gavenda bucket plus a foul, stretching the lead to 19–10 as the bench erupted during the timeout. Coral responded with a three, but Plein answered right back with a smooth jumper from the right wing. Slusher went to work again under the basket, grabbing his own miss and putting it in. At halftime, the Trojans held a solid 23–19 advantage.
Pahrump Valley came out firing in the third quarter, scoring immediately before Plein converted a tough, contested layup. The press continued to frustrate the Falcons, but Coral briefly narrowed the margin with back-to-back threes. Gavenda broke the run with a layup, and later a steal by TC Hone set up Mendoza for a fast-break finish. Sheppard followed with a coast-to-coast layup, then drew another foul and knocked down both free throws. The Falcons’ final shot of the period bounced off the rim, leaving the Trojans ahead 37–29 entering the fourth.
The final quarter showcased Pahrump Valley’s ability to close out games with poise. Sheppard opened with yet another full-court layup off a steal, and Veloz added two free throws to extend the lead. Gavenda followed with a strong put-back under the basket, and though Coral hit a pair of threes, the Trojans consistently answered. Sheppard drove the length of the floor again to keep the Falcons at bay, while Plein buried a jumper and then scored an uncontested fast-break basket for a double-digit advantage. Gavenda delivered a key and-one on a baseline inbound, pushing the Trojans ahead 54–45. In the final minute, Slusher secured an offensive rebound and scored to seal the 56–47 victory as Pahrump Valley stalled out the clock.
After the game, Head Coach Toby Henry praised the team’s defensive effort and intensity. “Was a great win for our program. We played really tough defense and our guys really played hard. We can beat anyone on our schedule if we play that hard. We have two tough opponents this week remaining. There is nothing easy about winning. We will have to keep working hard.”
With a strong team performance on both ends of the floor, the Trojans leave Coral Academy with confidence and momentum as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
