The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ basketball team hit the road Friday night, traveling to Moapa Valley to face the Pirates in a fast-paced, physical matchup that challenged the Trojans from start to finish. Despite the final score favoring the home team, the Trojans showed steady fight from the opening tip through the closing minutes, using the contest as a valuable tune-up as the postseason approaches.
The opening quarter quickly developed into an intense back-and-forth battle. Lucas Gavenda got the Trojans on the board early with a strong finish inside following an early defensive stop. Caden Briscoe followed with a bucket in the paint to keep Pahrump within striking distance after Moapa answered on the other end. The Pirates began finding success at the free-throw line midway through the quarter, capitalizing on early fouls to tie the game at 4-4 before building a short run with a three-pointer and technical free throws.
The Trojans continued to push back offensively. Trae Plein drew contact on a drive and knocked down both free throws, then followed with a three-point play moments later after finishing through traffic and converting the extra shot. Keir Sheppard added a spark defensively with a steal that turned into a fast-break layup, cutting into Moapa’s lead. Plein stayed aggressive late in the quarter, driving the lane for another and-one opportunity, while Sheppard added another basket on a drive to the rim. Pahrump trailed by just one point, 18-17, heading into the second quarter.
Foul trouble began to play a major role early in the second quarter as both teams increased their defensive intensity. Moapa extended its lead at the free-throw line and with strong interior scoring, but the Trojans continued to answer. Gavenda attacked the basket off the dribble for multiple scores, using strength in traffic to keep Pahrump within reach. Plein continued to apply pressure defensively, creating turnovers that led to transition opportunities.
The physical nature of the game led to additional whistles, including technical fouls that resulted in extra scoring opportunities for the Pirates. Despite the interruptions and frequent trips to the line for Moapa, Pahrump remained aggressive offensively. Gavenda added another driving basket late in the quarter and converted a free throw in the bonus, but Moapa closed the half with an offensive rebound and putback to take a 34-24 lead into the break.
Coming out of halftime, the Pirates built momentum with early free throws and a three-pointer that pushed the margin into double digits. The Trojans continued to battle, with Aydon Veloz stepping up offensively, scoring on a strong drive and later delivering a floor-length pass that set up Gavenda for an easy finish inside. Gavenda added another score off an inbound play, showing strong awareness and positioning near the rim.
Sheppard remained active attacking the basket, finishing through defenders to keep the Trojans within striking distance. Gavenda closed the third quarter with an and-one opportunity after receiving an inbound pass and finishing through contact, cutting into the Pirates’ lead before entering the fourth quarter 47-35.
The Trojans opened the final period with one of their strongest stretches of the game. Briscoe scored in transition before Plein added an inside finish to trim the deficit. Moments later, Briscoe delivered a long downcourt pass that Plein converted for another basket as Pahrump pushed the tempo. TC Hone contributed during the surge, finishing at the rim and later helping create a turnover that led to Gavenda drawing a foul and converting both free throws.
The Trojans continued to attack offensively as Sheppard added another inside finish and Hone chipped in with another basket, helping Pahrump close the gap. However, continued foul trouble and late-game free throws allowed Moapa to maintain separation down the stretch. The Pirates capitalized on bonus opportunities in the final minutes to secure the 69-52 victory.
Despite the result, the Trojans showed consistent offensive balance and aggressive defensive play throughout the night while navigating a physically demanding game filled with fouls and momentum swings.
After the game, Head Coach Toby Henry emphasized the importance of the experience moving forward.
“Our guys played hard like always,” Henry said. “Our guys need to learn how to focus before a game better and know we are not going to get help from refs. This game is a great learning tool to show how we need to keep our composure when things aren’t going our way. Moapa is a good team, better than their record. If you don’t come to play or take them lightly, they will beat you. It’s better for this to happen now, rather than in the playoffs. Now we have to focus up and get ready for two tough games this week and get prepared for the playoffs.”
With postseason play approaching, the Trojans will look to build on the lessons learned from Friday’s matchup as they continue preparing for a challenging final stretch of the regular season.
