The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans boys’ varsity basketball team put together a strong effort against the Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon Pirates on Tuesday, February 4, keeping the game competitive until the final moments before falling 53-47.
The game began with Pahrump winning the tip-off, but Pinecrest quickly gained control, sinking early shots, including a pair of three-pointers, to take an 8-0 lead. The Trojans found their first points at the 4:00 mark when Alejandro Lozano hit a jumper from the top of the paint. However, the Pirates maintained their momentum and ended the first quarter ahead 14-4.
Pahrump started finding its rhythm in the second quarter. Jack Toth hit a three-pointer at 6:18, and Lozano set up Keir Sheppard for another score. Toth continued to attack from beyond the arc, hitting two more threes to cut the deficit to 23-17. Pinecrest kept its full-court press in place, making it difficult for the Trojans to close the gap. By halftime, the Pirates held a 32-18 advantage.
The Trojans came out stronger in the third quarter. Josh Slusher was fouled on a made shot and converted the free throw, and Lozano knocked down two free throws of his own. Pahrump’s defense started making plays, with Burras drawing a foul on a blocked shot and making all three free throws. Sheppard added a three-pointer from the corner, and Toth nailed another from the wing to bring Pahrump within eight. By the end of the quarter, the Trojans had trimmed the deficit to 44-37.
Momentum continued to shift in the fourth quarter as Pahrump made a final push. Lucas Gavenda and Slusher each scored on layups, cutting the lead to 46-43. The Trojans’ defense forced turnovers, and Sheppard scored off a pass from Slusher to make it a two-point game at 49-47. With under two minutes to play, Pahrump had chances to tie or take the lead, but missed opportunities and turnovers allowed Pinecrest to stay ahead. The Pirates held on in the closing seconds, securing the 53-47 win.
Despite the outcome, the Trojans kept the game within reach until the final moments. With just one game left in the season, they will aim to finish strong when they take on Boulder City on Thursday, February 6 in Boulder City.
