The Pahrump Valley High School varsity boys’ basketball team faced off against the Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Falcons on Tuesday, January 21, in a thrilling home game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Despite a valiant effort by the Trojans, the Falcons edged out a 56-55 victory in the final moments.
The starting lineup for the Trojans—Josh Slusher, Alejandro Lozano, Eric Figueroa Renteria, Aydon Veloz, and Antwahn Jackson—set the tone early. After the Falcons opened the scoring, Jackson quickly responded with a three-pointer, giving the Trojans a brief lead. The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle, highlighted by a strong showing from Jackson and key plays by Tramaine Burras, who tied the game at 7 with a jumper and then put the Trojans ahead with a rebound and put-back. At the end of the first quarter, the Trojans trailed 16-11.
In the second quarter, the Trojans regained momentum with contributions from Lozano, Burras, and Keir Sheppard. Lozano’s three-pointer midway through the quarter energized the crowd, and a quick sequence of steals and fast-break points gave the Trojans a four-point lead. The Falcons fought back, but Sheppard’s clutch free throws in the closing seconds of the half secured a narrow 29-27 advantage for Pahrump.
The third quarter saw the Trojans extend their lead with aggressive drives and sharp teamwork. Slusher and Burras each contributed key baskets, while Jamiah Mendenhall made his presence felt with a timely rebound and put-back. Sheppard and Toth added defensive stops that led to points, giving the Trojans a 42-38 lead heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was an intense showdown, with both teams trading blows. Lozano’s free throws and jumpers kept the Trojans in control early, but the Falcons clawed their way back with a combination of strong inside plays and three-point shooting. With just over three minutes remaining, the score was tied at 49. Sheppard’s steal and layup briefly put the Trojans ahead, but the Falcons answered back to tie the game at 51 with under two minutes left.
In the final seconds, the Falcons took a slim lead with a three-pointer, but Veloz and Toth fought to even the score again at 55. With just 0.8 seconds remaining, the Falcons drew a foul in the bonus and made one of two free throws to seal the 56-55 victory.
Despite the loss, the Trojans displayed incredible heart and determination, with standout performances across the board. Their teamwork and tenacity were evident throughout the game, and the team’s never-give-up attitude left fans proud and optimistic for the remainder of the season.
