The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ basketball team wrapped up Holiday Classic play on Saturday, Jan. 3, with a hard-earned 77–66 victory over the Amplus Academy Archers, finishing the tournament with a strong performance that reflected growth, toughness, and improved chemistry.
Playing with a shortened rotation of nine athletes, the Trojans opened the game locked in defensively, starting in man-to-man coverage while applying full-court pressure. Early ball movement paid off as Josh Slusher found Lucas Gavenda underneath for the game’s first basket, followed by a transition three from Keir Sheppard off a pass from Caden Briscoe. Amplus responded with outside shooting, and the opening quarter featured several momentum swings as both teams pressed and pushed the pace. Gavenda scored on a spin move in the paint to tie the game at 10–10, but Amplus closed the quarter on a run to take an 18–14 lead.
In the second quarter, Pahrump Valley settled in offensively. Aydon Veloz finished inside off a pass from Briscoe, and Trae Plein knocked down a corner three to keep the Trojans within striking distance. Despite Amplus briefly extending its lead behind deep shooting, Pahrump Valley answered with pressure-induced baskets. Gavenda hit a three from the right corner, Sheppard scored off a steal, and a late fast-break layup brought the Trojans within 36–33 at halftime.
The third quarter proved to be a turning point. Sheppard opened the half by drawing contact on a layup, and although Amplus answered, Pahrump Valley steadily chipped away. Gavenda scored on consecutive possessions, including a corner three and a putback, while Slusher converted a steal into a layup to give the Trojans their first lead since the opening quarter. Defensive pressure continued to force turnovers, and baskets by Briscoe, Gavenda, and Veloz helped Pahrump Valley take a 60–57 advantage into the fourth.
In the final quarter, the Trojans asserted control. Sheppard sparked the offense with a steal and layup, followed by another finish in transition. Plein added a strong rebound and score, and the defense limited Amplus’ looks while Pahrump Valley executed patiently in the half court. Late baskets by Sheppard and Gavenda stretched the lead, and the Trojans closed out the game by controlling the tempo and protecting the ball, sealing the 77–66 win.
After the game, Head Coach Toby Henry reflected on the team’s week-long effort.
“This tournament was a great test for us,” Henry said. “We went 2–2 against some pretty good 4A teams. Those games got us ready for what is about to come on our schedule. We are starting to come together as a team. Tonight we have a really good Sunrise Mountain team that is 4A, and then we get heavy into our conference games. We got better in the tournament, and I am excited for the rest of the year.”
With the Holiday Classic complete, the Trojans exited the tournament showing clear progress, resilience, and confidence as they prepared to transition into the heart of their regular-season schedule.
