The Pahrump Valley High School varsity boys’ basketball team delivered an impressive performance against the Doral Academy Red Rock Dragons on Friday, January 31, securing a hard-fought 46-43 victory on the road. The game was a thrilling battle from start to finish, with both teams trading momentum throughout the four quarters.
The Trojans came out strong, setting the tone early with aggressive defense and efficient scoring. After an initial three-pointer from Doral, Tramaine Burras quickly responded with a layup, followed by another basket in the paint that put PVHS in the lead. Alejandro Lozano knocked down a three-pointer from the right wing, and Burras continued to dominate in the paint, fighting through defenders to add more points. Eric Figueroa Renteria contributed with a well-placed shot from the right wing, helping the Trojans end the first quarter with a narrow 13-11 advantage.
The second quarter saw PVHS extend its lead, with Figueroa Renteria draining a three-pointer to put the Trojans up 19-13. Doral answered with a three of their own, but Burras remained relentless, fighting for offensive rebounds and converting second-chance points. Aydon Veloz was aggressive on the boards, drawing a foul while rebounding. The Dragons, however, found their rhythm and tied the game at 21-21 late in the quarter. With just under two minutes left in the half, Doral capitalized on a scoring run to take a 27-22 lead into halftime.
Adjustments were made coming out of the break, as PVHS switched to a man-to-man defense. The Trojans responded well, applying pressure and forcing tough shots from Doral. Burras continued to be a force, grabbing rebounds and converting key free throws. Lozano and Josh Slusher added to the scoring effort, keeping the Trojans within striking distance. At a crucial moment, Burras penetrated the defense and found Figueroa Renteria for an easy basket. As the quarter wound down, Toth provided a clutch moment, sinking a three-pointer with just 30 seconds left to tie the game at 35-35 heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a battle of resilience and composure. Doral struck first with a basket to take a 38-35 lead, but Toth remained steady at the free-throw line, sinking both shots to cut the deficit to one. Lozano then hit a tough shot from the left side, and moments later, Burras delivered a crucial and-one play, tying the game at 40-40. With 4:26 remaining, he drew another foul and made the go-ahead free throw, giving the Trojans a 41-40 lead. A long stretch of defensive intensity followed, with neither team able to score for several minutes as PVHS held its ground.
With under a minute remaining, the Trojans executed a stall offense, forcing Doral into a foul situation. Keir Sheppard and Toth came up big at the free-throw line, pushing the lead to 45-40. The Dragons fought back, converting free throws to make it a two-point game at 45-43 with just seconds remaining. Lozano then stepped up, making a critical free throw to extend the lead to 46-43. On the final possession, Doral got the ball to their best shooter, but his three-point attempt missed, and Burras secured the rebound as the buzzer sounded.
It was a true team effort from the Trojans, with contributions across the board. Burras dominated inside, while Lozano, Slusher, Figueroa Renteria, and Toth all made crucial plays throughout the game. Their determination, defensive tenacity, and poise under pressure proved to be the difference, as PVHS celebrated a well-earned road victory.
