The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans girls’ basketball team faced a tough loss against the Moapa Valley Pirates on Friday, December 13, with a final score of 34-17 in favor of Moapa. It is a rebuilding year for both teams, and while both squads showed effort, the game highlighted challenges on both ends of the court.
Moapa struck first with a breakaway to take an early 2-0 lead. Riley Saldana put the Trojans on the board with two free throws in the first quarter, but Moapa maintained a narrow 4-2 lead at the end of the first, the low score highlighting the struggles of both teams.
The second quarter saw both teams continuing to struggle to find consistent scoring opportunities, with several missed baskets on both sides. Moapa extended their lead to 15-2 through a combination of inside shots and free throws. Just before halftime, the Trojans responded with a three-pointer from Ella Odegard, bringing the score to 15-5 as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
In the second half, the Trojans fought hard to close the gap. Ryleigh Denton sank back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter, narrowing the score to 18-11. The Pirates pressed the Trojans throughout most of the game, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on several steals from miscalculated passes. Natalie Soto added two points from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, and Denton hit another three-pointer late in the game. Despite these efforts, Moapa’s defense remained dominant, holding the Trojans to just 17 points while adding to their own total with steady scoring and free throws to secure the 34-17 victory.
Both teams struggled offensively, with numerous missed shots throughout the game. The Pirates attempted 65 field goals but only converted 14, including 13 two-pointers and one three-pointer. The rest of their points came from free throws. The Trojans, meanwhile, attempted 28 field goals and made four, all of which were three-pointers. The remainder of their points came from free throws.
Key contributors for the Trojans included Ryleigh Denton, who led the team with nine points from three-pointer baskets; Ella Odegard, who added three points with her three-pointer before halftime; Natalie Soto, who scored two points from the free-throw line; and Riley Saldana, who contributed three points from free throws.
While the game highlighted areas for improvement, it also demonstrated both teams’ commitment to rebuilding and growing. The Trojans will use this experience to continue developing their skills and look ahead to their next opportunity to compete.
