The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans closed out tournament play on a high note Tuesday, Dec. 23, defeating Nazareth Regional High School of New York, 63–42, behind relentless defensive pressure and balanced scoring throughout all four quarters.
Pahrump Valley won the opening tip and immediately went to work on both ends of the floor. Keir Sheppard was active early, tipping a Lucas Gavenda attempt back toward the rim before Gavenda was whistled for an over-the-back foul minutes later. Gavenda later knocked down a three to give the Trojans a 7–5 edge, while Aydon Veloz did the dirty work inside, boxing out to draw an over-the-back call and limit second-chance opportunities.
After a brief stretch of whistles and bonus free throws on both sides, Sheppard steadied the Trojans with two free throws, then jumped a passing lane on the press for a steal and layup. Caden Briscoe followed with a perfectly timed bounce pass ahead to Sheppard on the break, extending the lead to 13–7. Full-court pressure nearly produced another turnover before the quarter ended, and Pahrump Valley took a 14–10 lead into the second.
Nazareth opened the second quarter with perimeter shooting and free throws to pull even, briefly tying the game at 14–14. The Trojans responded with composure. Sam Mendoza connected on a floater near the left block, and Veloz muscled his way through traffic for a pair of baskets off multiple offensive rebounds. Pahrump Valley continued to disrupt passing lanes, leading to a steal and a trip to the line for Sheppard, who converted both free throws.
With seconds remaining in the half, Trae Plein attacked in transition and finished at the rim, sending the Trojans into halftime with a 26–20 advantage after weathering Nazareth’s push.
Pahrump Valley came out of the locker room with purpose in the third quarter. Sheppard assisted Gavenda for an early basket, then followed with a strong drive of his own. Veloz attacked off the dribble to draw contact, while Sheppard continued to apply pressure downhill. TC Hone made his presence felt defensively with a block, then came up with a steal moments later to ignite another transition opportunity.
Briscoe delivered a full-court pass to Plein for a layup, Gavenda followed with a smooth spin move in the lane, and Sheppard added another finish as the Trojans stretched the lead into double digits. Plein capped the quarter with a strong rebound and putback, giving Pahrump Valley a commanding 44–31 lead heading into the final frame.
The Trojans wasted little time putting the game away in the fourth quarter. Gavenda attacked the rim and converted free throws, Mendoza added a floater at the top of the key, and later scored again through contact. Plein drilled a three, Briscoe cut hard to the basket to draw a foul, and Gavenda followed with a three and a strong drive from the wing as the lead ballooned past 20 points.
Defensive pressure remained consistent through the closing minutes, forcing Nazareth into rushed possessions while Pahrump Valley controlled the tempo and the glass. When the final buzzer sounded, the Trojans had secured a convincing 63–42 win to close tournament play.
After the game, Head Coach Toby Henry praised the effort and defensive commitment shown by his team.
“I thought our guys played extremely hard,” Henry said. “Our defense was really good, and I think we caught them a little off guard. We attacked the basket aggressively and did a great job drawing fouls.”
The win provided a strong conclusion to the Holiday Jam for Pahrump Valley, as the Trojans continued to show growth, toughness, and confidence against high-level out-of-state competition.
