The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ varsity basketball team closed out its regular season at home on Friday, February 6, hosting the Boulder City Eagles in a Senior Night matchup that honored student-athletes for their dedication to their programs. While the Trojans ultimately fell 71-55, the night was filled with meaningful recognition, energetic moments, and a competitive contest that remained within reach for much of the game.
Before tipoff, Pahrump Valley celebrated its senior members of the cheer and boys’ basketball programs. Seniors recognized from the PVHS Cheer Team included Kyndra Cardwell, Micaela Carson and Ana Mateos. On the basketball side, senior managers Kayne Horibe, Ashton McClard, and Jace Wulfenstein were honored alongside senior players Caden Briscoe, Keir Sheppard, Josh Slusher, and Aydon Veloz. The ceremony provided a celebratory start to the evening, recognizing the commitment these students have given to Trojan athletics.
Once the game began, Pahrump Valley won the opening tip but Boulder City struck first, scoring twice inside to take an early 4-0 lead. Lucas Gavenda quickly got the Trojans on the board with a corner three-pointer, trimming the deficit to one. After Boulder City added another basket and converted a three-point play, Keir Sheppard knocked down one of three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt to even the score briefly at 4-4.
The Eagles responded with consistent inside scoring and perimeter shooting to build momentum late in the opening quarter. Sheppard energized the Trojans with a fast-break layup, followed shortly by a strong finish from Josh Slusher. Despite those efforts, Boulder City hit a late three and converted free throws to carry a 17-8 advantage into the second quarter.
Pahrump Valley found its rhythm early in the second period behind Trae Plein, who sparked the offense with a floater and a transition layup. Sheppard continued to attack, hitting a deep three-pointer and converting from the free-throw line to help narrow the gap. Plein then connected on a three-pointer of his own, and moments later capped off a smooth passing sequence from Sheppard and TC Hone with another triple, pulling the Trojans within two points at 24-22.
The Trojans kept the pressure on as Sheppard knocked down a mid-range jumper to tie the game at 24-24. Aydon Veloz followed with a free throw to briefly give Pahrump Valley its first lead of the night at 25-24. Boulder City answered with a late corner three and free throws, but Kris Trejo delivered a buzzer-beating layup to bring the Trojans within 29-27 at halftime.
The PVHS Cheerleaders performed a stunt routine during half time, keeping the energy in the stands high, leading into the second half.
The Eagles opened the third quarter with trips to the free-throw line, while Slusher added a point from the stripe to keep Pahrump Valley close. Sheppard scored on a smooth floater, and Briscoe contributed with a short jumper and later a three-pointer to help the Trojans maintain striking distance. Slusher added a strong drive to the basket, and Plein chipped in with another field goal, but Boulder City capitalized on additional scoring opportunities to extend its lead to 49-42 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Boulder City began to pull away with a three-pointer and consistent scoring from the paint. Gavenda worked inside for a basket, and Slusher continued to battle in the lane. Sheppard added another layup during a late push, while Plein showcased his determination by finishing a layup through contact. Gavenda and Briscoe added late baskets as the Trojans continued to compete until the final buzzer, but Boulder City’s success at the free-throw line helped secure the 71-55 victory.
Head Coach Toby Henry praised his team’s effort and competitive mindset following the game.
“Once again our team played extremely hard. It was a close game all the way till the end. The game came down to free throws. They made 26 and we made 8. They shot 40 free throws and we shot 16. We have to find a way to get to the line more in close games,” Henry said. “That was the end of our regular season and we are ready for the playoffs. The tough schedule we played this year has made us battle tested. Our guys have been in every situation you can be in this season. This should allow our guys to go have fun and play hard Tuesday, without hesitation.”
The team now shifts its focus to postseason play, carrying with it the experience gained from a demanding regular season schedule and the momentum of a hard-fought Senior Night performance in front of the home crowd.
