The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ varsity basketball team hosted the Green Valley Christian Guardians at home on Wednesday, Dec. 10, in a game that provided valuable experience as the Trojans continue to grow through the early portion of the season.
Pahrump Valley opened the night with Trae Plein, Caden Briscoe, Keir Sheppard, Josh Slusher, and Lucas Gavenda in the starting lineup. Green Valley Christian won the opening tip and jumped out to an early lead with a pair of three-pointers and a fast-break layup, going ahead 8–0. Briscoe put the Trojans on the board with a three-pointer to make it 8–3, and Gavenda followed with a basket inside before later knocking down a three of his own, cutting the deficit to 16–8. The Guardians answered with another late three, and Green Valley closed the first quarter leading 22–8.
The Trojans opened the second quarter with Gavenda scoring inside to make it 22–10, and Sam Mendoza added a three-pointer to bring the score to 24–13. Green Valley continued to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, extending the lead to 31–13, but Briscoe answered with a basket in traffic to make it 31–15. Gavenda drew a foul in the bonus and added a free throw, and after Pahrump Valley forced a shot-clock violation, the Trojans continued to pressure defensively. The Guardians closed the half at the free-throw line, and Green Valley took a 39–17 lead into halftime.
Pahrump Valley came out strong in the third quarter, with Josh Slusher opening the scoring to make it 39–19. Keir Sheppard sparked the Trojans with a steal and layup, and Gavenda added a layup of his own as Pahrump Valley trimmed the deficit to 44–25. Trae Plein followed with an inside basket, and Sheppard converted two free throws after drawing a foul, bringing the score to 44–29. Despite the push, Green Valley responded with a series of baskets late in the quarter to regain momentum and extend the lead to 52–31 at the end of the third.
In the fourth quarter, Green Valley continued to score early to make it 54–31, but Gavenda answered underneath to cut it to 54–33. He added another basket shortly after, and Kamden Moore contributed late with a basket and a free throw as the Trojans continued to compete. TC Hone also made an impact by drawing a charge and later earning a trip to the line. The Guardians closed out the game from the floor and at the free-throw line, securing a 65–40 final.
Head Coach Toby Henry emphasized the importance of learning from the matchup following the game.
“Last night was a game we have to learn from. We have to learn how to overcome adversity,” Henry said. “We cannot get too high or too low, when things are good or bad in a game. It is better for us to learn this now, so we can be where we want to be in Feb. Our boys need to have more fun out here also; they are putting too much pressure on themselves.”
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the result the Trojans were hoping for, the game provided meaningful minutes and valuable lessons. With continued focus and growth, Pahrump Valley will look to build consistency as the season progresses and February goals remain in sight.
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