The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans’ girls’ basketball team secured a decisive 48-25 win against the Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Falcons on Thursday, December 12. Despite a slow start, the Trojans quickly found their stride and dominated on both ends of the court.
The game opened with the Falcons scoring the first six points, putting the Trojans in an early deficit. Ryleigh Denton got the Trojans on the board with a free throw, followed by Riley Saldana capitalizing on a rebound to make it 6-3. Saldana’s jumper and a backdoor cut from Jules Ondrisko helped the Trojans close the gap. By the end of the first quarter, the Trojans trailed by just one point, 10-9.
The second quarter marked a turning point. Denton nailed a three-pointer from the top of the key to give the Trojans their first lead at 12-10. Saldana continued to shine with her mid-range game, and Nala Dalton added a three-pointer from the left wing. Savannah Thompson’s defensive intensity sparked a fast break, and her layup extended the lead to 19-14. By halftime, the Trojans were firmly in control with a 27-14 advantage.
The Trojans’ depth was a key factor in their success. Head Coach Bob Hopkins praised the contributions of the bench. “Savannah and Nala both came off the bench and played really well for us. That was a big difference,” he said. He also highlighted the team’s defensive adjustments, which effectively neutralized the Falcons’ star player in the second half.
In the third quarter, Denton hit back-to-back three-pointers, including one from the corner that widened the lead to 35-17. Saldana continued her offensive dominance, scoring on a drive from the short corner and adding points from the right block. Thompson’s defensive efforts translated into points, including an assist to Dalton for a basket in the paint. The Trojans outpaced the Falcons on every level, entering the final quarter with a commanding lead.
The game concluded with a balanced effort from the Trojans. Denton, Saldana, Thompson, Dalton, and Angela Allen all contributed to maintaining the lead, while Ella Odegard provided solid minutes off the bench. The final score of 48-25 reflected the Trojans’ growth and resilience after a tough start.
Hopkins noted the team’s focus on improving patience and execution. “We’ve just got to learn to have a little more patience,” he said. “But everyone contributed tonight, and that made the difference.”
Key players included Ryleigh Denton, whose sharpshooting was a game-changer, Riley Saldana, who led the team in scoring and rebounding, and Savannah Thompson, who played a pivotal role defensively and offensively.
The Trojans now turn their attention to their next game against Moapa Valley, where they hope to build on this impressive victory.
