The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ basketball team delivered an impressive performance Tuesday night, January 20, using balance, ball movement, and sustained pressure to pull away from the Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Falcons for a 66–50 home victory in Pahrump.
The opening quarter set the tone for a competitive night. Coral struck first with a three-pointer, but Pahrump Valley answered quickly. Caden Briscoe scored inside, Lucas Gavenda followed with a strong layup, and the Trojans briefly took the lead. Coral responded with another three and an interior finish to regain momentum, but Pahrump Valley stayed aggressive in transition. Trae Plein pushed the pace with a long outlet to Gavenda for a layup, and moments later Gavenda returned the favor, finding Keir Sheppard streaking ahead to trim the deficit.
Aydon Veloz delivered one of the quarter’s biggest momentum plays, battling for a rebound, going back up through contact, and converting an and-one. In the final seconds, Sheppard fired an outlet to Plein underneath, where Plein was fouled and calmly knocked down both free throws. Coral answered with a buzzer-beating three, leaving the game tied 13–13 after one.
The second quarter featured some of Pahrump Valley’s best offensive rhythm. Sheppard opened the scoring with two free throws, and Plein added a tough finish inside. Gavenda controlled the glass and converted multiple finishes in the paint, including a strong putback and a clean look inside off a pass from Sheppard. Briscoe also contributed on the boards, rebounding a miss and scoring to keep the Trojans ahead.
Despite Coral staying within striking distance with perimeter shooting, Pahrump Valley repeatedly answered. Sheppard scored inside late in the half, helping the Trojans carry a 29–26 lead into the break.
Out of halftime, the Trojans continued to execute. Josh Slusher opened the third quarter with a basket, and Gavenda followed with another strong finish inside. After Coral knocked down a three, Pahrump Valley responded with one of the game’s key sequences: Slusher found Gavenda for a three-pointer, stretching the lead and energizing the home crowd. Gavenda stayed hot, scoring again in the paint, while Sheppard added two more free throws.
Caden Briscoe again pushed the ball up the floor late in the quarter, finding Gavenda for another layup. Coral closed the gap slightly with a late basket, but Pahrump Valley still held a slim 42–40 advantage heading into the fourth.
The final quarter belonged to the Trojans.
Slusher opened the frame with a basket inside, then sparked a decisive run by pushing the ball in transition and finding Sheppard and Briscoe for easy scores. Slusher followed with a drive to the rim for a three-point play, then assisted on an inbound finish to Gavenda as the Trojans began to pull away.
Gavenda continued to dominate, scoring repeatedly on cuts, rebounds, and a timely three-pointer that extended the lead to 62–45. TC Hone added a bucket late, and Pahrump Valley’s depth came into play as the Trojans maintained control through the final minutes, closing out the 66–50 win.
After the game, Head Coach Toby Henry reflected on the team’s growth throughout the season.
“It was a great game. That was the first game we were able to see how much better we have gotten throughout the year. It’s the second time we have played them. The first game we won by 9 points and was a better game. This time we played them, we had a 20 point lead and then we got to play everyone. So, it shows our team has gotten a lot better throughout the year. I’m very proud of the boys and how hard they have worked.”
The victory showcased Pahrump Valley’s improved chemistry, depth, and ability to turn close games into convincing finishes as the Trojans continue to build momentum heading deeper into the season.
