Needles Comes Back, Beats Pahrump Valley 77 to 69

Needles erased a 45 to 37 halftime deficit and outscored Pahrump Valley in the second half to earn a 77 to 69 road victory at the Trojans home opener on December 10. Pahrump controlled much of the first half with fast break opportunities and bench production, but Needles' sustained defensive tightening and a late flurry of offensive rebounds decided the game.

Pahrump led 45 to 37 at the break after converting rebounds into transition chances and spreading touches across its rotation. The Trojans bench contributed early with Malachi Holland scoring seven points and Trae Plein adding six, while Pahrump co captain Kier Sheppard finished with 15 points and made all 10 of his free throw attempts. The Trojans managed only 24 points after halftime, the same total they posted in the opening quarter, and their offense cooled as Needles increased pressure.

Needles sophomore scoring was led by junior Lucas Gavenda with 23 points and senior guard Luke Mills who poured in 24 points on 8 of 17 shooting. Senior Milton Denham complemented Mills with 18 points on 7 of 16 shooting. The game swung in the fourth quarter when senior Michael MJ Burns hit a catch and shoot jumper to give Needles its first lead of the period at 57 to 56, a sequence that coincided with Needles gaining the rebounding edge. Needles finished with 41 rebounds to Pahrump's 38 and converted several late boards into second chance points that sealed the outcome.

For the Pahrump community, the loss offers immediate takeaways. The home opener remains a civic event that draws families and supporters and provides modest economic activity for nearby businesses through concessions and evening foot traffic. On the court, the game gave Coach Toby Henry clarity on what is working and where adjustments are needed, especially in sustaining half court offense and defensive rebounding in the second half.

As the season opens, Pahrump will look to convert its early promise into consistency, while Needles builds on a balanced attack and late game toughness that could carry it deep into Class 2A play.