CLASS 3A: Pirates set up title game matchup with rival Bulldogs
Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley don’t need much extra motivation when they play each other.
When the boys basketball rivals meet Saturday, they’ll have more than bragging rights on the line — a spot in the Class 3A state tournament also will be up for grabs.
Junior guards Josh Thompson and Casen Lewis scored 21 and 20 points, respectively, to help the Pirates set up the showdown with a 70-51 rout of Boulder City in a 3A Southern League semifinal Thursday at Desert Oasis.
Virgin Valley (18-6) and Moapa Valley (12-12) will meet in the league tourney title game at 8:20 p.m. Saturday at Desert Oasis.
“It seems like that’s the way it should be,” Moapa Valley coach Dallas Larsen said. “I’d like to ask Desert Oasis’ coaches if they’ve ever filled it as much as this one’s going to be on Saturday. It should be a lot of fun.”
Thompson and Lewis each had five of Moapa Valley’s 11 3-pointers. The duo combined for five 3-pointers in the second quarter, in which the Pirates outscored the Eagles 26-16 to take a 40-24 halftime lead.
“I think this game really motivates us to beat Virgin,” Thompson said. “They’re a good team; hopefully we’ll be able to come out strong.”
Hayden Cooper added 12 points for Moapa Valley, which led by as many as 26 in the third quarter. James Frehner tallied five points and nine rebounds for the Pirates.
Nate Hafen scored 16 points for Boulder City (7-20), which was unable to duplicate last year’s surprise run to the 3A state title.
Preston Swasey supplied 11 points and nine rebounds for the Eagles, who closed the season with eight straight losses.
GIRLS
Boulder City 42, Moapa Valley 39 — At Desert Oasis, Jessi Forrester hit a 3-pointer to break a 35-35 tie midway through the fourth quarter and help the Eagles hold off the Pirates in a 3A Southern League semifinal.
Forrester also sank 2-of-4 free throws and had a key rebound in the final minute for Boulder City (11-9), which will play Virgin Valley (10-14) in the title game Saturday at 6:40 p.m.
“Jessi Forrester gives us so many things,” Eagles coach Brian Lemmel said. “She’s willing to go outside and shoot with confidence; it’s hard to defend her.”
Karlee Koopman had 13 points and 11 rebounds for Boulder City, and Forrester added 11 points for the Eagles.
Shilo Parashonts led Moapa Valley (7-14) with 10 points and eight rebounds.
