Pirates roll, headed for showdown

Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley don't need extra motivation when they meet in any sport.

But when the boys basketball rivals play Saturday, the prize is a trip to the Class 3A state tournament, so the added incentive will be there.

Junior guards Josh Thompson and Casen Lewis scored 21 and 20 points to help Moapa Valley set up the showdown with a 70-51 rout of Boulder City in a 3A Southern League semifinal Thursday at Desert Oasis High School.

Virgin Valley (18-6), which had a bye Thursday, and Moapa Valley (12-12) will meet in the league tournament 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.

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 added 11 points and nine rebounds.

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 (7-14) 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 at 6:40 p.m. Saturday.

"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.

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.