Virgin Valley settles for unsightly ‘W’ in 3A win over Moapa Valley

Winning ugly is something any basketball coach will take.

Doing so in a postseason game against a rival is enough to make it memorable.

Junior post Tyson Teerlink compiled nine points, nine rebounds and three steals to lead Virgin Valley's boys to a 29-22 victory over nemesis Moapa Valley in a Class 3A Southern League semifinal Thursday at Durango High.

"We've got to be happy that we got a win. That may be the ugliest game I've ever been involved in," Bulldogs coach Rich Bohne said. "Both teams couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, both teams missing good looks. Obviously there were some nerves that came into play. It's always fun to beat Moapa, but Boulder's not going to let us play like that again."

Virgin Valley (12-14) advanced to meet Boulder City (18-9) in the league title game at 8:20 p.m. Saturday at Durango, with the winner clinching the lone bid to next week's 3A state tournament.

Moapa Valley (3-21) stole momentum when Shane Terril made a running 3-pointer from halfcourt at the halftime buzzer to take a 14-12 lead.

But the Bulldogs held the Pirates scoreless in the third quarter until a transition layup by Ben Stanly in the final minute of the period.

A steal and layup by Terril pulled Moapa Valley to within 25-22 with about three minutes left. But Virgin Valley's Dee Bowler and Nolan Tanner combined to shoot 4-for-6 at the free-throw line in the final 47 seconds to help the Bulldogs pull away.

Bowler had six points and five rebounds for the Bulldogs, and Dillon Graves added six points. Tanner supplied three points and nine rebounds.

Terril scored seven points and Stanly had four points and five rebounds for Moapa Valley, which attempted only three free throws to Virgin Valley's 18.

GIRLS

■ Boulder City 58, Moapa Valley 30 -- Katlyn Daly scored 12 points as the Eagles (22-5) cruised past the Pirates (5-21) in a semifinal.

Boulder City's Jana Williams had 11 points and six rebounds, and Karlee Koopman supplied 10 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

The Eagles advanced to face Virgin Valley (15-9) in the league final at 6:40 p.m. Saturday at Durango, with the winner going to the state tournament.

Moapa Valley missed its first 10 shots as Boulder City built a 10-0 lead. The Eagles led 33-5 at halftime.

"The girls were just really pumped from the get-go," Boulder City coach Kate Elles said. "They did a really nice job on the fast break, and they were playing lock-down defense."

Breanna Harding keyed the Pirates with nine points and three steals.

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow him on Twitter: @tristanaird.