Pershing County’s Kyra Cerini visualizes her shot.
This year, The Pershing County High School girls basketball team has won or lost eight of its regular season games by five points or less.
Last week was no exception for the cardiac kids from Lovelock.
The Mustangs suffered a heartbreaking 39-37 overtime loss to Yerington and beat Wells 33-28 and North Tahoe 32-29.
It was the first league loss for the Lakers, who also lost to Yerington last week.
Pershing County’s basketball week started at home against Yerington on Jan. 28, and it was the second loss of the season to the top-ranked team (14-1) in the Northern 2A.
Both towns showed up for their teams.
Pershing County senior Aaliyah Allen prepares to score against Yerington.
"Once again, our game against Yerington came down to the wire, this time in overtime. We were right there even though we shot a low percentage from the free-throw line," coach Lee Houston said.
Yerington sophomore Laney Triplett scored 19 points against Lovelock. Aaliyah Allen led Pershing's scoring with 13 points. Kyra Cerini and Riley Harvey each scored eight points. Kenya Vaughan scored six points.
The foes are likely to meet again in the playoffs and the Mustangs are determined to be ready for them.
Next, Pershing County hosted Wells on Jan. 29, and came out ahead by five points.
"Wells is a good, well-coached team. They were a tough match-up for us that helped us prepare for North Tahoe," Houston said.
Riley Harvey led PCHS offense with 12 points. Allen netted eleven.
Six varsity girls made the trip to North Tahoe on Friday night instead of the usual eight. Pershing County juniors Kenya Vaughan and Mia Canchola sat this one out.
Vaughan was battling illness and Canchola had a prior commitment with Great Basin College.
The coaches pulled three players from JV to add depth to the shorthanded varsity team - Hayley Montes, Millie Canchola and Desaray Vidrio.
Together, the Mustangs pulled off the first win against North Tahoe in three years.
"This was one of our biggest wins in recent history. The girls really wanted this one. It was a great team win and exciting to be a part of," Houston said.
Khloe Montes made a clutch layup late in the game to take the lead. Kyra Cerini hit two big 3s.
Riley Harvey played with her trademark high energy including a fourth-quarter spark late in the game to secure the win. She also had 10 steals.
"Arya (Garland) did a wonderful job handling the ball for us with confidence. Aaliyah (Allen) displayed her leadership all game. She kept feeding her team confidence while playing great defense and rebounding the ball," Houston said.
Garland had three assists. Allen contributed 12 rebounds and two blocks.
Meanwhile, the Mustangs held the Lakers scoreless for the last five minutes of the game. Montes slowed down their All-State guard while Cerini helped defend against their talented post.
Pershing County played Oasis Academy on Feb. 4, and results were not available at press time.
This Friday, the girls play their last game of the regular season against Sierra Lutheran at 6 p.m.
It will also be a senior night sendoff for the Mustang's one and only senior — Aaliyah Allen.