BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. -- The Pahrump Valley High School Lady Trojans began the 2007-08 basketball campaign in convincing fashion last weekend, winning the Pepsi Shootout at River Valley High School here.

Coach Bob Hopkins' team won the championship game against Needles, Calif., 42-23 in a rematch with the Lady 'Stangs.

Hoping to avoid the sluggish start experienced in a 45-44 first-round win against Needles, the Trojans set the tone for the championship game with their defensive play.

The Lady 'Stangs were held in check throughout as the Trojans took 38-18 lead into the final period.

Megan Meads paced Pahrump Valley with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Ashley Humbert added seven points, followed by Kristi Daffer and Brittany Orr with six each. Daffer also contributed six rebounds, followed by Christine Gamble with five.

Pahrump Valley played two games Thursday, with bracket rounds starting Friday. Needles opened a 25-15 halftime lead against Pahrump Valley, which had fallen behind by as many as 12 (19-7).

Pahrump Valley outscored the 'Stangs 19-7 in the third quarter to take a 34-32 lead into the fourth quarter.

The score was locked at 40-40 with 1:48 remaining. A three-point play resulted from senior guard Orr's fifth foul.

An intentional foul was called on freshman guard Alyson Kunzi, giving Needles two free throws plus possession of the ball. One free throw was made to push the score to 44-40.

The Trojans clawed back to 44-43, after a three-point play by Meads. A missed free throw by Needles gave the ball back to the Trojans with 19.6 seconds remaining.

After some frantic moments, Brittney Lindgren hit a shot from just outside the elbow with .5 seconds remaining for a 45-44 victory.

Daffer lead the Trojans with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Meads finished with nine points and seven rebounds.

The Trojans won 48-26 against Chino Valley, Ariz., in their second prelim. Daffer lead all scorers with 10 points, while Meads was top rebounder with seven.

The first game of the bracket found the Lady Trojans running away from Blythe, Calif., Palo Verde 70-27. The Trojans dispatched River Valley's Dust Devils 48-8 in the semifinals.

Meads finished the tournament with 50 points and 34 rebounds. Daffer also had a strong showing with 46 points and 35 rebounds. Orr finished with 36 points followed by Humbert with 25 points.