Las Vegas, NV — In a dramatic 5A Southern Nevada showdown, the Democracy Prep (DPAC) Knights pulled off a nail-biting 46-45 victory over the powerhouse Bishop Gorman Gaels. A game filled with momentum shifts, clutch performances, and last-second heroics kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

The contest began with both offenses looking for an early edge. Knotted at 5-5, each team traded baskets before Bishop Gorman nudged ahead 13-12 by the end of the first quarter. The Gaels fed off the crowd’s energy, but the Knights refused to be intimidated, setting the tone for an intense evening of basketball.

Midway through the second quarter, Bishop Gorman surged ahead behind back-to-back three-pointers from Kenzee Holton, giving the Gaels a six-point cushion. The Gaels entered halftime ahead 33-25, despite DPAC generating open looks but failing to convert.

Bishop Gorman extended its lead in the third with Savannah Searcy’s buzzer-beating shot, spreading the gap to 35-27 heading into the final period.

That’s when Bray’ana Miles ignited DPAC’s comeback. She opened the fourth with an acrobatic layup, cutting the deficit to three. Moments later, Laniah Hicks turned defense into offense, picking off a steal and taking it coast-to-coast to bring DPAC within one. But Bishop Gorman’s Addysen Carr responded, weaving through defenders for a clutch layup to extend Gorman’s lead to 38-35.

With 3:13 left, ZhaNea Burrell delivered a critical and-one bucket off a Miles assist, tying the game at 38-38. Searcy’s offensive rebound and put-back gave the Gaels another lead, but DPAC’s relentless pressure paid off again.

Freshman Ella Smith showed poise beyond her years, sinking two clutch free throws to put the Knights ahead 2, then knocking down two more to put DPAC ahead 46-42 with 23 seconds remaining.

Gorman’s Aaliah Spaight, one of the top-ranked guards in the nation, responded with an and-one layup, converting the free throw to close the gap to 46-45.

With three seconds left, Tierra Bell’s tenacious defense forced a possible game-saving turnover, giving Bishop Gorman one last desperation shot. The Gaels’ final attempt bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded, sealing DPAC’s statement win.

With this thrilling victory, Democracy Prep strengthens its case as a serious contender in the 5A division, proving they can take down Nevada’s best when it matters most.

Standout Performances

• Bray’ana Miles: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists

• Keonni Lewis: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists

• Ella Smith: 4 clutch free throws in the final 30 seconds

View Full Photo Gallery Here: Bishop Gorman vs Democracy Prep Girls – Feburary 6th, 2025 Gallery