Wells Combined School

Elko Daily Free Press
Lady Leopards sweep Jackpot with running-clock victory
Anthony Mori Feb 13, 2026
ELKO — The third meeting between the Wells and Jackpot girls basketball teams provided the same result.

After sweeping the Lady Jaguars in the regular season — winning 46-12 on Jan. 13, in Jackpot, and 50-15 on Feb. 3, in Wells — the Lady Leopards rolled to a running-clock victory in the playoffs.
On Tuesday, No. 3 Wells (8-4 in league) led 17-0 after the first quarter against No. 6 Jackpot (1-11 in league) — which played its way into the postseason with a 35-34 victory over Carlin, on Tuesday, in Wells — and enforced the running clock with the margin at 44-8 after the third quarter en route to a 55-16 victory over the Lady Jags in the 1A East quarterfinal round.
Wells jumped from the gates quickly with four points in a row by sophomore Alivia Smith — who scored on an offensive rebound and drained two free throws — and then took a 6-0 lead with a steal and a race down the left side of the floor by junior Aryanna Rodriguez.
Junior Khloe DelRio began her onslaught with eight-consecutive points; six coming on three steals and two from a strong drive.
The Lady Leopards built a 17-0 advantage by the end of the first with a three by senior Andreina Mercado on an assist from freshman Josie Brodsho.
Jackpot got on the board with a shot from the left block by Jisel Arias, but the score was answered with a deuce on the left side by Wells sophomore Gabby Garcia on a feed from Rodriguez.
The Lady Leopards went up 21-2 with a steal and a layup by sophomore Jess Wright, Smith finished on a dish from sophomore Stacia Hansen and the lead extended to 23 points on a baseline runner by DelRio.
The Lady Jaguars closed the half on a 6-0 run with a free throw and a three by Eunice Dominguez and a deuce for Rosie Estrada on an assist from Samantha Cervantes.
At the break, Wells led by 17 with the score at 25-8.

Opening the third, DelRio cashed a three from the left wing.

Smith dropped consecutive buckets on a dish from Rodriguez and an offensive rebound, Hansen went 1-of-2 at the line and junior Marli Dahl cleaned up the offensive glass for a putback.

With the score at 35-8, DelRio closed the frame on a 9-0 personal streak with a three on an assist from sophomore Maite Casas, a baseline floater, a steal and a layup and a take to the tin around a curl at the elbow — enforcing the running clock.

For the second time, Jackpot was shut out in the frame.
Going to the fourth, the Lady Leopards led by 36 with the score at 44-8.

The Lady Jags opened the final period on a 6-0 run with a pair of free throws by Jocelyn Cervantes, a floater by Dominguez and Jocelyn Cervantes finished a sweet reverse along the baseline with some English on the ball.

Wright scored for Wells, Mercado canned her second three of the game and Smith continued her solid work in the paint with another offensive putback.

Jocelyn Cervantes dropped a midrange jumper, but Smith scored in transition after a steal and an outlet pass from Brodsho — who then set up freshman Reese Livingstone with a post-entry pass on the right block.

Wells advanced to the 1A East semifinal round with a 55-16 victory over Jackpot in the quarterfinal.

DelRio led all scorers with 22 points and knocked down two 3s, and she was joined in double digits with 14 points from Smith.

Mercado scored six points on two 3s.

Jackpot was paced with six points apiece from Jocelyn Cervantes and Dominguez, and the Lady Jags’ offense was rounded out with two points apiece for Samantha Cervantea and Arias.

The Lady Leopards’ scoring was capped with two points apiece by Wright, Garcia, Livingstone, Dahl and a free throw by Hansen.

Division 1A East Semifinal
The No. 3 Lady Leopards (7-7 in league) were slated to take on No. 2 Eureka (10-2 in league) at 3 p.m. Friday, at Centennial Gymnasium.The teams split the season series, as the Lady Leopards narrowly edged the Lady Vandals 23-21 on Jan. 2, in Wells, but lost the second meeting 37-28 on Jan. 30, in Eureka.

Success is Cooking in the PAES Lab!
From Mrs. Shamblin
Our PAES Lab "employees" recently took their skills to the next level by launching a full-scale Concessions Business. This project moved beyond the classroom to teach our students the reality of working with the public, managing finances, and professional communication.
Our team prepared a delicious menu entirely from scratch, including freshly rolled breakfast burritos, baked goods, and a special Valentine’s Day Chex Mix. The work started long before the food was served; our students practiced professional outreach, making phone calls and meeting with managers to coordinate logistics. Every student participated, proving that teamwork is the secret ingredient to a successful business!
Innovation & Growth
The momentum hasn’t stopped there. Thanks to a recent grant, we’ve expanded into specialized trade skills with new leather tooling supplies. We are especially proud of student Olen M., who is showing incredible initiative. Olen already operates a business cleaning skulls, and he is now learning to integrate intricate leather tooling into his craft. Watching these students grow into successful, respectful, and skilled employees is truly the most satisfying part of the PAES Lab.
*A Heartfelt Thank You
This success was made possible by the incredible generosity of our community. We want to extend a huge Thank You to all the local businesses and individuals who donated to our program. Your contributions directly impact our students' ability to learn, create, and succeed.
*Support the Lab: If you would like to support our mission and donate to the PAES Lab, donations can be dropped off at Wells High School. Everything—from supplies to support—is greatly appreciated and helps us keep our "employees" working toward a bright future!

"A job is more than a paycheck; it’s the pride of creating something from scratch and the power of working as a team. You aren't just students—you are the professionals of tomorrow."

Junior High Girls Travel Basketball photos