(Atlantic) Atlantic’s quick start led to a 54-24 win over Clarinda in a Class 3A Regional Quarterfinal girls’ basketball game at Atlantic on Saturday.
“Tonight, we came out with a lot of energy,” said Atlantic Head Coach Dan Vargason. “The first time we played Clarinda, we got out defensively, and the second time we didn’t move as well and led 27-24 in the second half before pulling away in the fourth quarter. We knew we had to come out and respect this Clarinda team tonight.”
The Trojans’ defense led to nineteen first-quarter points while holding the Cardinals to three. Keira Olson scored a quick five points, Paytn Harter hit 4-of-6 free throws, Jada Jensen threw in four points, and Aubrey Guyer and Maddie Huddleson each scored two to account for the Trojans 19–first-quarter points.
Huddleson and Maddie Richter knocked down three-point shots, and Harter scored seven more in the second frame to give the home team a 32-4 lead at the break.
In the third quarter, the Trojans outscored the Cardinals 17-9. Huddleson led the charge with two more three-point shots. The Cardinals picked up the pace and scored 11 points in the third quarter, with Addison Wagoner, Carsen Wellhausen, and Taylor Cole contributing, along with Jerzee Knight’s two free throws.
The 35-point rule went into effect in the final quarter, and the Trojans sealed the win, 54-24.
Paytn Harter led Atlantic with 13 points, Maddie Huddleson, 11, Jada Jensen, 8, Aubrey Guyer, Keira Olson, and Maddie Richter each scored five points. Zoey Kirchhoff, 3, Claire Pellett, and Abbie Richter, two points each.
Sage Howard led Clarinda with 7, Taylor Cole with 6, Carsen Wellhausen with 5, Maddie Cole with 3, Jerzee Knight with 2, and Kelby Gray added one point.
Atlantic hosts Harlan on Wednesday night in a Regional Semi-final.
“It is going be loud and energetic,” said Coach Vargason. “Our fans need to show up at this game. This can’t be a Harlan home game. This needs to be an Atlantic home game. It is going to be intense, just like the last regular season game on Tuesday,” said Vargason. “The game is still fresh in both teams’ minds, and a lot is on the line.”
Atlantic and Harlan split during the regular season. Harlan won the first game at home, and the Trojans returned the favor last Tuesday to secure a share of the Hawkeye Ten Conference title. The tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.
