(Clarinda) Atlantic’s fast start propelled them to a 55-44 victory over Clarinda on Tuesday night. The Trojans sparked a 10-0 run midway through the first quarter, taking a commanding 16-5 lead by the end of the period. Atlantic Head Coach Dan Vargason highlighted several key factors that contributed to the team’s strong early performance, which helped them establish a comfortable advantage early in the game.
The Trojans aggressively attacked the rim, resulting in numerous trips to the free-throw line, where they converted 16 of 28 attempts. Coach Vargason noted that this trend has been consistent throughout the first five games of the season. What impressed him most, however, was the team’s strong rebounding performance, which played a pivotal role in their victory. Paytn Harter snagged 15 rebounds to lead the team.
Lila Wiederstein led the Trojans with 13 points, Zoey Kirchhoff 12, Makenna Schroeder, 9, Katrina Williams, and Paytn Harter 8, and Peyton McLaren, 5.
The Trojans knocked down four three point baskets. Schroeder splashed down two, and Kirchhoff fired two more in the ocean.
Kirchhoff’s two three-pointers sparked a 13-1 run for the Trojans, giving them a commanding 16-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. Atlantic kept the pressure on in the second quarter, pushing their advantage to 26-14 by halftime. The Trojans continued to roll in the third, building their largest lead of the game at 40-24, with Schroeder contributing two key three-pointers.
Clarinda made a push in the final quarter, cutting the lead to nine at one point. However, Atlantic sealed the win with clutch free throws down the stretch.
The Cardinals made four three-pointers, three of which came in the second half. Maddie Cole led Clarinda with 14 points, while Jerzee Knight and Addison Wagoner each scored 8. Kylie Meier and Carson Wellhausen added 5 apiece, and Miley Wagoner chipped in with 2.
With the victory, the Trojans improve to 3-2 on the season and will travel to Creston on Friday. Clarinda also falls to 3-2 and heads to Glenwood on Friday.
