(Creston) Creston closed the game on a 5–0 run to pull away from Atlantic for a 63–58 win in a Hawkeye Ten Conference boys’ basketball matchup in Creston. The Trojans won the first go-round 60-52. Creston returned the favor on their home court on Monday night.
The Panthers held a 14–11 advantage after one quarter, paced by Cael Barton’s seven points — well above his season average of four per game. Barton knocked down a three-pointer, while Nathan Carroll added a triple of his own, just his third made three-pointer of the season. Atlantic stayed within striking distance behind Gavin McLaren, who scored nine of the Trojans’ 11 first-quarter points.
Both teams found an offensive rhythm in the second quarter, with Atlantic edging Creston 19–18 in the frame to trim the Panthers’ lead to 32–30 at halftime. Cael Barton stayed hot for Creston, scoring five points in the quarter. For Atlantic, Shelton Mualia provided a spark off the bench, pulling down several rebounds and contributing five points.
Atlantic battled its way into the lead during the third quarter, fueled by seven points from Gavin McLaren to take a 46–45 advantage.
Creston answered late, breaking a 58–58 tie down the stretch behind Rhett Driskell’s clutch free-throw shooting. Driskell went 5-for-6 from the line in the closing moments to secure the Panthers’ 63–58 victory.
Atlantic head coach Dalton Franken cited foul trouble, Creston’s zone defense, and timely contributions from other Panthers as key factors in the outcome.
Atlantic placed three players in double figures, led by Gavin McLaren’s 20 points. Sawyer Tarrell added 13, Hudson McLaren finished with 11, Benny McLaren scored eight, Shelton Mualia had five, and Gage Gross chipped in one.
Coach Franken praised Gavin McLaren for his effort on both ends of the floor, highlighting his offensive and defensive contributions.
Creston had four players score in double figures, paced by Rhett Driskell’s 16 points. Jaxon Jondle followed with 11, while Cael Barton and CT Stalker each added 10. Tanner Ray scored eight, Nathan Carroll finished with six, and Baret Lane contributed two.
With the win, Creston improves to 2–11 overall and 2–5 in Hawkeye Ten Conference play. Atlantic drops to 4–11 on the season and 2–5 in conference action.
