(Atlantic) Atlantic edged Denison-Schleswig 64–62 in a nail-biter at Atlantic on Friday night.
The Trojans took a slim 15–12 lead after the first quarter and stretched the advantage to 33–23 by halftime, powered by Kale Jensen’s six points in the opening frame. Corbin Ritter gave Atlantic a boost off the bench, knocking down a three-pointer and contributing five first-quarter points. Jensen continued to fuel the offense in the second quarter, drilling two three-pointers and scoring 12 points to help push the lead to 33-23 at the break.
The Monarchs surged back in the third quarter with a 17–6 run to grab a 40–39 lead late in the period. Camden Nemitz, Blaine Grady, and Wilson Riphin all knocked down three-pointers, with Riphin accounting for nine of the 17 points. Atlantic answered with a 6–0 spurt to close the quarter and regain a 45–40 advantage.
Denison-Schleswig point guard Owen Galvin ignited the fourth quarter by draining three shots from beyond the arc, while Santi Lopez and Camden Nemitz also connected from deep to tie the game at 57–57 at the end of regulation.
In overtime, the Monarchs briefly pulled ahead 62–61, but the Trojans answered in the final moments. With eight seconds remaining, Kale Jensen scored from close range and drew a foul, then calmly converted the free throw to put Atlantic up 64–62. Denison-Schleswig raced the length of the floor for a last look, but the final shot missed as time expired, sealing the Trojans’ thrilling win.
Atlantic Head Coach Dalton Franken is proud of the way his team hung in at the end to secure the win in overtime.
Kale Jensen paced the Trojans with 28 points, knocking down two three-pointers and going 6-of-8 from the free-throw line.
Others contributing on the offensive end for Atlantic were Gavin McLaren with 12 points, Hudson McLaren with 8, Corbin Ritter with 5, Benton McLaren with 4, Hunter Nelson with 3, and Shelton Mualia chipped in 2.
Camdyn Nemitz led the Monarchs with 17 points, Wilson Riphin, 16, Blaine Grady, 11, Owen Galvin, 10, Santi Lopez, 5, and Roman Byness, 2.
The Trojans improve their record to 5-13 and travel to Harlan on Tuesday. Denison-Schleswig falls to 3-16 and matches up against Carroll at 5:30 p.m. today.
Others contributing on the offensive end for Atlantic were Gavin McLaren with 12 points, Hudson McLaren with 8, Corbin Ritter with 5, Benton McLaren with 4, Hunter Nelson with 3, and Shelton Mualia chipped in 2.
Camdyn Nemitz led the Monarchs with 17 points, Wilson Riphin, 16, Blaine Grady, 11, Owen Galvin, 10, Santi Lopez, 5, and Roman Byness, 2.
The Trojans improve their record to 5-13 and travel to Harlan on Tuesday. Denison-Schleswig falls to 3-16 and matches up against Carroll at 5:30 p.m. today.
Atlantic Head Coach Dalton Franken’s entire interview is posted below.
