(Atlantic) In a non-conference boys’ basketball game on Friday night in Atlantic, the Trojans defeated Lenox with a score of 82-46.
Five players from Atlantic scored in double figures, led by freshman Benny McLaren, who contributed 23 points. Gavin McLaren added 17 points, Hunter Nelson scored 14, Kale Jensen chipped in 12, and Shelton Mualia finished with 11 points. Sawyer Tarrell scored 3 points, and James Brauer added 2. (Video Interviews with Mualia and Nelson are posted below this story)
Atlantic Head Coach Dalton Franken commended his team for their performance over the course of four complete quarters.
The Trojans established a 24-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. Although the Tigers narrowed the gap to 27-23 early in the second quarter, the Trojans’ defense intensified, resulting in an impressive 18-2 run that extended their lead to 42-25 at halftime. Continuing their momentum in the second half, Atlantic outscored Lenox 24-3, resulting in a running clock. Benny McLaren led the Trojans with 11 points in the third quarter, while Hunter Nelson added 8 points including two three-pointers, contributing to the team’s total of 26 points in that period.
The running clock sped up the action in the final quarter, with the Trojans scoring 14 points compared to Lenox’s 9 points. Brogan Petersen was the top scorer for Lenox, finishing with 13 points.
Jack Reed scored 9, Dawson Evans added 8, Dayton Tull contributed 5, Laramie Stoaks, Cade Cordell, and Ashton Leonard each scored 2 points.
With this victory, the Trojans improved their record to 6-14 and will finish the regular season with an away game against Denison on Tuesday. Lenox’s record fell to 6-15, and they are set to travel to Audubon for a Class 1A district game on Monday.
Atlantic Head Coach Dalton Franken’s entire post-game interview is posted here.
