(Harlan) Harlan’s Dallas McDowell scored 26 points and Kobe Klaasen added 21, leading Harlan to a 71-52 victory over Atlantic in a Hawkeye Ten Conference boys’ basketball game on Friday night.
The Trojans managed to keep the game close in the first half thanks to Kinnick Juhl, who made four three-point shots, including a half-court buzzer-beater. Harlan finished the first quarter with a 20-16 lead. Atlantic cut the lead to 20-18 early in the second period, but that was as close as they would get. The Cyclones responded with a 6-0 run and outscored the Trojans 10-4 down the stretch, resulting in a 36-24 halftime advantage for Harlan.
In the second half, Harlan steadily pulled away, fueled by 15 points from McDowell and 10 from Klaasen. The Cyclones led 60-38 at the end of the third quarter and finished the game with a final score of 71-52.
Atlantic Head Coach Dalton Franken noted the team’s improvement in shooting but expressed disappointment with their defensive performance.
In addition to McDowell and Klaasen’s strong offensive contributions, Jozef Reisz scored nine points, while Gabe Arkfeld and Cotton Schneider each added five points. Weston Reisz and Kreed Boggess scored two points each, and Bryce Van Baale contributed one point. Kinnick Juhl led Atlantic with 14 points, while Gavin McLaren added 13 points. Hudson McLaren and Hunter Nelson each scored seven points, Gage Gross contributed five, and Connor Johnson and Shelton Mualia each had two points. With this victory, Harlan evened their record at 4-4, while Atlantic fell to 2-10. Atlantic will host Red Oak on Tuesday, and Harlan will face Kuemper on Monday night.
Atlantic Head Basketball Coach Dalton Franken had this to say following the game.
