(Des Moines, IA) — In a preview of a possible playoff match-up, Atlantic stunned #13 Harlan 63-41 in the regular season finale on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Arena.
Atlantic came out in their zone defense and Harlan immediately found it difficult to go inside. Molly Swenson hit an early three but Zoey Kirchoff answered with one of her own and Katrina Williams found room to operate in the paint and even though she did not make a basketball, Williams was 5-6 from the free throw line in the first quarter and Atlantic had a 12-9 lead.
The second quarter belonged to Kirchoff with 6 points mostly on drives and floaters plus Peyton McLaren — starting for the injured Makenna Schroeder — drained a three and the Trojans built a 30-19 lead going into the break.
Atlantic shot 50 percent from the field in the first half and they continued their torrid shooting — Lila Wiederstein had 6 in the third quarter, Williams hit four straight free throws and McLaren added another three. Atlantic began to pull away from Harlan and led 51-32.
Harlan (17-4) could never recover — Aubrey Schweiso was held to just two baskets in the game and 6 total points. Molly Swenson and Grace Albertsen each led the Cyclones with 11.
Atlantic (16-6) nearly had all five starters in double figures led by Widerstein and Williams with 15 each, Kirchoff had 11 and Peytn Harder added 10 points. McLaren also had 9.
Atlantic will now host Clarinda in the first round of the playoffs while Harlan hosts Red Oak, both games this Saturday. If both teams win, they will face one another in the regional semifinals next Wednesday, February 19.
Phots by Amy Nelson
Post Game Interview with Head Coach Dan Vargason
