(Shenandoah) Shenandoah shook off an early 11-point hole and used a strong second quarter to pull away from Atlantic in a fast-paced, hard-fought showdown Friday night at Shenandoah.
Atlantic set the tone early, knocking down key perimeter shots to jump out to a 13–2 lead in the opening quarter. Grant Petty drained two three-pointers, while Kale Jensen and Gavin McLaren each added one. Shenandoah responded before the end of the period, outscoring the Trojans 13–5 over the final stretch to trim the deficit to 18–15 at the close of the first quarter.
The Mustangs opened the second quarter on a 15–2 run and carried that momentum into halftime with a 34–27 advantage. Joe O’Rourke paced the surge with seven points in the period, while Ryker Wolf knocked down a timely basket that helped ignite the scoring run.
Shenandoah maintained its lead through the third quarter, holding a 48–41 edge heading into the final frame. Atlantic made a push in the fourth, cutting the margin to 50–48 midway through the quarter. Kale Jensen scored 13 second-half points, including nine points in the third quarter, to give the Trojans a chance. Hudson McLaren added to the cause in the second, going seven for eight at the free throw line, and along with two field goals in the final frame.
Carter Sells, Shenandoah’s leading scorer entering the game, helped keep the Trojans at bay down the stretch by pouring in nine fourth-quarter points, including a pair of three-pointers. Gabe Buttry consistently attacked the basket and played a key role in the win, scoring 12 of his points in the second half. The Mustangs pushed their lead to 64–53 before sealing the 69–60 victory.
Atlantic Head Coach Dalton Franken had this to say afterward.
Kale Jensen led the Trojans with 18, Hudson McLaren 11, and Grant Petty finished in double-figures with 10. Gavin McLaren added nine, Hunter Nelson six, Sawyer Tarrell four, and Gage Gross chipped in two points.
Three players scored in double figures for Shenandoah. Carter Sells finished with 20, Gabe Buttry 17, and Joe O’Rourke finished the night with 15.
Atlantic (2-6) hosts Glenwood on Tuesday, and travels to Kuemper on Friday, January 9. Shenandoah (5-3) plays Fremont-Mills in a non-conference game on January 8 and travels to Glenwood on January 9.
