The Atlantic Trojans girls basketball team outscored Clarinda 16-0 in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 43-24 victory on Tuesday night at Atlantic High School. The Trojans turned up the defensive pressure in the fourth quarter and forced 16 second-half turnovers by the Cardinals.

Clarinda kept the game tight through the first three quarters, doing a nice job of getting the ball in the high paint to break up the Atlantic zone a bit. The Cardinals led 9-7 at the end of the first and were down just 3 at the half and end of the third. The Trojans kicked up the intensity of their press and extended zone to gain the edge down the stretch. Atlantic Head Coach Dan Vargason said they know how important that defensive end is.

The Trojans also knocked down 10 of 15 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Jada Jensen led Atlantic with 13 points and Madison Huddleson finished with 11. Huddleson had all 8 of Atlantic’s points in the third quarter to keep them ahead. Coach Vargason was proud of the adjustments the team made offensively as well.

Atlantic improved to 9-3 on the season and next up will travel to Harlan on Friday. We’ll have coverage on KJAN.

Clarinda was led by 12 points from Jerzee Knight. The Cardinals fall to 3-9.