The Atlantic girls basketball team built a big halftime lead and fought off a rally to beat Harlan 53-51 on Tuesday night in Atlantic. With the win the Trojans secured a share of the Hawkeye Ten Conference Title.

Paytn Harter had 12 points and Maddie Richter hit three 3-pointers in the first half to boost the Trojans to a 31-17 lead at the break. Harlan scored 21 points in the third quarter to climb back within five. The Cyclones would ultimately get within two points multiple times in the fourth and had a chance to tie it at the buzzer but came up short on a layup try.

Harter led the Trojans with 15 points on a balanced scoring night for the Trojans. Jada Jensen had 10, Maddie Huddleson and Maddie Richter had 9 each, and Aubrey Guyer chipped in 8 points.

The Trojans finish the regular season at 17-4 overall and 8-2 in Hawkeye Ten play. Four teams finished the conference season with two losses: Atlantic, Harlan, Lewis Central, and Glenwood.

The Trojans will now prep for their Regional Quarterfinal game at home against Clarinda on Saturday. We’ll have that game on KJAN with pregame at 6:45 p.m. and tipoff at 7:00 p.m.

Harlan was led by 25 points from Aubrey Schwieso, who sat part of the game in foul trouble. The Cyclones move to 12-7 overall and 7-2 in the conference. They’ll host Red Oak in the Regional Quarters on Saturday.