The Atlantic Trojans boys basketball team fell to the North Polk Comets in their season opener on Tuesday. It was the first game of the season for both programs and both teams stumbled out of the gate.  Early on, North Polk earned opportunities but couldn’t cash in. However, as the game progressed, the Comets started to connect and took over the game, pulling away in the second quarter. Although the Trojans’ play improved in the second, it would not be enough as they fell by a final score of 50-22.

In the first quarter both teams had to shake off some rust, as there was little offense in the opening four minutes. Despite the lack of scoring, the North Polk defense played tough and made it extremely difficult for Atlantic to find space. Almost everything the Trojans did was contested. Atlantic was only able to manage two field goals in the first half: a basket in the paint from Grant Petty and a late 3-pointer from Hunter Nelson. On the flip side, once the Comets got into a rhythm, baskets started falling. Jayson Slings led the way for North Polk with four first half 3-pointers as the Comets went to the locker room with a 22-6 lead.

Atlantic did improve in the second half. The Trojans were more aggressive and were able to find a little more success in the paint. Reed Flaisek came off the bench and knocked down a pair of field goals while Nelson, Conner Johnson, and Shelton Mualia all chipped in baskets. Grant Petty knocked down the lone 3-pointer of the half. However, The Trojans were not able to slow down the Comets offense. Eli Pedersen led the way in the second half and finished with 15 points tying Sling for the game lead.

Head Coach Dalton Franken liked that his team was more aggressive in the second half and said that some of his team’s errors in the first half could be attributed to the slow start.

However, there were positives to take away from Tuesday’s loss including Atlantic’s bench.

Franken also stated that the result was not for lack of effort.

The Trojans are back in action for their home opener Friday against Glennwood. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.