The Atlantic Trojans girls basketball team put forth a phenomenal start-to-finish effort on Tuesday night as they defeated the Clarinda Cardinals on the road for their third conference win of the season. Atlantic did just about everything well. They played good defense, limited turnovers, moved the ball extremely well, were able to cash in on their opportunities, and arguably most importantly, kept their foot on the gas for the full 32 minutes. As a result, they controlled the game from start to finish in their 55-44 victory over the Cardinals.

Strong Starts have not been a problem for the Trojans this season and Tuesday was no different. Although the teams traded points for the first 3:30 minutes, a Katrina Williams field goal from the foul line gave Atlantic a lead they would never relinquish. This kickstarted a 10-0 run for Atlantic that saw them take an 11-point lead into the break. Lila Wiederstein and Zoey Kirchhoff led the way for the Trojans, finishing the opening quarter with 6 points.

Throughout much of the game, but especially in the first half, Atlantic moved the ball with both precision and speed. The Trojan’s quick and decisive passes not only around the perimeter but up the court caused fits for Clarinda’s defense. This not only opened up lanes to the basket but also the long ball. Kirchhoff was able to knock down two 3-pointers in the first half which helped her lead the team with 9 points. This, in combination with the Trojans’ stingy defense, ensured Atlantic would lead by 10 or more at the end of every quarter, as they allowed just 14 points in the first two quarters.

Coming out of the half with a 26-14 lead, there was little that changed throughout the rest of the game. The Trojans continued to distribute the basketball at a high level which resulted in balanced scoring. In the third quarter, it was Mackenna Schroeder’s turn. She knocked two 3-pointers, including a thrilling buzzer-beater to end her eight-point quarter. Although turnovers crept their way into Atlantic’s game late in the fourth, it was too late to make a difference. At the final buzzer, three Trojans (Williams, Schroeder, and Payton Harder) finished with eight points, while Kirchhoff and Wiederstein led the way with 13.

It was arguably Atlantic’s most complete effort of the season. Although the Trojans have been no strangers to fast starts,  Tuesday was a complete effort, and head coach Dan Varagason said the victory was a big step in teaching his group how to win ball games.

Ball movement, rebounding, and team contributions were all key and Vargason was proud of the effort his team put forth.

Vargason on Kirchhoff and Wiedersteins performance.

The Atlantic Trojans will be back in action this Friday when they visit Creston. Pregame coverage of the doubleheader on KJAN begins at 5:50 pm.