In a battle that came down to the final minute, the Atlantic Trojans girls basketball team defeated the Exira-EHK Spartans 56-48. Both teams had tremendous efforts up and down the court in what was a fast-moving quick-paced game. However, it was the depth scoring and ability to get to the free-throw line that ultimately made the difference for Atlantic.

The opening minutes of the game belonged to the Spartans. Taryn Petersen hit two three-pointers in the first quarter as Exira-EHK raced out to a 10-2 lead. However, the Trojans soon found their footing. Thanks to four points from Zoey Kirchhoff and Katrina Williams Atlantic scored 13 of the next 15 points to take a 3-point lead. Overall, the Trojans played better in the second quarter. Paytn Hartr started to hit her stride knocking down a pair of field goals and three free throws. Although Katrina Williams collected 12 points throughout the night, her and the Trojans were solid defensively. The only points Atlantic allowed in the second quarter were a Taryn Petersen field goal and three-pointer as the Trojans took a 29-17 lead to the half.

Much like the start of the game, the Spartans came out in the second half ready to go. Despite the start from Exira-EHK, early on it seemed like Atlantic had an answer for everything the Spartans threw at them. However, Exira-EHK continued to chip away. Petersen was fantastic for the Spartans. Leading the game with 34-points, she hit four threes as a part of her 14 points in the third quarter. This helped bring the Exira-EHK deficit to just two at the end of the third. However, this would be as close as the Spartans would get. Despite bringing the deficit back to two late in the game, they could not get over the hump. This was in large part due to the Trojans’ ability to not only get to the foul line but also convert. Throughout the course of the game Atlantic went 18-20 at the charity stripe. Eight of Kirchhoff’s fourteen points came off of free-throws. Depth scoring was also a factor. In addition to Kirchhoff and Williams, Hartr was the third Trojan to tally double digits points leading the team with 21. It was a well fought game, that Atlantic was able to pull away at the end. Head coach Dan Vargason was proud of his team’s ability to battle adversity.

In addition to their scoring, Vargason was also impressed with other attributes that Williams and Kirchhoff brought to the effort.

With just over a week left in the regular season, Vargason hopes his team continues to grow.

The win moves Atlantic to 13-6 while the Spartans fall to 14-4. Atlantic is back in action tomorrow when they face Red Oak while Exira-EHK remains at home against Paton-Churdan.