The Atlantic Trojans boys basketball team saw their season come to a close on Tuesday in the Class 3A Quarterfinals against Waverly-Shell Rock 58-45.

A strong first quarter and good shooting for the Go-Hawks propelled them to the victory. Waverly-Shell Rock shot 54% for the game and were hot out of the gates in building a 21-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Trojans would outplay the Go-Hawks in the second and third quarters but could never get the run together they needed to take a lead. Atlantic Head Coach Alan Jenkins said he thought his team played well once they settled into the game.

Atlantic was led by Garrett Franken with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals as his Trojan career comes to an end.  Franken was asked about the resiliency of the team throughout the season as they battled back again after a slow start Tuesday.

The Trojans would cut the lead down to six multiple times in the fourth quarter and at one point had possession as well before a scuffle along the sideline was called a turnover on Atlantic. Immediately following that turnover the Go-Hawks second leading scorer on the year Jon Stenslund hit his first shot of the game on a huge three. Coach Jenkins talked about that turning point.

It’s always tough to have a season come to an end and Franken talked about the pride he had in his team and what they accomplished.

Coach Jenkins also reflected on the Trojans great season.

Waverly-Shell Rock was led by UNI commit Austin Phyfe with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals.  The Go-Hawks improved to 23-1 and will face Cedar Rapids Xavier in the semifinals on Thursday.

Atlantic ends their season at 19-6.