The Atlantic boys basketball team hopes they can carry some momentum from their state tournament appearance last season into the 2017-18 campaign. The Trojans went 19-6 last season and lost in the first round of the state tournament to Waverly-Shell Rock. Atlantic will have to overcome the loss of an impact player and leader in Garrett Franken, but a strong group of experienced players do return. Austin Alexander, Chase Mullenix, Scott Leonard, Grant Podhajsky, Tyler Moen, and Jaxson Eden are all back and played significant minutes last season. Head Coach Alan Jenkins talked about the experience the team has.

The Trojans allowed an average of 55.8 points per game to opponents last season and Coach Jenkins expects this year’s team to be even better defensively.

Scott Leonard is the top returning scorer after averaging 14.7 points per game last year and Coach Jenkins expects him to have a huge impact down low again this season, and should be one of the premiere big men in the conference and class. Austin Alexander returns at the point after averaging 11.0 points per game last year and leading the team with 100 assists. Austin will be another player the Trojans lean on offensively and Coach Jenkins said he expects him to have a breakout year in that regard. Atlantic will have to replace the 23.8 points per game that Garrett Franken contributed last year. Franken is now a freshman at The University of North Dakota. Coach Jenkins talked about replacing those points as a team.

The Trojans open up the season on Tuesday night at home against the Winterset Huskies. We will have video coverage of that game for you on KJANTV. Tip time is set for 7:30pm at the Atlantic High School.