The Atlantic boys basketball team picked up their first win of the season with a 81-43 victory over the Red Oak Tigers on Monday night at Atlantic High School. Atlantic started a bit slow but improved their ball movement and defense in the second quarter to build a 49-27 lead by halftime.  The Trojans pushed the lead to 35 by the end of the third quarter 69-34.

Austin Alexander had a big night from the outside hitting 7 threes on his way to 27 total points to lead all scorers. Scott Leonard was a big offensive factor as well down low, finishing with 20 points for the game. Chase Mullenix also finished in double figures with 11. The Trojans were finally able to build some shooting confidence and buried 11 threes as a team.

Atlantic installed a full-court press in the second quarter on made baskets and that really rattled the Tigers. The Trojans turned the Tigers over a lot in that quarter, which led to some easy baskets.

Coach Alan Jenkins said the game was more important than the win, it was how the Trojans played that was important and what they did throughout the game to improve themselves.

The Trojans improve to 1-2 and will have a Friday night home game as part of a girl-boy doubleheader with Creston. We’ll have coverage of that doubleheader on KJAN Friday night starting at 5:50pm.