The Harlan Cyclones built an early lead and never let go in a 66-54 win over the Atlantic Trojans on Saturday night in boys hoops. The Cyclones worked to a 7 point lead by the end of the first quarter and stretched the advantage to 15 by halftime. The Trojans increased the defensive pressure in the final period and held the Cyclones scoreless for over 4 minutes. During that stretch Skyler Handlos hit back to back threes to make it a 49-42 game but Atlantic wouldn’t get any closer.

Harlan got a big night from Brett Sears who ripped off 14 first half points and sealed the game at the free throw line with 11 points from the stripe in the fourth quarter. He would finish with 31 points to lead all scorers.

After the game Atlantic Head Coach Jeff Ebling said the Trojans didn’t do enough to get the offense working against the press.

Coach Ebling said he challenged the team to increase the defensive pressure in the second half and he liked their effort to try to fight back in.

Harlan improved to 5-4 with the win and will next travel to Kuemper Catholic on Tuesday.

Atlantic was led by 19 points from Tyler Moen who had a nice game slashing to open spaces in the zone and hitting some tough jump shots. The Trojans fall to 4-6 on the season and will travel to Glenwood for a girl/boy doubleheader on Tuesday night that we’ll have on KJAN.