The Atlantic Trojans boys basketball team is working to start 2025 on a better note. The Trojans have struggled to start the 2024-25 season, going 1-5 in their opening six games. This includes four conference losses against the top four teams in the Hawkeye Ten. Despite the start of the season not going the way Atlantic wanted, head coach Dalton Franken says his team’s effort has been a bright spot in the early going.

Another bright spot for the Trojans has been the play of Gavin McLaren. The junior currently leads the Trojans in scoring averaging 16.4 points per game and is shooting over 44 percent from the floor.  McLaren also leads the team in rebounding averaging 6.2 per game. Franken knows how important McLaren is and credits a lot to his size and athleticism.

Regardless of the team, there are always pleasant surprises in sports. Whether it be players, a unit, or an aspect of the team game, someone or something almost always exceeds initial expectations. For Franken, several players come to mind including Shelton Mualia, who is back after taking the season off last year.

Defensively Franken has also been impressed with Grant Petty and Hudson McLaren.

The Trojans have been working hard over the break to start 2025 on the right note. However, Franken has emphasized the defense as an area of improvement that can also help other parts of their game.

Atlantic is scheduled to kick off 2025 with back-to-back games at home on Friday and Saturday. Saturday’s contents is a make-up from the postponed Creston game that was originally scheduled for Dec. 13. However, Friday’s contest against Shenandoah has all of Atlantic’s attention.

Friday’s game is scheduled to tipoff at 7:30 pm. Stay tuned to KJAN and KJAN.com for all the latest sports updates.