The Atlantic Trojans boys’ basketball season came to an end in Huxley Monday night. The Trojans dropped their postseason opener 71-27 to the Ballard Bombers in the first round of the Class 3A-District 8 postseason tournament. Despite the hard fought effort it was not enough to keep the Bombers at bay.

Ballard wasted no time putting getting on the scoreboard as they fed off of a few defensive turnovers which quickly turned into points. The Bombers went up 5-0 in the first few minutes, but the aggression of Junior Forward Gavin McLaren earned him trips to the free throw line all night long, as he knocked down his first two if the night to put Atlantic on the board.

Ballard consistently had the ability to attack the rim but also shoot well from outside the perimeter, including two first quarter three pointers to give the Bombers a 20-4 lead after the first quarter.

The Bombers didn’t shy away from the outside shooting in the second quarter. Ballard connected from three in the second frame four times including twice from Senior Guard Miles Mudd. The Trojans kept pushing towards the rim as the second quarter came to a close enhancing the foul troubles for the Bombers.

As the third quarter began, Ballard had a 41-11 lead. The Bombers looked into their bench, including Senior Guard Lincoln Miller who hit two threes.  Atlantic continued to bring pressure to the Bombers on both sides of the ball but the Trojans were unable to keep pace with Ballard’s defense throughout the game.

Miles Mudd led all scorers with 13 for the Bombers, while Gavin McLaren led Atlantic with seven. The Trojans graduate four Seniors and will return a large portion of their roster heading into next season.