In one of their most complete performances of the season, the Atlantic Trojans girls basketball team defeated the Harlan Cyclones 63-41 in Des Moines Tuesday night. It marks just the second time since 2008 that the Trojans have beaten Harlan. In both team’s regular-season finale, Atlantic was the better team from start to finish. They defended well, shot well, and arguably most importantly, got to the free-throw line with frequency.  The win gave the Trojans its fourth consecutive win and is their third separate four-game winning streak of the season.

The first quarter was extremely competitive, with the teams going back and forth. However, it was apparent early on that Atlantic was willing to play a bruising game in the paint. The Trojans earned eight free throws in the first quarter alone and cashed in on seven. Katrina Williams made five in the opening frame as a part of her 11 points from the charity stripe. At the end of the quarter, Atlantic built a slim three-point lead while knocking down just a single field goal. Zoey Kirchhoff led the way for the Trojans in the second. Knocking down three field goals, she finished the half with nine points. On the defensive side of the ball, the Trojans were just as good. They allowed 10 points or less in three quarters, including the first two. They also limited Harlan’s top scorer Aubrey Schwieso to a single three-pointer in each half. Heading into the locker room, Atlantic had earned a 20-19 halftime lead.

If there was any doubt about the Trojans’ ability to carry it across the finish line, they squashed it early on in the second. Atlantic was able to execute their game plan at nearly the same level throughout the rest of the contest. Although Harlan had their best offensive output in the third, the Trojans kept them at arm’s length. Grace Albertsen and Molly Swensen ended the game sharing the team lead with 11 points. When all was said and done four of the Trojans’ five starters finished with double-digit points. Lila Wiederstein led the second half with 10 points and shared the game lead with Williams finishing with 15 points. Kirchhoff wasn’t far behind with 11, while Patyn Hartr added 10. Head coach Dan Vargason was proud of his team’s effort and said the game was a confidence booster heading into the postseason.

In addition to her efforts on defensive and the glass, Vargason was pleased with the way Williams answered the call after the team’s loss at Harlan earlier in the year.

The regular season now complete,  the Trojans will start preparations for their opening round game against Clarinda and Vargason says the mindset is to start at square one.

Atlantic will host Clarinda on Saturday with tipoff scheduled for 7 pm.