The Atlantic Trojans lost their postseason opener 91-42 to the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Warriors Monday night. From start to finish, the Warriors were the better team. They moved the ball well and were incredibly efficient on offense. Working inside out, they found success in the paint, which in turn opened up their three-point shooting. When they got an open look, they didn’t miss and hit 13 from downtown. Four Warriors finished the game with double-digit points in what was a balanced offensive effort. Unfortunately for the Trojans, their offense could not keep up as their season came to an end.

The opening frame belonged to the Warriors. Sergeant Bluff-Luton opened the game on a 15-2 run over the first four minutes. They were quick, precise, and took advantage of everything they were given. This included their perimeter shooting, as they hit four three-pointers in the opening frame. Body Van Kalsbeek hit a pair while Jacobi Cofield and Dylan Janzen each hit one. In addition to the ball movement, their work on the inside paid dividends, opening up the perimeter. They were excellent at driving the lane throughout the night and also rebounded very well. Meanwhile, the Trojans struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. In addition to struggling with turnovers, the Warriors did a solid job of making life difficult for Atlantic in the paint, which in turn, did not help Atlantic’s outside shooting. The Trojans were held to just 7 points in the first quarter as Sergeant Bluff-Luton headed to the second up by 19.

The second frame was by far Atlantic’s best of the evening. Pushing back, they defended and rebounded much better.  Although they still were outscored, it was only by two as the Trojans held the Warriors to the lowest total in any of the first quarter. Offensively, Kale Jensen, James Brauer, and Hunter Nelson all chipped in three points, while Gavin and Hudson McLaren each added field goals. Altough the second quarter did not help the Trojans close the gap. It felt like a step in a positive direction.

Coming out of the half, it was apparent early that the third would look more like the first. Within the opening minute, the Warriors had drained another three, and by the halfway mark were on a 15-3 run. This was in large part due to Rylen Vander Schaaf. Held to 7 points in the first half, he hit a trio of long balls on his way to 13 third-quarter points and would finish as the game’s leading scorer with 22. Although Gavin Mclaren had his most productive quarter scoring six of his eight points, the Trojan offense could not keep pace with the extreme efficiency of Sergeant Bluff-Luton.

Although the scoring from the Warriors slowed down, the Trojans fate was decided. Jensen added five points in the quarter to tie the team lead in scoring, while Brauer and Benton McLaren both had strong efforts. Brauer was particularly adept and earning his way to foul line and went 5-for-6 while McLaren added five points included a three pointer. However, the outcome was already determined as the Trojan basketball season came to end.

The Trojans finish the season with a 6-16 record and will say goodbye to seven seniors including both of leading scorers in Kale Jensen and Gavin McLaren. However, throughout out the course of the year young talent such as Benton McLaren and Bauer both show lots of playing time which will serve as a foundation for years to come. Although the number in the win column might not have been what they wanted, the effort of his group was never questionable.