by Anthony Robinson
Atlantic overcame a late eight point deficit to defeat Red Oak 66-62 in a boys basketball game at Red Oak Friday night. The Trojans trailed 53-45 with 2:30 left in regulation.
With less than 30 seconds remaining in the game, the Trojans trailed by only three points, 52-55. Head coach Steve Blazek called a timeout to set up a play for the final shot of the game. Out of the timeout, the Trojans set up two players in opposite corners of the floor. The Trojans were looking to hit a three from the corner, to send the game into overtime. After a great pass, junior Blake Esbeck carried out the goal, hitting the three-point basket from the left corner to tie the game, 55-55, with 4.5 seconds left to play. Neither team was able to score during the final seconds, sending the game into overtime.
Late during the extra period, Esbeck had a strong move to the hoop and was able to draw a foul. He was able to hit both of his two free throws, to seal the deal for the Trojans. Esbeck had only seven points on the night but all seven came at a key points late in the game.
Sophomore Dalton Franken led the Trojans in scoring with 24 points, 19 of those coming in the second half. Sophomore Sam Markham and sophomore Harrison Hoegh finished the night with 11 points each. Junior Gunnar Blum scored 10 points and pulled down the same number of rebounds.
Dakota White led Red Oak with 24 points and Gustavo Rodriguez finished the night with 15 points. The Tigers led after every break except for the final gun, 17-16 after one, 29-26 at the halftime break, and 46-42 after three quarters. The Trojans outscored the Tigers 21-9 over the final six minutes of the game.
The Trojans travel to Carroll Tuesday night, to take on the Kuemper Catholic Knights.
chazzz • Jan 18, 2011 at 10:38 am
BIRDMAN!!