by Anthony Robinson

The Atlantic Trojanns basketball team hosted the Shenandoah Fillies Friday night.  The Trojanns beat the Fillies 53-31.

The Trojanns were led by junior forward Samantha McConnell’s 14 points.  Coach Casey Pelzer commented on McConnell’s performance: “She has all the talent in the world.  She has moments when she really shines, and tonight was one of those nights.”

The Trojanns started the game sloppy. The Trojanns committed numerous turnovers and had trouble controlling the rebounding edge.   The Trojanns threw up many shots but were only able to convert on four attempts.  “No offense to Shenandoah ( 1-7), but sometimes it’s hard to get up for a game you can win.  I was really disappointed in our starters’ play,” coach Pelzer said.   At the end of the first the Trojanns only led by one, 9-8.

To begin the second, five new Trojanns took the court.  Sophomore guard Mackenzie Holmes contributed with two timely three-point field goals to spark  a 9-4 run for the Trojanns before the starting five came back in with 2:45 remaining in the half.  Sophomore guard/forward ReAnn Cappel also contributed with tough defensive play.  McConnell had two big blocks in the second quarter to give the Trojanns some much needed momentum.

Within a 20-second span the Trojanns shot six free throws, but were only able to make four out of the six.  The Trojanns finished the game 12-27 from the line.   The Trojanns led at the half outscoring the Fillies 19-5 in the second, to take a 28-13 lead into the break.

The Trojanns carried their late first-half momentum into the second half.  The Trojanns led by as many as 24 (41-17) in the third quarter.

The Trojanns commited many tacky fouls.  The Fillies began the fourth quarter in the bonus.   Thoughout the fourth, the Trojanns were able to control the edge on the boards.   McConnell was also able to use her size and establish herself as the go-to player in the second half.

The Trojanns have one game remaining before the winter break, next Tuesday against the Harlan Cyclones.
“It wasn’t our best effort, but we’ve won three out of the last four, and next week is big for us,”  coach Pelzer said.