by Anthony Robinson

The Atlantic Trojanns varsity basketball team (6-15) will travel to Denison Wednesday, Feb. 16 to face the Monarchs (13-8) for the third time this season.  Tip-off for Wednesday’s game is set for 7:00 p.m.

In the teams’ first meeting in Denison, in early January, the Trojanns were defeated 56-27. The Trojanns trailed by two at the half, 24-22, but the Monarchs outscored the Trojanns 32-5 in the second half. In the two teams’ most recent match-up just a week ago on Tuesday, Feb. 8, the Trojanns found themselves up early, but watched the Monarchs go on a 13-0 run in the first quarter. The Monarchs never trailed after taking a 4-3 lead early in the first quarter. The Trojanns were defeated 56-38.

The Trojanns are led by senior Taylor Young, averaging 11.9 points per game (ppg) and 5.9 rebounds per game (rpg).

Denison is led by senior Brittnie Freml, averaging 12.6 ppg, and junior Bailey Ellerbeck averaging 12.1 ppg. In the two meetings against Atlantic, Ellerbeck averaged 17.5 ppg and went 6-9 from 3-point territory.

The winner of this matchup will face the winner of the Perry-Carroll meeting.  The semifinal game will be held in Denison on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 7:00 p.m.