The Aberdeen Central girls’ basketball team dropped its second game of the season Saturday afternoon to the Raiders of Rapid City Stevens 35-29 in a non-conference contest at the Aberdeen Civic Arena.

The Raiders pressed the Eagles right from the tip and forced Central into early turnovers. Stevens jumped out to a quick 9-0 run in the first two-and-a-half minutes of the game.

Once Aberdeen figured out the Raiders’ press, the Eagles were able to find an offensive rhythm and settle into their half-court offense. Additionally, Aberdeen forced turnovers of their own during Stevens’ half-court sets, leading to a 9-3 run from the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second to decrease the deficit.

“We really needed to settle in and understand what we needed to look for,” said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo. “Now that they’ve seen (a full-court press), they’ll know they’ll be able to swing the ball and find some other girls to pass through it. They won’t feel quite as much pressure in needing to dribble through things.”

Stevens maintained control on the game, leading by as many as 12 points.

Senior guard Kyra Griese started Central’s final push, knocking down a 3-pointer to begin a 7-0 run to cut the Raider lead to five. However, the Eagles could not convert on any late-game opportunities.

Taaliyah Porter led Stevens with 13 points and Jayda McNabb added 11.

The Eagles continue their matchup with west river teams as they head across the state for weekend matchups with Spearfish on Friday and Sturgis on Saturday.

Arechigo believes her players will be ready for the road trip.

“I’m looking for them to be a lot stronger and cleaner with the ball,” she said, “cut back on our turnovers and focus in on our transition defense.”

RAPID CITY STEVENS: Taaliyah Porter 6 1-2 13, Jayda McNabb 3 4-5 11, Ella Kieffer 1 1-2 4, Jaden
Matkins 1 1-4 3, Jillian Delzer 0 2-2 2, Macey Wathen 1 0-4 1. Totals 12 9-19 35.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL: Kyra Griese 4 8-10 17, Kiana Mounga 2 0-0 4, Taryn Hettich 1 1-3 3, Abby Berry 1-1 0-0 2, Taryn Hermansen 1-4 0-0 2, Reese Heier 0 1-2 1. Totals 9-19 10-20 29.

Aberdeen Central 7 15 19 29
Rapid City Stevens 12 21 29 35

3-point field goals – Hettich. Total fouls – Aberdeen Central 17. Rebounds – Rapid City Stevens 21; Aberdeen Central 28. Assists – Aberdeen Central 3. Steals – Rapid City Stevens 3; Aberdeen Central 3.