YANKTON – Aberdeen Central took advantage of two high-point offensive efforts in the post Tuesday night, cruising to a 51-35 Eastern South Dakota Conference girls’ basketball victory over Yankton.

The Golden Eagles led 13-8 after the opening stanza, and pulled away thereafter, thanks, in large part, to the efforts of Grace Kuch and Taryn Hermansen, who combined for 33 of the team’s 51 points.

“Grace and Hermansen had great offensive nights for us,” said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo. “We didn’t see as much defensive pressure as we usually do and took much better care of the basketball.”

Hermansen did the bulk of her damage in the first half, including eight points in the second quarter alone. Kuch, similarly, had a solid first half before turning the offensive production over to the guards in the second half.

Yankton did close the gap late in the game, scoring the final nine points of the contest, but the win was well in hand for the Golden Eagles, who got a full contingent of players into the game.

“It was nice to have everyone get a chance to play some varsity minutes,” Arechigo said.

Sydney Evans finished with six points, while Taryn Hettich, Anna Malchow and Lauren Joosten notched four points apiece.

Yankton was led by Mary Drotzmann’s nine points.

Central will host Harrisburg Friday at 7 p.m.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (4-6): Anna Malchow 1 2-2 4, Taryn Hettich 1 2-3 4, Lauren Joosten 2 0-0 4, Sydney Evans 3 0-0 6, Madison Miller 0 1-2 1, Grace Kuch 5 3-8 13, Lauryn Burckhard 0 1-2 1, Taryn Hermansen 8 2-2 18. Totals 20 11-19 51.

Aberdeen Central 13 33 48 51

Yankton 8 16 24 35