RAPID CITY – The Aberdeen Central boys’ basketball program put together a solid second half to pull away with a 53-40 non-conference win over Rapid City Central Friday evening in the opening contest of the 2023-24 season.
The Golden Eagles went into halftime holding a slim three-point lead, but outscored the host Cobblers by double digits in the second half to secure the win.
Jett Carlson led the way offensively for the Golden Eagles, finishing with 13 points. Cam Olson came off the bench for 11 points, while Parker Lemer finished with eight points and seven rebounds.
“We made some shots,” said Central coach Brent Norberg. “Much better movement offensively and were able to get some clutch threes. The defense was solid all night.”
Aberdeen, which committed just 11 personal fouls and 11 turnovers in the game, out-gunned the Cobblers from the 3-point line, drilling six long-range shots to Rapid City’s three.
Rapid City Central got 13 points from Isaiah Whitting and 11 more from Jet Janvrin, but never led after the first quarter despite being within one possession at the half.
Aberdeen Central will head to Rapid City Stevens today to close out the opening weekend of the season.
ABERDEEN CENTRAL (1-0): Oliver Rife 2 2-2 7, Jett Carlson 5 1-2 13, Parker Lemer 2 3-3 8, Camden Fauth 1 0-0 3, Grant Fritz 2 0-2 4, Brendan Phillips 3 0-0 7, Cam Olson 5 1-1 11. Totals 20-50 7-10 53.
RAPID CITY CENTRAL (0-1): Jet Janvrin 4 2-2 11, Ryan Wetch 2 1-2 6, Trae Brandrup 1 0-0 3, Colton Carlson 2 1-4 5, Isaiah Whiting 6 1-2 13, Junior Allen 0 2-2 2, Kaden Mathieu 0 0-2 0. Totals 15-41 -127 40.
Aberdeen Central 11 20 40 53
Rapid City Central 10 17 31 40
3-pt FG – Aberdeen Central 6-17 (Rife, Carlson 2, Lemur, Fauth, Phillips); Rapid City Central 3-13 (Janvrin, Wetch, Brandrup). Fouls – Aberdeen Central 11; Rapid City Central 13. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 29 (Lemer 7, Fritz 5); Rapid City Central 29 (Whiting 5). Assists – Aberdeen Central 13 (Carlson 3); Rapid City Central 11 (Janvrin 4). Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 11; Rapid City Central 17. Steals – Aberdeen Central 8 (Carlson 2); Rapid City Central 9 (Janvrin 2, Carlson 2).