WATERTOWN – Aberdeen Central did what it needed to get a win and improved to 8-1 on the season in the process.

The fifth-rated Golden Eagles fended off an upset-minded Watertown squad to claim a 41-35 Eastern South Dakota Conference girls’ basketball victory over Watertown Tuesday night.

Central led at every quarter break, but gave up an Arrows run early in the third quarter, surrendering its advantage for the moment.

The Golden Eagles climbed back into the lead, leaning heavily on the efforts of freshman Lauryn Burckhard and sophomore Taryn Hermansen. Burckhard scored all 13 of her points in the second half, while Hermansen put the bulk of her 14 points on the board in the first half.

Emma Dohrer came through with a three-pointer in the third quarter, while Caydi Withers scattered in six points on the night.

“We continue to have too many turnovers,” said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo. “(The girls) are rebounding well, and trying to do the right things, but not making the right decisions. We played well enough to win.”

Central will head to Tea Area Saturday afternoon to face an undefeated Titan squad at 3 p.m.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (8-1): Kenadi Withers 1 0-1 2, Emma Dohrer 1 0-0 3, Madison Miller 1 1-2 3, Caydi Withers 2 1-2 6, Lauryn Burckhard 5 3-6 13, Taryn Hermansen 6 2-2 14. Totals 16 7-13 41.

WATERTOWN (2-6): Emery Thury 3 2-4 8, Jordan Remmers 0 1-2 1, Miranda Falconer 1 5-8 8, Jade Lund 3 0-0 8, Avery Munger 1 0-0 2, Kynsee Russell 1 0-0 2, Malia Kranz 2 0-0 4. Totals 10 8-14 35.

Aberdeen Central 11 16 30 41

Watertown 8 14 28 35

3-point field goals – Aberdeen Central 2 (C. Withers, Doherer); Watertown 3 (Falconer, Lund 2). Total fouls – Aberdeen Central 13; Watertown 16.