STURGIS – Aberdeen Central locked down the second half on Saturday and locked up a perfect start to the season. The Golden Eagles gave up just 11 second-half points en route to a 58-30 girls’ basketball win over Sturgis Saturday afternoon, securing a 4-0 start to the year as they head into the holiday break.

“Very proud of our team today and this weekend,” said Central coach Paiton Burckhard. “Winning on the road is tough, especially back-to-back days. After a slowish start, we really kicked it in gear and secured a lead.”

Leading 23-19 heading into the break, Central doubled down on its defensive efforts in the second half. Sturgis managed just seven points in the third quarter and was held without a field goal in the fourth quarter.

The Golden Eagles, meanwhile, fed senior Taryn Hermansen the ball to the tune of 21 points, 10 of which came in the third quarter.

“Taryn was relentless on the boards and got stuff done today,” Burckhard said. “Even knocked down a 3-point shot and got a smile out of her after that.”

Lauryn Burckhard added 12 points for the Golden Eagles. Kenadi Withers and Emma Dohrer each finished with seven points.

“Proud of our girls, and what a great start to our season,” Paiton Burckhard said.

Central is off until after the Christmas holiday when the Golden Eagles host Yankton on Jan. 3.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL: Ava Yeske 2 0-0 5, Kamdyn Borge 0 4-6 8, Kenadi Withers 2 2-2 7, Camryn Albrecht 0 0-1 0, Emma Dohrer 3 0-0 7, Lauryn Burckhard 5 2-2 12, Ashlyn Behrends 0 2-2 2, Taryn Hermansen 10 0-0 21. Totals 22 6-9 58.

STURGIS: Arina H Haugen 0 3-6 3, Brilee Freytag 0 1-2 1, Tori Williams 2 0-0 5, Leigha Long 4 1-2 9, Kierra Killinger 1 0-0 2, Addy Kossler 4 1-2 10. Totals 11 6-12 30.

Aberdeen Central 12 23 40 58

Sturgis 6 19 26 30

3-pt field goals – Yeske, Withers, Hermansen; Williams, Kossler. Fouls – Aberdeen Central 12; Sturgis 16.