The balance of Sioux Falls Washington helped to pave the way for a non-conference boys’ basketball win over Aberdeen Central Thursday night.

The Warriors placed four players in double-figure scoring in a 77-59 victory at Golden Eagles Arena.

Central hung tough early, trailing just 21-16 at the end of the first quarter, before Washington used a 19-7 second period to take control.

“We have that stretch in that second quarter where you turn it over a couple times and that extends the lead a little bit,” said Central coach Colton McClemans.

While the Golden Eagles were unable to keep pace with the visitors, McClemans still saw positives from his team’s offense.

“Our guys did a better job shooting with confidence and not playing tentative while they were changing up defenses,” McClemans said.

Junior guard Luke Swanson led Central with 22 points, attacking the basket and creating opportunities for others.

“When I can get off the dribble and get to the rack, that’s what I try to do,” Swanson said. “We just have to keep working and improving.”

Quinn Rayman added eight points, including two 3-pointers, while Bryson Burgard contributed seven points to the Central total.

Defensively, Central struggled to contain the Warriors in the paint, but McClemans saw a positive response late in the game.

“We made some adjustments in between that third and fourth quarter to go a little bit on a run,” McClemans, “and I thought our kids responded well with that.”

Swanson said the team still has areas that could use some improvement.

“We need to work on defense and rebounding,” Swanson said, “not letting them get in the middle.”

McClemans said pace of play is also something the Golden Eagles will work on.

“We have to focus on us and dictate what teams are doing,” he said, “instead of letting them dictate what we are doing.”

David Kutey topped the Warriors with 17 points, Benjamin Sprecher followed with 15, Sam Uhing added 12, and Brekken Biteler finished with 11.

Central, 1-10 on the season, is off for a week before hosting Harrisburg on Friday, Feb. 6 at Golden Eagles Arena.

SIOUX FALLS WASHINGTON (3-8): Benjamin Sprecher 6 0-0 15, Brekken Biteler 4 2-3 11, Sam Uhing 5 0-0 12, Jhace Woods 4 0-1 8, David Kutey 6 0-0 17, Bronson Schramm 0 1-2 1, Jake Baltzer 2 0-0 5, Jangjuol Chuol 0 2-2 2, Noah Woods 2 0-0 4, Matthew Melton 1 0-0 2. Totals 30 5-8 77.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (1-10): Luke Swanson 8 4-7 22, Bryson Burgard 2 2-2 7, Jack Bertsch 3 0-0 6, Liam Rife 1 3-4 6, Lincoln Stone 1 0-0 2, Quinn Rayman 2 2-2 8, Gavin Hauck 2 2-2 6, Ben Weishaar 1 0-0 2. Totals 20 13-17 59.

Sioux Falls Washington 21 40 60 77

Aberdeen Central 16 23 38 59

3-point field goals – Sprecher 3, Biteler, Uhing 2, Kutey 5, Baltzer; Swanson 2, Burgard, Rife, Rayman 2. Total fouls – Sioux Falls Washington 15; Aberdeen Central 11. Rebounds – Sioux Falls Washington 25 (N. Woods 6, Uhing 6); Aberdeen Central 19 (Bertsch 4). Turnovers – Sioux Falls Washington 13; Aberdeen Central 19. Assists – Sioux Falls Washington 19 (Kutey 4, Baltzer 4); Aberdeen Central 9 (Bertsch 3). Steals – Sioux Falls Washington 9; Aberdeen Central 3.