Fifth-rated Aberdeen Central closed out the regular season in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating Sioux Falls Lincoln 60-22 in a non-conference girls’ basketball at Golden Eagles Arena.

From the opening tip, the Golden Eagles set the tone defensively and never looked back. Central controlled the pace of the game, forcing tough shots and converting on the other end to build a comfortable lead early. By the second half, the outcome was well in hand, allowing the Eagles to showcase their depth.

“Good way to end the regular season,” said Central coach Paiton Burckhard. “We got everybody on the bench in the game and saw some really nice things out of everyone, proud of the win.”

The Patriots mixed in some zone defense throughout the night, but Central was ready. The Golden Eagles moved the ball well, attacked the gaps, and found quality scoring opportunities.

“We knew they were going to maybe play some zone,” Burckhard said, “and we saw that and handled it well and we adapted and got some nice looks out of it.”

Kamdyn Borge led the way offensively with 16 points, continuing to be a steady presence for the Eagles. She credited the team’s inside-out approach for creating scoring chances.

“Our high-low game is always really good,” Borge said. “I think that worked out for us good and our bigs gave our guards some nice looks.”

Lauren Burckhard added 12 points in the win, while three other Golden Eagles each chipped in six points, highlighting the balanced scoring effort.

Beyond the final score, the win gives the Golden Eagles momentum heading into the postseason.

“Overall, this season we have had more consistency,” Coach Burckhard said. “It feels better knowing we have a little bit of a higher seed, we’re at home again, and we’re in a better position for that Sweet 16 game.”

The motivation from last season’s finish, when the Golden Eagles lost on a half-court shot at the buzzer, is still fresh in the players’ minds.

“Looking back at what happened last year that kind of sets a fire in us already,” Borge said. “I think whoever we play it doesn’t matter — we want the win out of it and we are going to do whatever it takes to get it.”

Central, 14-6, will host a SoDak 16 game on Friday night at Golden Eagles Arena.

SIOUX FALLS LINCOLN (0-20): Adyline Brunz 3 2-3 8, Regan Van Meeteren 2 0-2 6, Claire Pliska 2 0-0 6, Addyson Blotske 0 2-4 2. Totals 7 4-9 22.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (14-6): Ava Yeske 0 4-4 4, Kamdyn Borge 5 1-2 14, Kenadi Withers 3 0-0 6, Emma Dohrer 3 0-0 6, Julia Malsam 1 0-0 3, Camryn Albrecht 1 0-0 3, Lauren Burckhard 5 2-2 12, Ashlyn Behrends 1 2-2 4, Lianna Erickson 1 0-0 2, Taryn Hermansen 3 0-0 6. Totals 23 9-10 60.

Sioux Falls Lincoln 1 14 21 22

Aberdeen Central 16 38 52 60

3-point field goals – Van Meeteren 2, Pliska 2; Borge 3, Malsam, Albrecht. Total fouls – Sioux Falls Lincoln 9; Aberdeen Central 9; Rebounds – Sioux Falls Lincoln 16; Aberdeen Central 47 (Burckhard 8, Withers 7); Turnovers – Sioux Falls Lincoln 18; Aberdeen Central 13. Assists – Sioux Falls Lincoln 3; Aberdeen Central 10 (Dohrer 4). Steals – Sioux Falls Lincoln 3; Aberdeen Central 12 (Borge 4).