Sioux Falls Jefferson put the pressure on Aberdeen Central at Golden Eagles Arena Friday night.
The visitors forced one turnover after another, built a commanding lead and defeated the Golden Eagles 65-34 in a non-conference girls’ basketball game on Senior Night.
The Cavaliers set the tone early and opened a 21-point halftime advantage after allowing just seven points in the second quarter. Jefferson forced the Eagles into 28 turnovers in all.
Meanwhile, the Central defense had a tough time preventing the Cavaliers from attacking the rim.
“Our transition defense was a step behind. We didn’t find the angles to cut off their ball handlers tonight,” said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo. “Our help-side rotation on defense stayed stagnant. We needed to step in and take a charge when available, especially how hard they were attacking the basket. I thought they would put us in a position to take those.”
Taliyah Hayes led three players in double figures for the Cavaliers with 18 points. Cierra Watkins contributed 14 points and seven steals. Morgan Whiting added 10 points.
Karly Wellman tallied 10 points for the Eagles, while Kiana Mounga finished with eight.
Four seniors played their final home game at Golden Eagles Arena: Wellman, Mounga, Kyra Griese and Abby Berry.
“They are a group that has been in the program all four years and they have had their struggles of dealing with injuries or whatnot. They have been a staple in our program for those four years,” Arechigo said. “It’s tough to see this group leave regardless of where the wins and losses fall where we wanted them to. It will be tough to see them leave.”
Central travels Sioux Falls Roosevelt on Monday night to close out the regular season. Arechigo said the Rough Riders feature a solid backcourt.
“They are very guard-heavy. Might not be as quick of a team, but they are scrappy and play hard,” Arechigo said. “We will just make sure that we come and fight for something, too.”
SIOUX FALLS JEFFERSON (10-10): Aliyah McGovern-Harrington 0 4-4 4, Cierra Watkins 6 1-1 14, Taliyah Watkins 6 5-9 18, Morgan Whiting 1 0-0 2, Jaidyn Dunn 5 0-0 10, Kassidy Larsen 3 0-0 8, Ella Silvernail 1 2-4 5, Nancy Peter 1 0-0 2, Sarah Zino 1 0-0 2. Totals 24 12-18 65.
ABERDEEN CENTRAL (4-15): Anna Malchow 2 0-0 6, Kyra Griese 1 1-2 3, Karly Wellman 4 2-2 10, Kiana Mounga 4 0-2 8, Taylor Lyke 1 0-0 2, Ayrlie Waldo 1 0-0 2, Taryn Hermansen 1 1-4 3. Totals 14 4-10 34.
Sioux Falls Jefferson 22 39 48 65
Aberdeen Central 11 18 25 34
3-point field goals – Watkins, Hayes, Larsen 2, Silvernail; Malchow 2. Team Fouls – Sioux Falls Jefferson 11; Aberdeen Central 14. Rebounds – Sioux Falls Jefferson 20 (Watkins 4); Aberdeen Central 39 (Mounga 9). Turnovers – Sioux Falls Jefferson 6; Aberdeen Central 28.
