Top-rated Sioux Falls Jefferson used a 31-6 opening quarter to pull away from Aberdeen Central for an 86-47 non-conference boys’ basketball win Friday night at Golden Eagles Arena.

The Cavaliers came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, while the Golden Eagles struggled on both ends of the floor.

“They got the ball to the rim. They were out-physical-ing us,” Central coach Brent Norberg said. “We weren’t as aggressive and they’re really, really good, and they played about as well as they could play.”

Jefferson’s Taylen Ashley and Kaden Year combined for 21 points in the first quarter alone, while the Cavalier defense took the Golden Eagle offense out of its rhythm.

The second quarter was a lot of the same, as the Cavaliers continued to pour on a full-court press on defense and fill up the basket on offense. Jefferson also dominated the rebounding in the first half, outrebounding Central 18-7 on the way to a 59-17 halftime advantage.

The second half began in a positive way for Central, as Spencer Barr, who was limited to just four points in the first half, scored the half’s first seven points. Norberg was pleased to see that his team did not quit in the second half, despite what the scoreboard showed.

“We challenged them at halftime. We just wanted to compete better than we did there at the end of the half,” Norberg said. “I’m sure they backed off a little, I don’t know, but the main thing is I thought we were more aggressive. Spencer got some open looks, and whenever he makes some shots, it seems to energize everyone else, and that kind of was the case there.”

Central was able to outscore the Cavaliers in the third quarter 18-11, with Barr scoring 12 of those points.

Sioux Falls Jefferson (18-1) outscored Central 16-12 in the final period, capping off a dominant performance. For Central, it was a chance for several players to get some quality playing time.

Norberg noted that he was proud of his team for supporting each other despite the loss.

“The fact that they support their teammates at the end as we’ve got a kid that’s been hurt all year and he gets in the game and scores some points,” Norberg said. “Our guys were as excited as they were all year, that’s a huge, huge deal.”

Sioux Falls Jefferson was led by Kaden Year with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Taylen Ashley had 23 points and six boards. Griffin Wilde added 13 points.

Central was led by Barr with 18 points, while Grant Fritz added nine.

The Golden Eagles (5-11) now turn their attention to Watertown, a team that beat Central 48-30 on January 10. Central hosts the Arrows today at 3 p.m., and Norberg said the team needs to put the loss to Jefferson behind them and focus on what is ahead.

“Well, you just put this one away,” Norberg said. “Watertown is a different team totally. They’ll play different. We have to play different. We did not play well the first time we played them this year. It’s the only team we play twice. We really played poorly that game, so we’re hoping to give a better effort (Saturday), which I think our guys will.”

SIOUX FALLS JEFFERSON (18-1): Taylen Ashley 9 1-1 23, Griffin Wilde 5 2-3 13, Beau Giblin 1 0-0 2, Kaden Year 7 7-7 24, Ethan Koltz 3 1-2 7, Barren Yellow Bird 0 2-2 2, Mason Riley 3 0-0 7, Cameron Black 2 1-2 6, Sam Siegfried 1 0-0 2. Totals 31-49 14-17 86.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (5-11): Karson Carda 2 1-2 5, Parker Lemer 1 0-0 2, Spencer Barr 7 2-3 18, Brian Johnson 1 0-0 2, Brady Neys 1 2-2 5, Jett Carlson 0 0-2 0, Camden Fauth 1 0-0 2, Cooper Eisenbiesz 1 0-0 2, Donnie Soderland 1 0-0 2, Grant Fritz 4 1-2 9. Totals 19-46 6-11 47.

Sioux Falls Jefferson 31 59 70 86

Aberdeen Central 6 17 35 47

3-point field goals – Ashley 4, Wilde, Year 3, Riley, Black; Barr 2, Neys. Total fouls – Sioux Falls Jefferson 11; Aberdeen Central 13. Rebounds – Sioux Falls Jefferson (Year 7); Aberdeen Central 17 (Lemer 6). Turnovers – Sioux Falls Jefferson 10; Aberdeen Central 12. Assists – Sioux Falls Jefferson 15 (Giblin 5); Aberdeen Central 8 (Dingman 2, Barr 2); Steals – Sioux Falls Jefferson 4 (Wilde 2); Aberdeen Central 4 (Lemer 2).