RAPID CITY – Aberdeen Central’s boys’ basketball season got off to a rough start Friday night as the Golden Eagles suffered a 66-38 loss at the hands of Rapid City Central.

The Golden Eagles scored just four points in the opening quarter, but still trailed by just two possessions as the Cobblers held just a 10-4 advantage. Rapid City Central stretched that lead – barely – to 27-19 by halftime.

But the second half proved too much, as the Cobblers outscored Aberdeen Central 39-19 over the final two stanzas.

“Offensively, we struggled to find rhythm and getting into our initial offensive action,” said first-year coach Colton McClemans. “Credit to Rapid City Central for being disruptive on the ball and up in the passing lanes. We still got some really good looks in the first half from three that just didn’t fall. Second half, we started to press mentally a little bit and it snowballed from there.”

Luke Swanson had 15 points to lead the way for the Golden Eagles offensively. Turner Bergan finished with six points and Kalen Larson added five.

“This group played hard the entire game and had the opportunity to quit, but didn’t,” McClemans said. “That part we can work with and get a lot accomplished with. We are still learning how to play together when things don’t go as planned and that will be a big focus for us throughout the year.”

Aberdeen Central will face Rapid City Stevens Saturday afternoon to conclude the opening weekend of the season.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (0-1): Michael Dutenhoffer 2 0-0 4, Luke Swanson 5 4-4 15, Turner Bergan 2 0-4 6, Kalen Larson 2 0-0 5, Quinn Rayman 1 0-0 3, Jackson Board 1 1-2 3, Carter Board 0 1-2 1. Totals 13-47 6-12 38.

RAPID CITY CENTRAL (1-0): Owen Bissonette 2 0-0 4, Julius Duran 9 2-3 21, Sean Smith 5 0-0 12, Preston Yellow 5 1-2 13, Weiland Benbo 2 0-0 5, Logan Soderlinr 1 1-2 4, Lincoln Williamson 0 1-2 1, Robert Steele 0 2-2 2, Dorian Geliga 2 0-0 4. Totals 26-59 7-13 66.

Aberdeen Central 4 19 28 38

Rapid City Central 10 27 44 66

3-pt field goals – Swanson, Bergan 2, Larson, Rayman; Duran, Smith 2, Yellow 2, Benbo, Soderlinr. Fouls – Aberdeen Central 14; Rapid City Central 12. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 28 (Swanson 4); Rapid City Central 42 (Duran 8). Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 15; Rapid City Central 15.