RAPID CITY – Aberdeen Central overcame a rough first half with a solid second-half defensive performance to grab a 58-51 non-conference boys’ basketball win over Rapid City Central in the season opener for both squads Friday night.

The Golden Eagles trailed by five at the half after giving up 23-second-quarter points. However, Aberdeen allowed only 17 points the remainder of the contest.

“We struggled on both ends of the court at times, but we were able to make enough plays down the stretch to get a win on the road,” said Eagles coach Brent Norberg. “I was proud of how the kids battled through some adversity and found a way to win.”

The game was tight the whole way. The Eagles led by two after the opening eight minutes, before trailing by five at the half. Aberdeen still trailed by one heading into the final period before using a 17-9 surge to grab the victory.

Aberdeen featured a balanced scoring attack with four players in double-figures. Sam Rohlfs had 16 points, Spencer Barr 13, Alec Voegele 11 and Noah Behrends 10.

While pleased with the victory, Norberg said his squad needs to take better care of the ball and that there is still room for improvement on defense.

“It was better (in the second half),” he said. “We were a little indecisive at times and that hurt us.”

The Eagles are right back at it today, facing Rapid City Stevens this afternoon.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL: Alec Voegele 4 3-3 11, Noah Behrends 4 1-1 10, Sam Rohlfs 6 4-7 16, Spencer Barr 3 7-7 13, AJ Hase 2 0-0 6, Jameson Palmer 1 0-0 2. Totals 20-44 15-21 58.

Aberdeen Central 13 29 41 58

Rapid City Central 11 34 42 51

3-point field goals – Behrends, Hase 2. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 29 (Rohlfs 7). Steals – Aberdeen Central 9 (Voegele 3).