SIOUX FALLS – Playing for the first time in three weeks, the Aberdeen Central girls’ basketball team eked out a 44-37 victory over Worthington Friday night in the Pentagon Classic in Sioux Falls.

The Golden Eagles had not played anyone in a non-Central jersey in 20 days by the time they took the court at the Pentagon, and the rust showed itself a bit, said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo.

“There was a lot of uncertainty coming into the game after such a long break,” she said.

Central also came into the game undersized at nearly every position, particularly at the guard position. But what the Golden Eagles lacked in height, they made up for in aggressiveness.

“The girls came out with great energy and excitement,” Arechigo said. “That resulted in a lot of turnovers. However, often times, those turnovers resulted in steals for us because the girls just played hard and played through.”

Central finished with 25 total steals in the game, and needed that aggressiveness on the defensive end to counter a tough shooting night on the offensive end. The Golden Eagles were just 18 of 56 from the floor and 3 of 11 from the free throw line.

Central was led by Taryn Hermansen’s 10 points and eight rebounds in the game. Sydney Evans did not score, but dished out eight assists and four steals, while Taryn Hettich had five points and seven steals. 

Worthington got 14 points from Tarren Spartz and another eight points from Madison Beckmann. The two combined to go 12-for-14 from the free throw line.

“It was great to get a game in and see some things that we will have success with and also see some things that we need to continue to work on,” Arechigo said.

Central will get a chance to revisit those things Tuesday when they host Sioux Falls Washington. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Golden Eagles Arena.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (2-1): Anna Malchow 3 0-0 9, Taryn Hettich 2 1-6 5, Caydi Withers 2 2-4 6, Taryn Hermansen 5 0-1 10, Emma Dohrer 1 0-0 3, Lauren Joosten 2 0-0 5, Madison Miller 2 0-0 4, Lauryn Burckhard 1 0-0 2. Totals 18-56 3-11 44.

WORTHINGTON: Madison Beckman 1 6-6 8, Tarren Spartz 4 6-8 14, Karissa Bickett 1 1-2 3, Ellie Weg 2 2-3 6, Aisha Zeidi 1 0-0 2, Newyouman Gora 0 2-2 2, Phamananew 1 0-2 2. Totals 10-38 17-23 37.

Aberdeen Central 13 25 34 44

Worthington 7 17 26 37

3-point field goals – Malchow 3, Dohrer, Joosten. Fouled out – Malchow; Spartz. Fouls – Aberdeen Central 23; Worthington 13. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 42 (Hermansen 8); Worthington 27 (Weg 9). Assists – Aberdeen Central 14 (Evans 8); Worthington 8 (Weg 3, Grace Barber 3). Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 30; Worthington 32. Steals – Aberdeen Central 25 (Hettich 7); Worthington 13 (P. Gora 4). Blocks – Aberdeen Central 1 (Burckhard); Worthington 4 (Beckman 3).