BRANDON – Aberdeen Central came up with a much-needed girls’ basketball victory Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles held off Brandon Valley 51-39 for their third win of the season in an Eastern South Dakota Conference contest in Brandon.

“This was a great team win,” said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo. “We are still missing some pieces, but having kids back helped. The girls have had some great practices this week. They’ve been working hard and communicating a lot better on the floor, and that paid off on the defensive end tonight.”

Central was led in scoring by freshman forward Taryn Hermansen who finished with 15 points, but benefited from the return of Grace Kuch to the rotation. Kuch was one of four rotational players that have missed recent time due to injuries. Three of those four, including Lauryn Burckhard and Madison Miller, have returned to action.

“Our rebounding was where it needed to be, and our guards and posts played well together,” Arechigo said.

Still, Central needed contributions across the lineup, and that’s exactly what it got. Anna Malchow chipped in eight points and Taryn Hettich added seven points before fouling out of the game.

Her replacement, however, came up big in her stead.

“Taylor Lyke came up big for us when Taryn Hettich fouled out,” Arechigo said. “(Lyke) was 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.”

Lyke finished the game with six points.

Brandon Valley was led by Hilary Behrens’ 13 points. Ava Kellenberger added nine.

Central will head to Pierre Tuesday for another ESD showdown.

“Hopefully, we can build on this momentum when we travel to Pierre next week,” Arechigo said.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (3-5): Taryn Hermansen 15 points, Taryn Hettich 7, Anna Malchow 8, Lauryn Burckhard 4, Taylor Lyke 6, Lauren Joosten 2, Madison Miller 3, Grace Kuch 6.

BRANDON VALLEY (6-5): Hilary Behrens 13 points, Ava Kellenberger 9, Kennedi Deckert 7, Alyvia Padgett 5, Madison Geiver 4, Paisley Hoff 1.

Aberdeen Central 10 27 35 51

Brandon Valley 5 16 27 39

Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 35; Brandon Valley 20. Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 5; Brandon Valley 7.