Aberdeen Central is facing a familiar foe in its Class AA boys’ SoDak 16 game on Saturday. The Golden Eagles travel to Yankton to face the Bucks at 2 p.m. with a state tournament berth on the line.

The Golden Eagles and Bucks met back on January 31 at Golden Eagles Arena, with Yankton coming out on top, 59-47. Central coach Brent Norberg noted that Yankton took advantage of opportunities during the first meeting this season.

“It was a tight game. They made a few more plays down the stretch,” Norberg said. “We had too many turnovers that led directly to baskets for them.”

Norberg also said that the keys for his team will be the need to cut down on mistakes and be the aggressor.

“We have to take care of the basketball and be aggressive on offense,” Norberg said. “If we can keep the ball out of the lane and limit them to one shot, I like our chances. If we can’t do that it will be tough.”

The Golden Eagles (6-12) have had an up-and-down season, winning just three of their first 13 games, before finishing the season by winning three of their last five. Central has quality wins over Brandon Valley and Pierre, along with a win over O’Gorman, its first win over the Knights in 18 years.

Yankton (15-5) enters the matchup rated fifth in the final poll, while obtaining the fourth seed in the seed point standings. The Bucks began the season 5-4, but have since won 10 of their last 11 games, a streak that began with the win over Central. Yankton has quality wins over Pierre and Class A schools Sioux Falls Christian and Tea Area. The Bucks have eight seniors that bring a plethora of experience to the court.

The two teams also have some recent SoDak 16 history between them. Central and Yankton met in last year’s SoDak 16 at Golden Eagles Arena, a game in which the Bucks held on to win, 47-44. Based on last year’s SoDak 16 meeting, Norberg knows his team will have to play a full game in order to defeat the Bucks this year. He also added that it is a new year and different teams on the court.

“It’s a 32-minute grind that we are excited for,” Norberg said. “They are very good, and it will be a challenge that we are looking (forward) to.”

The winner advances to the Class AA state tournament March 16-18 in Rapid City.