BRANDON – Aberdeen Central struggled to find an offensive rhythm on Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles fell behind early en route to a 61-40 loss to Brandon Valley in Eastern South Dakota Conference boys’ basketball action.

Central coach Brent Norberg said the Golden Eagles struggled to make shots, which led to the early deficit.

“We struggled to score,” Norberg said. “We missed some open shots we normally make.”

The Lynx led 12-6 after one quarter and extended their lead to 32-19 by halftime. Norberg added that Brandon Valley’s physicality caused problems for the Golden Eagles.

“We did not handle their physical play very well,” Norberg said.

In the second half, the Lynx continued to pull away to secure the win. Josh Olthoff led Brandon Valley with 14 points, while Aiden Zerr and Brayden Miller each had 11 points.

Grant Fritz led Central with 13 points, while Jett Carlson had seven and Parker Lemer totaled six.

The Golden Eagles (5-6) will travel to Pierre on Tuesday.

 Norberg said the team will need to regain its confidence in preparation for the Governors.

“We have to get back to work and get some confidence back,” Norberg said.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (5-6): Jett Carlson 3 0-0 7, Parker Lemer 2 2-2 6, Camden Fauth 1 0-0 3, Grant Fritz 3 7-8 13, Charlie Phillips 1 0-0 3, Jacob Weishaar 1 0-0 2, Brendan Phillips 1 0-0 2, Cam Olson 1 2-4. Totals 13 11-14 40.

BRANDON VALLEY (5-3): Briggs Knutson 1 0-0 3, Landon Dulaney 3 0-0 7, Aiden Zerr 5 1-1 11, Brayden Miller 4 1-2 11, Josh Olthoff 6 0-0 14, Mach Mayen 3 0-0 6, Nolan Pudwill 1 0-0 2, Hayden Anderson 3 1-3 7. Totals 26 3-6 61.

Aberdeen Central 6 19 31 40

Brandon Valley 12 32 52 61

3-point field goals – Carlson, Fauth, C. Phillips; Miller (2), Olthoff (2), Knutson, Dulaney. Total fouls – Aberdeen Central 7; Brandon Valley 12. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 25 (B. Phillips 6); Brandon Valley 30 (Olthoff 7). Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 11; Brandon Valley 8. Assists – Brandon Valley 1 (Zerr). Steals – Aberdeen Central 4 (Oliver Rife, Lemer, Fritz, B. Phillips); Brandon Valley 6 (Dulaney 2, Miller 2, Anderson 2).