BOWDLE – The North Central Thunder held off Aberdeen Christian for a 38-29 non-conference girls’ basketball win on Tuesday.

Although the Knights did not get the win, coach Cristian Martinez was pleased with how his team performed, despite being short-handed.

“Game was good, but we didn’t get the win like we want,” Martinez said. “But we had just five girls for the entire game.”

Although they struggled with the amount of personnel, the Knights kept the game close, trailing by just two after the opening quarter, and by three at halftime. Martinez was glad to see how his team’s defense played throughout the game.

“Our defensive part is doing really good,” Martinez said. “We ended (with) 20-plus steals.”

North Central led 32-27 after the third quarter, and stretched its lead in the final period to come away with the win.

North Central’s Amree Vander Vorst led all scorers with 24 points, while Ella Batie added seven to the total. The Thunder (5-9) will play Jones County on Saturday at the Highmore Classic.

The Knights were led by Chloe Bosma with 10 points, while Chloe Holt and Jolie Fogarty added eight and seven, respectively.

Aberdeen Christian (2-11) will host Northwestern on Thursday at the Civic Arena. Martinez said the Knights will need to get prepared for the next contest.

“I’m super proud of this group,” Martinez said, “and now we have to continue to get back to work and get ready for the next game.”

ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN (2-11): Bailey Hunstad 1 0-1 2, Payton Skarin 1 0-0 2, Jolie Fogarty 3 0-0 7, Chloe Holt 3 2-2 8, Chloe Bosma 3 4-4 10. Totals 11 6-7 29.

NORTH CENTRAL (5-9): Amree Vander Vorst 6 9-14 24, Ella Batie 3 1-2 7, Katelyn Engelhart 1 0-0 2, Sydney Bertsch 1 0-0 2, Lindsey Geier 1 0-0 2, Kaidence Bulgin 0 1-2 1. Totals 12 11-18 38.

Aberdeen Christian 8 14 27 29

North Central 10 17 32 38

3-point field goals – J. Fogarty; Vander Vorst (3). Total fouls – Aberdeen Christian 16; North Central 11.