STURGIS – The offense was better, but still not quite enough to secure a win for Aberdeen Central on Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles fell behind early, played up hill, and eventually fell to Sturgis 63-53 in non-conference boys’ basketball action.

“We were better offensively,” said Central coach Brent Norberg. “Every time we would get to 2-4 points, they would come down and hit a three.”

Hayden Rock poured in 26 points for the Scoopers, including five 3-pointers. Ryan Heinart followed with 19 points.

Brendan Phillips led three players in double figures for the Golden Eagles. Colby Dauwen and Turner Bergan each contributed 10.

“We had a lot of good stretches,” Norberg said, “but we need to be more consistent and mistake free.”

Central is off until hosting Yankton on Saturday, Jan. 4 at Golden Eagles Arena.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (0-4): Michael Dutenhoffer 1 0-0 2, Brendan Phillips 4 4-4 14, Christian Palmer 2 0-0 4, Colby Dauwen 4 1-1 10, Jack Bertsch 2 0-0 4, Turner Bergan 3 2-4 10, Luke Swanson 1 1-2 3, Bryson Burgard 1 2-2 4, Kyson Fayant 1 0-0 2. Totals 19-43 10-13 53.

STURGIS: Tiegan Wormstadt 1 0-0 2, Hayden Rock 9 3-4 26, Dalyn Dschaak 3 2-2 8, Ty Ferguson 1 0-0 3, Ryan Heinart 7 4-4 19, Jaxon Cano 0 1-2 1, Ty Petrocco 1 0-0 2, Carter Williams 0 2-2 2. Totals 22-46 12-14 63.

Aberdeen Central 12 29 44 53

Sturgis 14 34 52 63

3-point field goals – Phillips 2, Dauwen, Bergan 2; Rock 5, Ferguson, Heinart. Total fouls – Aberdeen Central 13; Sturgis 15. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 22 (Phillips 4, Dauwen 4, Bertsch 4, Swanson 4); Sturgis 22 (Heinart 10). Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 12; Sturgis 10. Steals – Aberdeen Central 8 (Dauwen 5); Sturgis 5.