SPEARFISH – Aberdeen Central battled Spearfish to near-ever terms in the first half, but the Spartans dominated the final half Friday night.

Spearfish pulled away from a one-point halftime edge, to record a 70-48 victory during Class AA SoDak 16 girls’ basketball action.

Things started to turn during the third quarter when the Spartans opened up an eight-point advantage. Spearfish then exploded for 26 fourth-quarter points to put an end to Central’s season.

While the Golden Eagles did not have anyone foul out, they were saddled with foul issues and three individuals finish with four fouls.

“We battled foul trouble, but fought hard,” said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo. “I’m very proud of their effort.”

Maria Bouman scored 22 points and hauled down seven rebounds to lead the Spartans, who will play Brandon Valley in the final game of the opening round of the State AA Tournament on Thursday in Sioux Falls. Sofie Guthmiller contributed 16 points, and Jozia Dana added 11. Spearfish made 22 of 28 free throws en route to the victory.

Taryn Hermansen scored 11 points to top Central, who ended the season with a 9-12 record. Emma Dohrer and Lauryn Burckhard each tossed in seven, and Kenadi Withers followed with six.

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (9-12): Emma Dohrer 3 1-2 7, Caydi Withers 1 2-2 5, Lauryn Burckhard 3 0-0 7, Taryn Hermansen 5 1-2 11, Kenadi Withers 2 2-3 6, Madison Miller 1 0-0 2, Ava Yeske 1 0-0 3, Kamdyn Borge 2 0-0 6. Totals 18-43 6-9 47.

SPEARFISH (15-6): Sofie Guthmiller 6 4-6 16, Jozie Dana 1 8-8 11, Addi Reiners 1 4-4 6, Kate Scharf 3 1-4 9, Maria Bouman 8 5-6 22, Mya Kochuten 2 0-0 6. Totals 21-62 22-28 70.

Aberdeen Central 14 26 36 48

Spearfish 13 27 44 70

3-point field goals – C. Withers, Burckhard, Yeske, Borge (2); Dana, Scharf (2), Bouman, Kochuten (2). Total fouls – Aberdeen Central 22; Spearfish 14. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 43 (Burckhard 6, Hermansen 6); Spearfish 26 (Bouman 7). Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 21; Spearfish 5. Assists – Aberdeen Central 12 (Dohrer 3, Waldo 2, Burckhard 2); Spearfish 14 (Dana 3, Bouman 3). Blocked Shots – Aberdeen Central 3 (Burckhard 2); Spearfish 1. Steals – Aberdeen Central 0; Spearfish 11 (Dana 7).