STURGIS, S.D. – Aberdeen Central head coach Dawn Seiler retired in 2019 after 35-years of coaching girls basketball in South Dakota but didn’t stay away long, coming back for one more year at the helm for the Golden Eagles. Seiler’s 2020 squad played with poise and discipline against the Sturgis Scoopers on Saturday afternoon at West Gymnasium, beating the Scoopers by 30 points, 57-27.
Aberdeen Central, 3-0, has won each of their first three games by 30-points or more with a young roster, featuring four seniors, five juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen.
The Golden Eagles got off to a quick start, leading the Scoopers 16-2 midway through the first quarter behind a three-pointer from senior guard Melania Jacobs and six points from senior post Brooklyn Kusler. Sturgis junior Kaylee Whatley scored five points in the first to cut the Aberdeen Central lead to 18-7 after one quarter.
The Scooper defense cranked up the intensity in the second, holding the Golden Eagles to three of 15 shooting. Sturgis senior Makayla Keffeler popped in four points and the Scoopers trailed the Golden Eagles by 11 going into the half, 25-14.
Seiler made some adjustments during the halftime break, focusing on working the ball into paint and Kusler exploded for 10 points in the third quarter, extending the Aberdeen Central lead to 39-21 after three. The Golden Eagles outscored the Scoopers 18-6 in the final stanza to defeat Sturgis, 57-27.
Aberdeen Central was led by Kusler with 22 points and seven rebounds. Kyra Griese added 11 points. The Golden Eagles made 25 of 56 shots from the floor for 44% and five of five free throws. Aberdeen Central had 10 turnovers and 27 rebounds.
Sturgis was led by Whatley with seven points and four boards. Keffler chipped in six points and five rebounds. The Scoopers shot 11 of 39 from the field for 28% and made three of six free throws. Sturgis had 18 turnovers and 16 rebounds.
The Scoopers are in action again on Tuesday, Dec. 22 as they travel to Rapid City Central.
