Girls basketball coaches everywhere share the belief that performing the basics well increases their team's chances of success.

Sioux Falls Washington reinforced that theory Friday night in a 61-32 Greater Dakota Conference triumph over Sturgis at Brown High School.

Washington shot 76 percent (13 for 17) from the field and forced 14 first-half turnovers on its way to a 34-18 lead.

The Warriors used a 10-point, first-quarter run to claim a 10-4 advantage. Ashley Eide connected on four short-range shots to highlight the charge.

Carsey Barden buried a jump shot to keep Sturgis (0-1 in the conference, 0-1 overall) within 10-6. Kelli Hilbrands' inside basket started an 8-2 Warriors' run lasting the rest of the opening quarter. Hilbrands and Amanda Farritor connected from 3-point range as Washington led 18-8 at the break.

Sioux Falls (1-0 in the conference, 2-0 overall), which plays at Spearfish today, claimed a 16-10 scoring edge in the second period and led by as many as 18 points. Stevie Knutson drilled a 3-pointer as Washington built a 30-12 cushion.

Eide finished with 11 points to pace Sioux Falls. Sturgis, which hosts Sioux Falls Lincoln today, received a team-high 12 points from Barden and 10 from Rebekah Larson.

Sturgis head coach Mike Friedel said Washington is a good team, but the Scoopers did not match the Warriors' intensity except for the first few minutes.

"They really make you guard them," Friedel said of the Washington players. "They shoot the ball and penetrate well."

Friedel agreed Sioux Falls' intensity made it easier for Washington to perform the basics well.

Washington did not surprise Sturgis in any way, according to Friedel. He said the Warriors are an athletic squad that is well-coached and doesn't have too many weak spots.

Sturgis' contest against Lincoln will begin at 1 p.m. as part of a varsity boys-girls doubleheader. "We have to come back; that's all there is to it," Friedel said.