JEWELL — The South Hamilton girls earned their first win of the new year here Tuesday night, topping Perry in Heart of Iowa Conference action, 39-29.

A big opening eight minutes allowed the Hawks to gain control of the contest, taking a 10-4 lead. They continued to build from there, going up 26-12 at the half.

“It was good to get back in the win column against a Perry team who I think has improved from a year ago,” South Hamilton head coach Mark Henderson said. “I thought our girls played with a lot of confidence, which isn’t easy after you’ve lost a few games in a row, so I was happy to see our kids not hesitating or second guessing themselves.”

Kaylen Trask scored a game-high 20 points, knocking down three 3-pointers. Emma Lammers had 10 points and Isabel Swenson sank a triple with three assists.

On the glass, Tessa Skartvedt had 12 rebounds with five coming on the offensive end. She also recorded two blocks and a steal as Trask grabbed nine rebounds. Lillie Ammerman had five rebounds and three assists.

“Kaylen had a big game for us scoring the basketball,” Henderson said. “We had a different starting lineup, which moved her to the four position. That seemed to free her up to be more of a scorer for us, which we need. She also did a better job of defending without fouling this game, which kept her on the court.”

For Perry, Lily Myers scored 10 points with 11 rebounds and five assists.

South Hamilton heads to Jefferson to face Greene County on Friday night. Varsity girls tip at 6 p.m.