Defending Class 4A champion Cretin-Derham Hall did not let 42 points from top collegiate recruit Matthew Hurt of Rochester John Marshall get in the way en route to an 81-64 victory Saturday at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic in Hopkins.
The Raiders (2-1) used a 21-4 run in the game's first six minutes to nearly put John Marshall out of reach.
"We came into this game with a mind-set of playing hard defense," said junior forward Amari Carter, Cretin-Derham Hall's leading scorer with 23 points. "We know we can score, but we've got to stay in on defense."
After falling behind early, the Rockets — ranked No. 10 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News — cut the deficit to eight points in the first half. But the scoring depth of the Raiders, ranked No. 8, was too much as they led 40-28 at halftime.
Carter's offense was supplemented by junior guard Curtis Jones, who scored 21 points off seven three-pointers. Senior guard Jaeden King added 14.
The Raiders still are working through some inexperience after graduating most of the starting lineup from last year's squad. Only one player on the roster, King, scored points in the team's 79-78 state championship victory against Apple Valley.
Cretin-Derham Hall coach Jerry Kline Jr. said he'll spend most of December's schedule getting his players up to speed.
"The expectation last year was, 'You better win it all, or else,' " Kline said. "This year, it's just a lot of different guys that believe in each other. They're having a good experience, and they really like each other. It's fun to watch."
