Woodbury clung to a four-point lead late in its game against Suburban East Conference leader Cretin-Derham Hall on Friday night when Royals senior guard Jace Klinkner caught a swing pass on the right wing, set his feet and launched an uncontested three-point shot.

As the ball was in the air, two Raiders started leaking out in transition in hopes that a missed shot would result easy layup at the other end, a nightlong staple of Cretin-Derham Hall's game plan.

But there was no chance at a rebound because Klinker buried the shot - his sixth three-pointer of the night to help Woodbury hold off Cretin-Derham Hall at home for a 85-76 victory.

Despite the big basket, the Raiders weren't ready go away quietly.

After Klinkner's three gave the Royals a 75-68 lead with less than four minutes to play and with both student sections standing in anticipation, Cretin-Derham Hall did what it had done all night: Feed 6-foot-8 forward Daniel Oturu on the low block.

Tall and more athletic than anyone on the court, the Raiders sophomore big man scored.

On Woodbury’s next possession, however, the Royals followed script and put the game out of reach as sophomore guard Michael Jones nailed a three-point field goal from the left wing.

A Raiders' missed field goal attempt and Oturu being whistled for a reach-in foul a few moments later ended the night for both star player and team.

Oturu fouled out and went to the bench along with any chance Cretin-Derham Hall (13-4, 8-1) had to win the game and remain undefeated in league play.

Woodbury (16-2, 9-1) then sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Klinkner finished with 23 points and Jones had 20. 

“(Jones) was huge for us tonight in a big environment, and he wasn’t scared of the moment," Woodbury coach Kent Getzlaff said. “(Klinkner) hasn’t been a huge scorer for us even though he is a very capable three-point shooter. We got off to a rough start offensively, and he dug us out.”

The Royals made 13 shots from behind the arc on Friday, which proved to be the difference in the game.

The teams ran a fair amount of zone defense, forcing long jump shots, but the Raiders also had the advantage of Oturu’s inside presence.

He was in foul trouble the entire game and barely played in the first half, but impacted the game as his rim protection dictated the Royals' offensive looks, Getzlaff said.

“(Oturu’s) foul trouble hurt them more than anything we did to them.” Getzlaff said. “He’s a terrific player and game changer. He’s as good as everyone says he is, if not better.”

With Oturu out of the game, Woodbury drove the lane. The Royals' primary ball handler, Jeremiah Coddon, capitalized by getting to the basket. The 6-foot guard scored 20 first-half points and finished with a game-high 27.

Woodbury lost their first conference game to Cretin-Durham Hall 69-67 on Dec. 8. A poor shooting performance contributed to the defeat, and Getzlaff said the Royals knew they could beat the Raiders this time.

“This was a game we circled on our calendar, Getzlaff said, “Because the first time was a disappointing loss for us.”

With the win, the Royals claimed sole possession of first place in the Suburban East standings.

Jones said the win showed a lot about his teammates.

“We displayed our grit and determination tonight,” Jones said. “We were down early, but battled back and kept the lead.”

The young shooter credits the team's senior leadership, specifically Klinkner, for showing him how to carry act as a varsity basketball player.

Klinkner said the win over Cretin-Derham Hall gives Woodbury a confidence boost.

“This shows we are one of the top teams,” Klinkner said. “We can play with them all.” 

The Royals Jeremiah Coddon (1) attempts to score a basket as Cretin-Durham Halls Jake Prince (21) and Denzel Fondungallah (23) tried to block Jeremiah. Photo by Chris Juhn

The Royals Jeremiah Coddon (1) attempts to score a basket as Cretin-Durham Halls Jake Prince (21) and Denzel Fondungallah (23) tried to block Jeremiah. Photo by Chris Juhn

First Report

Junior guard Jeremiah Coddon scored 20 of his game-high 27 points in the first half, helping lead Woodbury to a 85-78 home victory over Suburban East Conference foe Cretin-Durham Hall on Friday night.

After the Raiders focused their defense on containing Coddon, the 6-foot all-around scorer took a back seat as two of his teammates to capitalized on open looks.  

Sophomore guard Michael Jones had 20 points, including 17 in the second half, while senior guard Jace Klinkner made six three-pointers to finish with 23 points for the Royals (16-2, 9-1).

The Raiders (13-4, 8-1) dropped their first conference game despite five players scoring in double figures, led by sophomore forward Daniel Oturu with 18 points.  

Cretin-Durham Halls Chris Perry (11) scores a basket with a slam dunk after a turnover and quick rush to the basket. Photo by Chris Juhn

Cretin-Durham Halls Chris Perry (11) scores a basket with a slam dunk after a turnover and quick rush to the basket. Photo by Chris Juhn

Spotlight Game Coverage