Despite its record, Cretin-Derham Hall (2-0) has not had a perfect start to the season. Returning second team all-metro and future University of Minnesota forward Daniel Oturu (19.6 points, 16.5 rebounds, 6.5 blocks per game last season) left the first half of the Raiders' 86-73 victory over Hopkins on Dec. 2 with a sprained ankle.
Cretin-Derham Hall has plenty of talent elsewhere on the floor. Sy Chatman scored a career-high 33 points against the Royals, and Ryan Larson led the state in assists last season. However, if Oturu is out for extended time, the No. 2-4A Raiders' season could be bumpier than expected.
Edina may be hoping Oturu will be out for at least this game. The No. 11-4A Hornets do not have much height to throw at Cretin-Derham Hall, especially if the 6-foot-10 Oturu comes back to pair with the 6-8 Chatman.
In addition, Edina graduated leading scorer Walt McGrory (23.1 ppg) and returns only one player who averaged double-digit points last season in senior Anders Nelson (15.7 ppg). However, the Hornets are stocked with plenty of experience, so with a solid game plan, Edina is fully capable of knocking out a powerhouse.