East Ridge vs.

Cretin-Derham Hall

7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24

Cretin-Derham Hall began the season atop the Class 4A rankings, but didn't hang on to the top spot for long as the Raiders' lost on Nov. 30 to then-No. 3-4A Eden Prairie 56-47 in their season opener.

That didn't surprise Raiders coach Jerry Kline Jr., who knew his players would need some time to get on the same page, while Eden Prairie entered the season with a senior-dominated roster that had years of experience playing together.

Cretin-Derham Hall (11-2, 6-0) won't get another shot at the No. 1-4A Eagles unless the teams meet in the state tournament. But Kline's No. 3-4A Raiders, built in part by key transfers the past two seasons, are rounding into late-season form. They take a four-game winning streak into the week and they'll play an important conference game against No. 9-4A East Ridge (10-4, 7-0) on Friday.

J'Vonne Hadley, a 6-foot-7 senior forward, leads Cretin-Derham Hall with an 18.8 points per game. 

The Raptors showcase Wisconsin commit Ben Carlson (24.3 points, 11.4 rebounds per game), but the 6-foot-9 senior has a solid surrounding cast that includes Kendall Blue (13.7 ppg) and Brody Kriesel (10.6 ppg).