News Summary

In a thrilling Class 4A semifinal matchup at the 2025 Minnesota high school boys basketball state tournament, the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders overcame a challenging first half to defeat the Maple Grove Crimson 63-49. Led by standout performances in the second half, including 28 points and 15 rebounds from Tommy Ahneman, the Raiders secured their spot in the championship game. Coach Jerry Kline Jr.’s team’s robust defense and determination turned the game in their favor. They will face the winner of Wayzata vs. Shakopee in the final on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Minneapolis, MN – Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders Claim Victory Over Maple Grove Crimson!

What an exhilarating showdown we witnessed on Thursday at Williams Arena during the prestigious 2025 Minnesota high school boys basketball state tournament Class 4A semifinal! The Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders faced off against the Maple Grove Crimson and successfully rallied back to snatch a thrilling 63-49 victory, securing their spot in the championship game!

First Half: A Tale of Two Halves

The game kicked off with plenty of intensity but took a surprising turn as the first half unfolded. Despite being a dominant team throughout the season with an impressive record of 29-1, the Raiders struggled to find their rhythm early on. Maple Grove’s defense shone, holding Cretin-Derham Hall to a mere 25.9% shooting percentage, allowing them to lead 22-15 at halftime. Anyone watching couldn’t help but feel that the momentum was on Maple Grove’s side as they ended the half with a 7-0 run!

Second Half Magic: Raiders Show Their True Colors

However, the second half brought a whole new world of excitement! The Raiders emerged from halftime looking like a different team, fueled with determination and energy. They kicked things off with a stunning 9-0 run to quickly take control of the match. This momentum shift was nothing short of magical, as Cretin-Derham Hall outscored the Crimson 48-27 in the second half!

Star Performances: Ahneman and Mitchell Shine

One name that echoed throughout the arena was that of Tommy Ahneman. He exploded in the second half, scoring an impressive 19 points and finishing the game with a magnificent total of 28 points and a whopping 15 rebounds. His robust presence in the paint was a game changer, and his three assists only added to his impact on the game. Joe Mitchell also made a notable contribution, adding another 14 points to the Raiders’ tally in that critical second half.

Defensive Standout: The Raiders’ Secret Weapon

While the Raiders may have struggled on the shooting front in the first half, it was their unwavering defense that ultimately paved the way for their remarkable comeback. They forced Maple Grove into tough shots and maintained pressure throughout the game, which was key to turning the tide in their favor.

Final Moments: A Commanding Lead

As the game progressed, Cretin-Derham Hall pulled away, even leading by as much as 23 points with just under three minutes left in regulation. This impressive surge was aided by an unwavering team focus and a dedication to executing their game plan as laid out by their head coach, Jerry Kline Jr..

Looking Ahead: Championship Game on the Horizon

With this victory, the Raiders are now gearing up for the Class 4A championship game, where they will face the winner of the Wayzata versus Shakopee contest. The championship game is slated for Saturday at 8 p.m., and fans are already buzzing with excitement! Will Cretin-Derham Hall continue their quest for glory? Only time will tell, but if this semifinal was any indication, it’s sure to be a thrilling encounter!

Maple Grove: Worthy Opponents

Despite the loss, the Maple Grove Crimson put forth a valiant effort. Leading their charge were Keegan Harney with 14 points and Henry Knutson, who contributed 11 points. Their teamwork and effort didn’t go unnoticed and they can hold their heads high as they look to the future.

Stay tuned as we follow the Raiders on their journey to capture the championship – it promises to be a game worth watching!

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