As the 2024-2025 basketball season reaches its midway point, the disparity between two Minnesota high school teams, Cretin-Derham Hall and Forest Lake, is striking. With an undefeated record and impressive offensive and defensive stats, Cretin-Derham Hall has established itself as a powerhouse, while Forest Lake has faced a tough season with significant challenges.

Cretin-Derham Hall: A Dominant Force

Cretin-Derham Hall, based in St. Paul, MN, has put together a flawless record so far, standing at 14-0 overall and dominating the conference with an 8-0 mark. Their balanced attack has been a key factor in their success, posting an average of 82.7 points per game while holding opponents to just 64.5 points. Their offense is led by Ty Schlagel, who averages 18.4 points per game, and Tommy Ahneman, contributing 10.6 rebounds per game. The team’s defensive efforts are just as strong, with Joe Mitchell leading in steals (3.1 per game) and Ahneman also adding 1.7 blocks per game.

Notable victories for Cretin-Derham Hall include impressive wins over Park (95-64), Irondale (98-70), and East Ridge (83-64). The team’s ability to win on both home and away courts is evident, as they boast perfect 5-0 records in each scenario. Their next challenge comes when they head to Forest Lake for an away conference game on January 24 at 7 p.m., where they’ll look to maintain their undefeated streak.

Forest Lake: Struggling to Find Consistency

In stark contrast, Forest Lake has endured a difficult season, recording only 3 wins against 11 losses. Their overall win percentage stands at just .214, with a 2-3 mark in the conference. Despite struggles on the court, Forest Lake has managed to stay competitive in a few games, with close matchups against teams like Park (losing 73-72) and Roseville (losing 82-48).

Forest Lake’s offense has struggled, averaging only 60.9 points per game, a sharp contrast to Cretin-Derham Hall’s high-powered offense. The team’s top scorer, though not listed, will need to step up in order for Forest Lake to find some much-needed momentum in the second half of the season. They will also need to improve their defense, as they’ve allowed an average of 74.9 points per game, further illustrating the challenges they face.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Cretin-Derham Hall and Forest Lake have yet to meet in the 2024-2025 season, but their first matchup is scheduled for January 24, 2025, in Forest Lake. With Cretin-Derham Hall’s dominance and Forest Lake’s struggles, many expect the St. Paul team to continue their winning ways. However, Forest Lake will be eager to capitalize on home-court advantage and the potential for an upset.

Later in the season, on February 27, 2025, the two teams will face off again in St. Paul, where Cretin-Derham Hall will be looking to finish their perfect season strong.

Common Opponents and Key Stats

Both teams have shared opponents this season, and the results have shown the disparity in their performances. Cretin-Derham Hall has gone 8-0 against common opponents, including victories over Park, Irondale, East Ridge, and Roseville. In contrast, Forest Lake is just 1-7 against the same set of teams, underscoring their struggles.

Cretin-Derham Hall’s superior offense and defense are further reflected in their team stats. They score an average of 82.7 points per game, with standout individual performances from Ty Schlagel (18.4 points) and Tommy Ahneman (10.6 rebounds). Forest Lake, however, has only managed to score an average of 60.9 points, with limited standout performances.

Conclusion

As Cretin-Derham Hall continues its quest for a perfect season, Forest Lake will be working hard to turn its season around. The January 24 matchup will provide an opportunity for Cretin-Derham Hall to demonstrate its dominance on the road, while Forest Lake will be looking to build momentum with a significant upset victory. Regardless of the outcome, both teams are sure to continue battling as the season progresses, with Cretin-Derham Hall aiming for a state championship and Forest Lake striving to improve as the year unfolds.