Kelly has two offers

Cretin-Derham Hall combo guard Raijon Kelly jumped on the Twin Cities basketball scene as a sophomore quickly putting up 13 points a game. Last year, his junior season, Raijon led the Raiders in scoring at 14 points a contest scoring in smooth fashion. Kelly is now amongst Minnesota's top division two recruits plus he's being looked at by a handful of division one teams.

Kelly played with 43 Hoops this off-season and their year culminated with a Silver Championship at the End of the Summer Showdown in Merrillville, Indiana last week.

"43 went really well, I enjoyed it a lot," said Kelly. "Chris Carr is a great coach to play for."

Playing with 43 Hoops this off-season Kelly has built himself an impressive list of interested schools.

"I have offers from the St. Cloud St. and the University of Mary," Raijon stated. "Also showing interest is Loyola, Texas-El Paso (UTEP), Illinois State, Southwest Minnesota State, North Dakota, Minnesota-Crookston, South Dakota, IUPUI, Concordia-St. Paul, Samford, Nebraska-Omaha, and Valley City State. Those are the only schools I can think of right now."

Kelly and Cortez Tillman return for Cretin-Derham Hall to man a backcourt that will rank amongst the state's best. With Tillman formidable at the point guard position Raijon will be able to play most of his minutes at the two. Running the opposite wing for the Raiders will be the hard working Taylor Montero who can also drain jumpers from all over the floor. Banging in the middle will be C.J. Neuman who impressed with the Pulley Panther 17s this off-season.

"Next year we are looking like a deep team, with a nice group of guys coming back from strong summers with their AAU teams," said Kelly. "We think we're ready to play in the state tournament."

Considering the talent level, the Raiders may have what it takes to make their first state tournament in ten seasons. However, Tartan's new young backcourt and experienced frontcourt will have something to say about that as will Henry Sibley who has played at state the last three straight seasons.