Suggs, McKeen combine for 53 points in Royals' win over Roseville

A torrid performance led by Woodbury’s Renard Suggs propelled the Royals to an 89-75 road win Saturday over a key Suburban East Conference opponent.

The win over Roseville – ranked No. 8 in the state heading into the game – improved Woodbury’s record to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in the SEC. Woodbury, which entered the game ranked No. 19 in Minnesota play, is virtually assured of seeing its ranking improve after the Roseville game and a closely fought battle against No. 2-ranked Lakeville North.

Suggs, a junior guard, led all scorers with 33 points against the Raiders. Suggs was seven of 12 from the behind the three-point line and connected on 11 of 17 attempts from the field.

Three other Royals also posted double figures, led by senior Connor McKeen’s 20 points. Seniors Rickey Suggs and Ryan Fritze both scored 10 points in the game.

Roseville’s leading scorer, Mackenzie Johnson, recorded 29 points in the contest.

Seven of the eight Royals who appeared recorded assists in the game, led by junior guard Robert Claypool and McKeen, both of whom dished out five assists. McKeen also hauled down 10 rebounds against the Raiders, half of which came on the offensive end of the court.

Woodbury found itself in a first half hole, down 43-39 at the break. The Royals uncorked a scoring frenzy in the second half, dropping 50 points in the frame to Roseville’s 32.

The Roseville win put Woodbury at the top of the SEC, ahead of Stillwater and East Ridge – matchups that will be test this week.

That began Tuesday in a rivalry tilt against East Ridge at home that was played after the Bulletin went to press. The Royals travel Friday to Stillwater.

-Mike Longaecker

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