Cedar Grove had a plan for the first part of the basketball season. It wanted t march into the Christmas break leading the region.

The Saints accomplished one of its early season goals with a 54-44 win over Woodward Academy on Friday. Getting the victory was not executed perfectively but its one Cedar Grove will take at home in a region where every win will count.

“I am just glad to be where we are,” Saints coach James Martin said. “This was huge for us because we wanted to be front runners and trendsetters at the Christmas break.”

Where Martin’s team remains undefeated atop of Region 6 AAA. It was not easy or pretty.

The Saints (6-0, 3-0) played Woodward Academy, who was looking to get a share of the region lead and steal a road win. Cedar Grove held a double-digit lead at halftime largely behind the War Eagles turnovers. Things continued in the second half as the Saints players relentless defense.

Cedar Grove’s Kenneth Lewis helped lead the charge. The junior guard led the Saints defense and into the open floor with easy baskets. He finished with a team-high 11 points. Makale Carter added eight points. They both took advantage of Woodward’s inability to take care of the basketball. This all came from the Saints defense and ability to attack the glass.

“They won the toughness battle,” War Eagles coach Anthony Thomas said. “That is the staple of what they do. I thought we di a good job forcing them to make some tough two’s.

The War Eagles (5-2, 3-1) tried to get back into the game late in the second half with their own pressure. Woodward forced some timely turnovers with a chance to cut into the Saints lead but failed. It failed to capitalize on the mishaps as the War Eagles could not control the basketball.

One of the few bright spots for Woodard was Trey Williams. The senior forward attempted to will his team late in the second half finishing with 11 points, mostly in the second half. Marcus Hall chipped in with 11 points as well by attacking the glass.

Woodward was looking to steal an early road win.

“We look at road region wins as two,” Thomas said. “If you allow a good team like that get to the cup and get second shots it’s tough to beat.”