The 2022-23 season for the Raiders boys’ basketball team has been a difficult one with the boys sitting at 2-8 to start the week. Tuesday, they faced North St. Paul (1-6) and Friday they traveled to South St. Paul (6-2).

The game against North St. Paul was one of the more exciting games of the season for Hastings. There were many lead changes, and it was an offensive spectacle for both teams. North took a 41-38 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, the lead changes continued with Hastings eventually making a run and leading by several baskets with just a few minutes left. North fought back and eventually won, 82-80.

Owen Bernatz led the Raiders in scoring with 22, Kyan Esterby had 18, Peyton Lee-Dean had 13, Weston Schult and Kelvin Maher each added 10. Esterby led the team in rebounds with eight and Bernatz led in blocks with three.

The game at South St. Paul was a bit more decisive with the Packers taking a 37-26 lead at the half. The Raiders did fight back and ended up leading scoring in the second half, 39-38, but the first half deficit was too much to overcome. Hastings fell 75-65.

Kellen Nuytten led the Raiders in scoring with 20 and Bernatz had 12. Esterby had the most blocks with two and rebounds with eight.

Hastings will host Mahtomedi on Jan. 18th then travel to Two Rivers on Jan. 20th and Hill-Murray on Jan 24. All games are schedule for a 7:00 p.m. tip.

Weston Schult has stepped up big for the Raiders helping lead the offense when he is on the floor. Against North St. Paul, he scored 10. Photo by Bruce Karnick