The Raider Boys had two games last week. First, against Hudson at home on Tuesday, December 13 and then on Thursday, December 15 at Park of Cottage Grove. The girls had three last week: Tuesday at Ellsworth, WI, Friday at Kasson-Mantorville and Saturday at Rochester John Marshall.

Boys

Against Hudson, Hastings took a five-point lead into intermission, 27-22. Hastings looked to be in control of the game throughout the first half even when they were missing on the transitional points or struggling to set things up after the transition through half court. Hudson came out swinging in the second half and they outscored Hastings by 12 points, 39-27 and they earned the come from behind win, 61-54. Owen Bernatz led the Raiders in scoring with 19 and Kellen Nyutten was not far behind with 12.

The trip up Highway 61 turned out to be a rough one for Hastings. Park of Cottage Grove took the early lead and never took their foot off the gas. Park had the lead 56-27 at the half with their defense giving Hastings a lot of trouble. They efficiently stole many possessions from Hastings and the ones they did not steal, they ended up getting the defensive rebounds. Park rarely missed the net on the offensive end while Hastings struggled offensively. Even the fans had an impact on the game, their high energy when Park scored was so loud, it was hard to hear in the gym. By the time the game was over, Park won 9049. Nyutten was the only Raider in double digits with 15 points. Payton Lee-Dean had nine, Bernatz had eight.

With the two losses, the Raider boys moved to 2-3 on the season.

Girls

The Raider ladies had just the opposite going for them despite a coaching change for the time being. Athletic Director Trent Hanson has assumed the role of Interim Head Coach for the time being and thus far, he is 22 in the role.

“It was a great trip and so fun to watch the kids secure two wins in less than 24 hours,” said Hanson. “The wins were great, but it was more about how they earned them; defensive intensity, unselfishness on offense, and showing grit and mental toughness. If we continue to hold opponents in the 40s and share the ball so well on offense, this group can really grow and will have a lot of success.”

The trip to Ellsworth ended with a 58-59 loss for Hastings, so the girls needed a good performance in the other two games of the week to keep the season positive.

In the first four games of the season, Hastings was averaging 63 points allowed to 54 scored. In the two games since Hanson assumed the Interim role, Hastings has averaged 50.5 scored and 42.5 points allowed, which is a 20-point swing defensively.

At Kasson-Mantorville, Hastings had a nine-point lead at the half, 29-20. The Komets shaved five points of that off in the final half, but still fell to the Raiders 43-39.

“We allowed only 39 total points to Kasson, including only two made three-pointers to a team that shoots a ton of them and thrives on the long ball,” explained Hanson. “The kids really bought into the scouting report and executed well at that end of the floor. It was an offensive struggle for us, just one of those nights. We got excellent looks, lots of action at the rim, and just couldn't convert. Emma Bakker led us with 16 points, the only player in double figures, and she had some key baskets along the way. The game was tied at 36 with 4:00 minutes to go; our kids held firm defensively, were poised in our spacing, and converted a couple big buckets and free throws down the stretch.”

The following afternoon, Hastings headed to Rochester John Marshall. The Raiders had the lead into the half 26-20, largely due to Keagen McVicker’s play scoring 16. The Raiders continued to control the clock and the shots for most of the game, finishing with a win 58-46.

“The ‘day-game after a night-game on the road’ often projects to be a tough one,” said Hanson. “Kudos to the kids, they won both halves of this one. Overall, our offensive efficiency was much improved -we had 15 assists on our 23 made field goals. Keagan McVicker had 16 of her 22 points in the first half alone, really sparking our start. Four different players had five plus rebounds, reflecting a solid team effort on the defensive glass. We opened the second half by holding the Rockets without a basket for the first 5:30…and extended our lead to 24 at one point later in the half.”

After the two wins, Hanson reflected on the two games.

“Overall, I am so impressed with the kids' energy, teamwork, and composure. A lot has been thrown at them in a week's time. Their maturity and flexibility have really shown up -and their commitment to each other and playing a team-oriented game is a blast to watch. They have a long way to go to be the team they can be…but they've taken some great strides in a short time.”

With the holiday break coming up, schedules get a little weird for all the teams, including basketball. The next chance to catch the boys will be at home against St. Thomas Academy on January 3 at 7:00 p.m. The girls return to play January 5 against Apple Valley at Apple Valley, also a 7:00 p.m. tip.