[email protected]

The Raider boy’s hoopsters (4-15) had a difficult week with two losses to conference opponents St. Thomas Academy (13-5) and Tartan (12-5).

Against the Cadets on Jan. 30th, it was a tale of two halves. The first half, Hastings seemed a bit on the lethargic side and STA took advantage forcing Hastings into less-than-ideal shots and creating turnovers. By the time the half rolled around, the Cadets had a 40-20 lead.

In the second half, the Raiders came out looking like a different team and Hastings fought back, eventually closing the point deficit to single digits. Shots were falling for Hastings and they ultimately won the second half 43-33, but it was not enough to win the game and they fell 73-63.

Owne Bernatz and Kellen Nuytten led the team with 22 points each, Matthew Foss had 10. Bernatz led with nine rebounds and Foss led with five assists.

The game against Tartan was a bit more definitive of a loss than the game against STA. Tartan was consistently a half step ahead of Hastings all night creating turnover after turnover, ultimately forcing 19 turnovers for the game. Hastings was taking quality shots when they had a chance but could not seem to get the ball to bounce their way.

Talking with fans after the game, they were saying that, despite their record, the boys are entertaining to watch, and they do a great job keeping fans into the game.

Lucas Foss was the only Raider to score double digit points, and he scored 10. Kelvin Maher had seven rebounds in the 61-33 loss to Tartan.

The schedule does not get any easier for the Raiders with Two Rivers coming to town on Feb. 9th then South St. Paul makes the trip to Hastings on Feb. 15th. Both games are scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip.