The Hastings Raiders boys basketball team had a split week, snapping a five game losing streak with a strong home win after running into one of the state’s top teams on the road.
Hastings entered the week at 8-8 and searching for momentum. That search took them to Mahtomedi on Tuesday night, where the Raiders faced a deep and experienced Zephyrs squad that came in with just two losses on the season. Hastings showed some early fight, keeping pace through stretches of the first half, but Mahtomedi’s balance and scoring depth slowly took control as the night went on.
The Raiders moved the ball well early and found some clean looks from the perimeter, but Mahtomedi’s pressure and transition game began to wear things down. Hastings trailed by 13 at the break and could not close the gap in the second half as the Zephyrs continued to build their lead. Despite the final margin, Hastings competed throughout and got contributions across the lineup against one of the toughest opponents on the schedule.
Hastings fell to Mahtomedi 82-52. Matthew Foss led with 15 points, Brady Hendrickson added 11 points, Liam Bernatz had 9 points, Landon Miska scored 8 points, and Carter Lundstrom finished with 6 points.
The Raiders had little time to dwell on the loss, returning home Friday night to face Two Rivers. From the opening tip, Hastings played with a different edge, setting the tone on the defensive end and pushing the pace offensively. The Raiders built a strong first half lead behind hot shooting and crisp ball movement, putting up 40 points before halftime.
Two Rivers made a push after the break, cutting into the lead and forcing Hastings to answer. Each time the visitors threatened, the Raiders responded with timely baskets, strong rebounding, and steady free throw shooting. Hastings stayed composed down the stretch and closed out the game in front of the home crowd, earning a much needed win that halted the recent skid.
Hastings beat Two Rivers 72-63. Brady Hendrickson led with 21 points, Liam Bernatz added 17 points, Landon Miska had 14 points, Carter Lundstrom scored 10 points, and Matthew Foss finished with 6 points.
The week left Hastings with a split record and renewed confidence as the season heads into its final stretch. The Raiders will hit the road for a pair of challenging matchups, traveling to Hill-Murray on Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m., then heading to Simley on Feb. 6 at 7:00 p.m. Hastings returns home on Feb. 9 to host Prescott at 6:30 p.m., followed by home games against North St. Paul on Feb. 11 and Tartan on Feb. 17. The regular season wraps up with a road game at South St. Paul on Feb. 20, a trip to St. Thomas Academy on Feb. 24, and a home finale against Mahtomedi on Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m.