By Bruce Karnick
bruce@hastingsjournal.news
The Hastings Raiders boys basketball team spent the week on the road, testing itself against a pair of tough opponents while continuing to search for consistency as the season moves into its middle stretch. Entering the week with an 8-4 record, Hastings faced an early challenge at Hudson before returning to Minnesota to take on unbeaten Tartan, and while the Raiders came up short both nights, there were steady stretches of effort that kept the tone competitive.
The week opened Tuesday night in Wisconsin, where Hastings ran into a sharp Hudson squad that built separation early and never fully let go. The Raiders showed offensive life in the first half, scoring 22 points in the opening period and adding 31 more after the break, but defensive issues and Hudson’s efficient shooting made it difficult to keep pace. Hastings battled through the night, sharing the ball and getting contributions across the rotation, yet the margin continued to grow as Hudson capitalized on transition chances and second opportunities. Despite the final score, the Raiders continued to play with energy, and several players found rhythm offensively while logging meaningful minutes in a hostile gym.
Hastings fell to Hudson 78-53. Landon Miska led with 13 points, Matthew Foss added 10, Brady Hendrickson had eight, Liam Bernatz scored six, and Carter Lundstrom finished with five.
Friday brought a return to familiar territory and a much different type of test. Hastings traveled to Tartan to face an undefeated team that had been rolling through its schedule, and the Raiders responded with one of their more complete efforts despite the loss. Hastings stayed within striking distance most of the night, trailing by just six at halftime after matching Tartan’s physicality and pace. The Raiders continued to compete in the second half, leaning on disciplined possessions and strong individual play, but Tartan’s depth and timely scoring proved enough to maintain control down the stretch.
Matthew Foss delivered a standout performance, scoring from multiple spots on the floor and attacking the rim with confidence. Hastings also received solid defensive rebounding and ball movement as the Raiders worked to slow down a balanced Tartan lineup. While the final result did not swing in Hastings’ favor, the effort showed the Raiders could go toe to toe with one of the top teams on their schedule, and the performance served as a confidence builder heading into the next stretch of games.
Hastings fell to Tartan 63-52. Matthew Foss led with 24 points, Brady Hendrickson added 11, Carter Lundstrom had seven, Caleb Gudissa scored five, and Landon Miska finished with three.
Hastings will stay busy in the coming weeks, hosting St. Thomas Academy on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in a battle for second place in the conference. Then they travel to Mahtomedi on Tuesday, Jan. 27 for a 7:00 p.m. tip. The Raiders return home Friday, Jan. 30 to face Two Rivers at 6:30 p.m., before heading back on the road Wednesday, Feb. 4 for a 6:30 p.m. matchup at Hill-Murray.