The Hastings Raiders split a challenging week of action, absorbing a tough home loss before bouncing back with their strongest comeback of the season, keeping their record balanced as the regular season winds down.
Hastings entered the week at 11-11 and opened Tuesday night at home against Tartan. The Titans came out firing, building a 48-24 lead by halftime and never easing off the pressure. The Raiders struggled to find a rhythm offensively, shooting 21-of-52 from the field and 6-of-24 from three-point range, and they had trouble slowing down Tartan’s balanced scoring attack. Still, there were a few bright spots. Carter Lundstrom knocked down four three-pointers, Landon Miska provided steady production inside, and Ryder Ashcraft made the most of his minutes off the bench. Hastings continued to compete in the second half, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Tartan beat Hastings 89-49. Carter Lundstrom led with 12 points, Landon Miska added 9, Brady Hendrickson had 7, Matthew Foss scored 6, and Zander McVicker finished with 6.
Friday night told a different story. On the road against South St. Paul, the Raiders faced a physical opponent and a first half that did not go their way. South St. Paul built a 45-33 halftime lead, controlling the tempo and forcing tough shots. The game grew more difficult when Hastings lost Liam Bernatz to a freak, single game injury, thinning the rotation and testing the team’s composure.
Instead of folding, the Raiders responded with poise. Hastings chipped away slowly in the second half, tightening up defensively and finding better looks on the offensive end. Brady Hendrickson caught fire from beyond the arc, Matthew Foss attacked the basket and facilitated, and Seth Leary battled on the glass. As the minutes ticked down, Hastings seized the lead with just a few minutes remaining. From there, the defense took over. The Raiders kept the Packers scoreless after taking the lead, frustrating every possession and closing out what became their strongest comeback of the season.
Hastings beat South St. Paul 77-71. Brady Hendrickson led with 25 points, Matthew Foss added 13, Carter Lundstrom had 9, Landon Miska scored 8, and Ryder Ashcraft finished with 7.
With momentum back on their side and the regular season nearing its end, Hastings will host Mahtomedi on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m. in their final regular season game.