The Raider boys basketball team entered the week 3-1 with three games left before the holiday break. First was a trip to Woodbury on Dec. 15, where the 0-4 Royals came out on top 56-49. Hastings then traveled to Mendota Heights to take on Two Rivers, who entered at 1-4, on Dec. 18, and the Raiders responded with a 71-68 road win to split the week.
The trip to Woodbury proved difficult from the opening minutes. The Raiders found themselves chasing the game early as Woodbury jumped out to a 31-16 halftime lead. Hastings competed defensively and limited second-chance looks, but shots were hard to come by in the opening half, particularly from beyond the arc. The Raiders showed more rhythm after the break, scoring 33 points in the second half and cutting into the deficit, but the early hole was too much to overcome.
Matthew Foss and Landon Miska provided steady work inside and on the glass, helping Hastings stay competitive as the game wore on. Liam Bernatz was active on both ends, pushing the pace and creating turnovers, while Brady Hendrickson continued to take on a heavy workload, handling the ball and defending multiple positions. Despite the loss, Hastings battled through a physical game and left knowing the effort level was there, even if the shots did not fall.
Hastings rebounded quickly just three days later at Two Rivers. The Raiders played with better offensive balance and shot confidence, building a 33-23 halftime lead. Two Rivers made a strong push after the break, pouring in 45 second-half points and trimming the margin to a single possession late. Hastings stayed composed in the closing minutes, answering baskets with baskets and making enough plays to secure the win.
Foss delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, scoring in a variety of ways while also contributing on the boards and as a passer. Hendrickson knocked down timely perimeter shots and facilitated the offense, while Caleb Gudissa gave Hastings a spark from deep and on defense. The Raiders also got valuable minutes from Miska and Zander McVicker, who helped steady the game when momentum began to swing.
The win at Two Rivers showed the Raiders’ ability to respond after a setback and close out a tight road game. With the holiday break approaching, Hastings heads into the final stretch of December with confidence, depth, and a growing sense of rhythm on both ends of the floor.
Hastings fell to Woodbury 56-49. Liam Bernatz led with 13 points, Matthew Foss added 11, Landon Miska had 11, Brady Hendrickson scored seven, and Carter Lundstrom finished with five.
Hastings edged Two Rivers 71-68. Matthew Foss led with 22 points, Brady Hendrickson added 19, Landon Miska had 10, Caleb Gudissa scored nine, and Zander McVicker finished with five.
The final game before the holiday break is against Hill-Murray on Mon. Dec. 22 at Hastings High School at 6:30 p.m. Hastings will then host Bloomington Kennedy in the Holiday Tournament on Mon. Dec. 29 at 5:15 p.m., travel to Rochester Mayo for the Southern Minn. Hoops Fest on Sat. Jan. 3 at 7:45 p.m., and return home to face Simley on Tue. Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m.