We expect to be one of the top teams in the league. Each game will be a battle, with a number of teams that could win the conference, or that are good enough to upset some of the top teams, so our ability to focus consistently will be very important. However, we believe we can win each time we play, we will need to continue to understand scouting reports and game plans well and get after opponents on the defensive end.”

Coach Chris Feikema

After a Jan. 9 game at Mahtomedi, Hastings plays at South St. Paul Friday at 7 p.m. They then have a much-deserved week off, next hitting the court against Two Rivers on Friday, Jan. 19.

It’s shaping up to be a big season for the Hastings boys basketball team.
With two wins to open up Metro East Conference play in the last week, the Raiders are treating their fans to excellent basketball, and coach Chris Feikema likes what he sees.
“We expect to be one of the top teams in the league,” he said. “Each game will be a battle, with a number of teams that could win the conference, or that are good enough to upset some of the top teams, so our ability to focus consistently will be very important. However, we believe we can win each time we play, we will need to continue to understand scouting reports and game plans well and get after opponents on the defensive end.”
The Raiders opened up Metro East play drubbing host Simley 73-43. Hastings returned to its home court Friday night to beat St. Thomas Academy 78-67.
After week one, Hastings and Two Rivers each have two conference victories.
If the Raiders play the way they’re capable of, this team can go places this season.
“We believe we can be competitive and have a chance to win every game we play. If we can stay healthy and focused, we expect to be very competitive in the conference and the section. Overall, we have a young team still, but we have an experienced team since we played a lot of really young guys the past two seasons,” said Feikema.
Hastings played a tough non-conference slate this season to prepare for Metro East competition. The Raiders’ overall mark is 7-4.
“We are playing at a high level right now. We lost a couple of really close games to good teams and were able to re-focus on the things that matter after that wake-up call. As long as we can stay focused on the right things, we should continue to move in the right direction,” said Feikema.
Season success is dependent on four things, in the coach’s words:
•“We need to consistently pressure the ball defensively.”
•“We need to box out, rebound, and get the ball back.”
•“We need to run the floor.”
•“We need to stay healthy.”
The Raiders were raring to go as they stormed Simley in the opener. Hastings got contributions up and down the roster in the game. Kellen Nuyten led three scorers in double figures, hitting 8-13 shots from the floor en route to 19 points to lead all scorers. Matthew Foss drained three three-pointers and finished with 17 points. Weston Schult always has a well-balanced stat line, and this game was no exception. The junior guard had 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Owen Bernatz finished with nine points, and Lukas Foss added seven. Carter Lundstrom had three points, while Parker McGinnis, Payton Dean, Jacob Reuter and Marlowe Strain had two apiece.
Dean grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, and Bernatz dished five assists.
Against St. Thomas Academy, the Raiders jumped out to a 35-29 halftime lead and didn’t look back.
Bernatz had a monster game, finishing with 29 points and 13 rebounds. He drained four three-pointers and hit 5-5 from the free throw line. Dean had 16 points and eight rebounds. Schult scored nine points, Nuyten had eight and Kyan Esterby scored seven. Lukas Foss pitched in five points, and Matthew Foss and Strain each scored two.
After a Jan. 9 game at Mahtomedi, Hastings plays at South St. Paul Friday at 7 p.m. They then have a much-deserved week off, next hitting the court against Two Rivers on Friday, Jan. 19.