The Hastings girls basketball team closed out a demanding stretch with three games in six days, mixing strong performances with narrow margins that showed just how thin the line can be during the heart of the season. A home holiday tournament and a tough road game provided plenty of moments that tested poise, depth, and resilience.
Hastings opened the Holiday Tournament on its home floor with one of its most complete efforts of the season. The Raiders came out sharp on both ends, moving the ball well and turning defensive pressure into scoring chances. The lead grew steadily as the game went on, with Hastings controlling the paint and cleaning up the glass. The energy stayed high from start to finish, and the Raiders looked comfortable playing fast and confident basketball in front of the home crowd.
Hastings beat Mankato East 77-40. Jessica McTague led with 17 points, Piper Brockman added 16 points, Violet Schult had 10 points, Mya Bauer scored 8 points, and Lauren Wagner finished with 7 points.
The following night brought a very different challenge in the tournament championship. Hastings and Coon Rapids traded runs throughout regulation, neither side able to pull away. The game spilled into double overtime as both teams continued to push the pace and battle for every possession. Hastings fought through foul trouble and heavy minutes, attacking the rim and battling on the boards. In the end, a few late free throws and key possessions tipped the balance, sending Hastings to a second place finish in the tournament, a result that reflected how competitive the Raiders were across both games.
Hastings fell to Coon Rapids 82-79 in double overtime. Mya Bauer led with 21 points, Jillian McTague added 17 points, Piper Brockman had 16 points, Violet Schult scored 9 points, and Brooke Mace finished with 5 points.
The week ended with a dramatic road contest at Park High School, one that stayed intense from the opening tip. Hastings built a lead early and maintained it throughout the game, even as both teams cranked up full court pressure for most of the night. The aggressive defense made every pass and dribble a challenge, and the pace rarely slowed. Hastings continued to answer Park runs, protecting the lead through the second half and into the final seconds. Park finally broke through at the buzzer with a three pointer, handing Hastings a one point loss in a game that could have gone either way.
Hastings fell to Park of Cottage Grove 41-40. Mya Bauer led with 14 points, Piper Brockman added 10 points, Violet Schult had 5 points, Lauren Wagner scored 3 points, and Jillian McTague finished with 3 points.
The Raiders now sit at 4-7 overall, with several close games showing how competitive the group has become as the season moves forward.
Up next, Hastings returns home for a stretch of three straight games at Hastings High School, starting Friday against North St. Paul with a 6:30 p.m. tip. The Raiders then host Apple Valley on Tuesday, Jan. 13, followed by Tartan on Friday, Jan. 16, both scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Hastings will wrap up the stretch on the road Tuesday, Jan. 20, traveling to South St. Paul for a 7 p.m. start.