The Hastings Raiders girls' basketball team, now in its second season under head coach Rick Tavernier, kicked off the 2024-25 season with a resounding victory over the Burnsville Blaze on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The Raiders showcased their dominance from the opening tip-off, cruising to a 62-27 win in front of an excited home crowd.
Fast Start and Early Lead
The game began with Hastings winning the tip-off, and they wasted no time establishing control. The Raiders went on an 11-point run to open the game, building a comfortable lead that Burnsville would never be able to recover from. The defense was stifling, with Hastings forcing multiple turnovers and capitalizing on those opportunities with fast-break points. In addition to their defensive pressure, the Raiders consistently controlled the boards, limiting Burnsville’s second-chance opportunities.
As the first half wore on, the Raiders' offense continued to roll. They maintained a fast tempo and executed well, finishing the half with a commanding 39-10 lead. With the game well in hand, Coach Tavernier opted to rest many of the starting players in the second half, allowing his bench to gain valuable experience while still maintaining a comfortable lead. The final score of 62-27 reflected the team’s complete dominance from start to finish.
Standout Performances
Keagan McVicker led the Raiders with 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in just 20 minutes of play. Her scoring was efficient, and she showed her ability to create turnovers and convert those into fast-break points. Brooke Mace also contributed significantly, finishing with 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 16 minutes of play. Her perimeter shooting was sharp, and she was a constant threat on the offensive end.
Violet Schult turned in an all-around performance, tallying 8 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 25 minutes. Schult’s vision and passing were key in helping the Raiders maintain their offensive flow, while Haley Strain added 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, providing a spark on both ends of the floor.
With a strong and experienced lineup, the Raiders showed that they are ready to compete at a high level this season. Four out of the five starters have multiple years of experience, and the chemistry on the court is evident, especially with the continuity of having the same head coach for a second consecutive year. Coach Tavernier has built a foundation of strong defense, unselfish ball movement, and fast-paced play, and it looks like this season’s Raiders team will be both competitive and entertaining.
Looking Ahead
The Raiders’ next chance to take the court comes on Friday, Dec. 6, when they face St. Paul Como Park at 6:30 p.m. The team remains home for a matchup against St. Croix Prep on Dec. 11, also at 6:30 p.m. Fans can expect more exciting basketball as the Raiders look to build on this strong season opener and make a run for the top of the conference standings.