By Bruce Karnick

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Tuesday, February 16th, Hastings travelled to Hill Murray to face the Pioneers for the second time this season after the close 72-70 win earlier in the season in Hastings.

The Raiders trailed 21-24 at the half due in part to a stifling defense by Hill Murray and missed shots by the Raiders. The second half was a different story. Hastings came out patient but accurate and held the Pioneers to 26 second half points while netting 36.

Led by Michael Mitchell and Carter Olson, both had 15, the Raiders won 57-50. Japhe Gudissa put up nine and Connor Deme eight.

Thursday, Mahtomedi came to town for their second game against Hastings this season. The first meeting had the Zephyrs thump the Raiders 85-63. You know the Raiders were looking for revenge.

Hastings had the lead at the half 36-30 with Evan McGinnis leading the way for the Raiders. Unfortunately for Hastings, they could not stop Mahtomedi’s leading scorer Will Underwood, who had 30. The final, 68-65 Mahtomedi.

Leading scorers for Hastings were: Mc-Ginnis with 26, Michael Mitchell with 14 and Japhe Gudissa with 10.

With the loss, Hastings fell to 3-6 on the season which places them in a fourth in the standings behind Tartan at 5-1, Mahtomedi at 7-1 and South St. Paul at 9-0.

Up next for the Raiders, at Simley on Tuesday the 23rd, at home against St. Thomas on Friday the 26th and Home again on Tuesday the second against North St. Paul.