The Hastings Raiders closed the regular season with a split week, finishing 16-10 and earning the No. 6 seed in the Section 3AAAA tournament. One more road test and one more strong home showing set the stage for postseason play, which begins Tuesday night.
Hastings opened the week on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with a trip to Tartan. The Raiders trailed just 22-20 at halftime after a competitive first half that featured strong outside shooting from Violet Schult. Hastings stayed within reach early in the second half, but Tartan pulled away with a 36-point surge after the break. The Raiders battled on the glass with 40 rebounds and continued to compete defensively, yet could not overcome the Titans’ second-half push.
Tartan beat Hastings 58-45. Violet Schult led with 24 points, Jessica McTague added 12, Mya Bauer had 5, Jillian McTague scored 3, and Brooke Mace finished with 1.
The tone was different Friday, Feb. 20, back at Hastings High School. It was Senior Night, and the Raiders made sure it was one to remember. Before tipoff, Hastings honored five seniors, Jordan Leos, Brooke Mace, Piper Brockman, Kayleigh Giesen, and Violet Schult, recognizing their commitment and leadership over the years. Once the game began, the Raiders carried that emotion onto the court.
Hastings jumped out to a 28-10 halftime lead over South St. Paul and never looked back. The defense set the pace, limiting clean looks and forcing tough possessions, while the offense shared the ball and controlled the tempo. Hastings dominated the boards with 47 rebounds and saw contributions throughout the lineup. Mya Bauer was efficient inside, going 6 for 6 from the field, and the seniors each played a role in capping their regular-season home careers with a win.
Hastings beat South St. Paul 55-28. Mya Bauer led with 13 points, Jessica McTague added 9, Jillian McTague had 7, Jordan Leos scored 7, and Piper Brockman finished with 4.
With the regular season complete, Hastings now turns its attention to section play. The Raiders, seeded sixth, will travel to face third-seeded Eagan on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. A win would move Hastings into the semifinals on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m., against the winner of Eastview and Burnsville. Both games will be played at the higher seed as Hastings looks to keep its season going.