By John Molene

Hastings jumped out to an early 13-2 lead and held off host Henry Sibley for a 70-65 win in boys’ basketball action Thursday evening at Mendota Heights.

The Raiders evened their Metro East record at 7-7 with the victory.

Henry Sibley fell to 2-11 in the conference.

It was the third win in four games for the Raiders, each victory by five points or less.

Senior guard Jack Dunn scored 13 points to lead a very balanced Hastings offense. Junior guard Michael Mitchell, senior guard Evan McGinnis and senior forward Connor Deme scored a dozen points each.

“I was really happy with our effort in the second half,” said Hastings head coach Chad Feikema. “JP kind of tweaked his ankle again. He hurt it pretty good in the first half against Tartan and toughed it out that night. He aggravated it late in the first half and at halftime we made the decision that he should sit out the second half.

“So I was probably most happy with the response of the rest of the guys on the team,” Feikema added. “Some guys really stepped up and made some big plays. Evan had to handle the ball quite a bit tonight. Sawyer gave us quality minutes in the second half. Jack hit a couple of big shots. Connor really executed well and had 12 points. So some guys kind of off the bench and some other guys playing different roles than normal stepping up in the second half is the thing I was most happy with.”

Hastings led throughout. The Raiders used a fierce full-court press t create turnovers early and often in the first half. Hastings led 13-2 with four minutes gone, was up 25-14 and led 41-33 at the half.

The second half was more even, and Henry Sibley slowly closed to 69-63 with 11 seconds to play but Hastings held on for the win.

Hastings junior guard Michael Mitchell soars to the basket against Henry Sibley Thursday.

Photo by John Molene