The 2024-2025 season for the Hastings High School Raiders girls basketball team was a testament to resilience, growth, and the unwavering spirit of young athletes. Under the guidance of Head Coach Rick Tavernier, the Raiders navigated a challenging schedule, showcasing determination and laid a solid foundation for future success.
Season Overview
The Raiders embarked on their season with a series of non-conference matchups, aiming to build momentum and team cohesion. Early in the season, they faced formidable opponents, including a tough game against Farmington on December 28, 2024, during the Holiday Tournament, where they faced a setback with a 73-51 loss. This game highlighted areas for improvement and served as a catalyst for the team's development.
Against Mahtomedi, in a thrilling home game, the Raiders secured a narrow 56-54 victory, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure and execute in clutch moments. This was their first win over the Zephyrs in quite some time.
As the season progressed, the Raiders demonstrated significant growth, particularly in their defensive strategies and offensive executions. A standout performance was their commanding 82-29 victory over Tartan on February 18, 2025, at Hastings High School. This game showcased the team's ability to dominate both ends of the court, reflecting their hard work and dedication throughout the season.
In the Class 4A, Section 3 Quarterfinals on February 26, 2025, the Raiders showcased their determination by securing a 58-42 victory over Park of Cottage Grove, advancing to the semifinals. Their playoff journey concluded on March 1, 2025, with a hard-fought 58-44 loss to Eastview High School in the semifinals.
Key Players and Statistics
The Raiders' journey this season was propelled by the remarkable contributions of several key players:
Keagan McVicker: A senior guard who led the team on the floor and had an average of 15.0 points per game. McVicker's offensive prowess and leadership on the court were instrumental in the team's successes. McVicker had the second most total points this season with 406, adding to her already impressive career point total. She also had the second most rebounds for the Raiders with 156.
Haley Strain: Dominating the boards, Strain averaged 14.9 rebounds per game and 15.7 points per game, providing the team with crucial second-chance opportunities and anchoring the offense and defense with her presence in the paint. Strain joined two career 1,000 clubs. She attained 1,000 points on January 3 against Hill Murray, then 1,000 rebounds at Tartan on January 17. Strain led the team with 440 total points and 418 rebounds.
Violet Schult: A junior guard known for her defensive tenacity, Schult consistently disrupted opposing offenses and contributed significantly to the team's transition game. Schult led the Raiders from long range with 42 three-point shots made. That put her third overall for total points with 139.
Memorable Games
Several games this season encapsulated the Raiders' resilience and competitive spirit:
December 17, 2024,
Senior Acknowledgments
As the season draws to a close, it is essential to recognize and thank the graduating seniors for their dedication and contributions to the program: Keagan McVicker, Haley Strain, Rachel Notch, Kate Ruder, Evelynn McGree and Alyssa Leos. The Hastings community extends its heartfelt gratitude to these seniors for their unwavering commitment and wishes them success in their future endeavors.
Team Statistics
The Raiders' performance this season is reflected in their team statistics:
Scoring: The team accumulated a total of 1,600 points over 28 games, averaging approximately 57.1 points per game. Their ability to convert scoring opportunities was a key factor in many of their victories.
Rebounding: Averaging 40.8 rebounds per game, the Raiders dominated the boards, often outrebounding their opponents and creating additional scoring chances.
Defense: The team's defensive efforts were evident, holding opponents to an average of 50.2 points per game. Their aggressive defense led to numerous turnovers and fast-break opportunities.
Coaching and Support Staff
The achievements of the Raiders this season would not have been possible without the dedication of the coaching staff. Head Coach Rick Tavernier is settling in nicely in his second year at the helm. Year two had a much cleaner flow to it with Tavernier having the opportunity to expand his installation of his playbook.
Community Support
The Raiders' journey this season was bolstered by the unwavering support of the Hastings community, not just parents and family members. The students and many other community members showed up in force to cheer on these mazing student athletes.
Looking Ahead
As the Raiders look toward the 2025-2026 season, the mantle of leadership is set to pass to the current juniors, who have already demonstrated significant potential.
Brooke Mace: A junior guard known for her sharp shooting and court vision, Mace has shown glimpses of brilliance this season and is expected to take on a more prominent role next year.
Kaleigh Giesen: A junior forward that spent considerable time on the floor contributing on both ends of the court this season.
Piper Brockman: A junior guard that was not afraid to take both the long-range shots and drive the lane making plays off the bench for the Raiders all season.
Jillian McTague: A sophomore center who displayed maturity beyond her years, McTague's playmaking abilities and composure under pressure have been commendable.
These emerging talents, combined with the experience of returning players, provide a solid foundation for the future of Hastings girls basketball. Their development and performance will be crucial in building upon this season's foundation.
The experiences and lessons from the 2024-2025 season have equipped the team with valuable insights. With a blend of returning talent and incoming prospects, the Raiders are poised for continued growth and success in the 25-26 season. The dedication exhibited by both players and coaching staff sets a promising trajectory for the future of Hastings High School Girls Varsity Basketball.