Raiders’ losing streak hits four games

Suburban East Conference opponents handed the Hastings boys basketball team two more losses last week, extending the Raiders’ losing streak to four games.

Hastings fell 62-55 Friday, Feb. 24, in a road game against Forest Lake – two days after losing at home to Woodbury.

The losses drop the Raiders’ overall record to 8-15 and 3-13 in the SEC.

Against Forest Lake, Hastings jumped out to a 27-25 first-half lead. Things didn’t go as well for the Raiders in the second half.

Head coach Chad Feikema said the Rangers utilized a height advantage and a one-three-one defense to its advantage.

“At times we attacked it really well,” he said. “Other times we looked really confused.”

Feikema said the Raiders – who average 5-foot-11 – gave up a big size advantage. He said Forest Lake recorded 20 points off offensive rebounds.

Senior Darius Wilkerson led the Hastings scoring attack with 19 points. Fellow senior Quintan Weaver scored 16, while DaShaun Harris added 12 for the Raiders.

Those three players were responsible for all but eight points against the Rangers.

“That’s not a good thing,” Feikema said.

The loss followed a Feb. 21 home defeat against Woodbury.

Feikema said the Raiders played the Royals closely through most of the first half, leading 23-22 at one point. Woodbury closed out the first half on a 15-0 run and went into intermission with a 37-23 lead.

Still, Hastings hung tough against the Royals – who were tied for first in the SEC at the time – and outscored them outscored them 34-32 in the second half.

Hastings played host Tuesday to Cretin-Derham Hall, the results from which were not available at press time.

The Raiders’ final regular season game is a Friday road match-up against SEC-leading Roseville.

Section 1AAAA brackets will be released Saturday. The road to the state tournament will likely have to go through Lakeville North, the No. 2-ranked team in the state.

Still, Feikema remained confident of his team’s chances – especially given its tenacity.

“I think we’re a dangerous team in section play,” he said. “Our guys will fight.”

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