Hastings vs. Mahtomedi
7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24

Hastings has dominated the Metro East Conference since its inception in 2014, notching league titles the last two years. But this season, Mahtomedi has a chance to prevent a three-peat. 

The Zephyrs (20-3, 11-1) are ranked No. 8 in Class 3A by Minnesota Basketball News and have the inside track to claiming the conference crown, leading Hastings by a game with two league contests to play.

Mahtomedi defeated Hastings earlier this season. Emma Grothaus, a Lehigh commit, had 24 points and Marisa Gustafson had 12 to help the Zephyrs outlast the Raiders in a 53-46 win on Jan. 24.

Though the Hastings (13-11, 10-2) may relinquish its grip on the Metro East this season, the Raiders will go down fighting and could threaten to win the title next year with a solid roster. Junior Krystal Carlson averages 19 points and nearly 10 rebounds a game. Freshman Mallory Brake (13.5 ppg) and sophomore Haylee Yaeger (12.6 ppg) provide Hastings with a solid platform to build upon.