Comet Boys Show Character in 3rd Straight Win
Hillcrest entered the 2022-23 season with a younger, less experienced team compared to recent years. “We need to continue to develop our emotional maturity and composure overall,” Head Coach Ryan Garvin noted after earning their second win. The Comets are employing several methods to build those qualities that bear fruit beyond the scoreboard.
“We're reading through the book of Titus multiple times throughout the year as a team,” Coach Garvin started. “Chapter 1, verse 8 speaks of being hospitable, loving what is good, being self-controlled and disciplined. I'm praying that for our team throughout this season.”
It appeared Coach Garvin’s prayers were answered, at least in part, after Hillcrest overcame a 12-5 deficit versus Hancock on Monday, December 12. Justin Peterson was notably missing from the lineup. Still, the Comets dug deep to reveal growing characteristics as they pulled from their deep bench to show grit, determination, and a strong understanding of how to face adversity.
“We took 36 shots (in the first half),” Coach Garvin highlighted. “Half of them were 3’s.” That response was not what pulled Hillcrest out of the rut. The Comets struggled to settle into an offensive routine in the first frame but found stability through consistent pressure on the defensive end. Gabe Swedenberg led the Comets in revealing the character of their team. Swedenberg gave the Comets a smothering on-ball defense, and the team responded with support off the pass from Noah Brumfield, Luke Christensen, and freshman Sean Berge. Sean racked up four steals and three deflections throughout the night as the team worked to make up for the absence of senior captain Justin Peterson. “The boys talked about making up for Justin’s presence on the defensive glass, and they did a good job fulfilling that role by committee,” Coach Garvin noted.
While Hillcrest controlled the game's flow on the defensive side of the court, their offensive play struggled through much of the game. “Lots of the shots we took, especially in the first half, are makeable shots for our boys, but our shot selection is a large part of the problem.” All Hillcrest needed was a few good offensive series to change that narrative, thanks to their defensive play. Midway through the final frame Coach Garvin called on the depth of his bench; resting his seniors, he pulled in a younger squad that pulled away. The younger squad passed nearly ten times each trip to the offensive side of the court. The crisp passes revealed holes in how the Owls were defending the Comets. Layups and open shots allowed the Comets to pull away to a ten-point lead and create a chasm the Owls weren’t able to cross. “I thought our shot selection in the second half was a huge plus for us. We were much more patient and made Hancock play defense in the half-court a bit more. An unofficial 14 assists in the second half tells that story well,” Coach Garvin noted, which sealed the path to their 65-54 victory.
Hillcrest looks to improve to 4-0 in Ashby on Monday, December 19 with a 7:15pm start time.