Abram Ness Leads Comets to Playoffs to Cap Historic Career

The dawning of another soccer playoff run begins today, and as the Comets embark on a State berth, Abram Ness leads the charge to cap a historic career.

Ness is raising the bar for the young Comet team that boasts a plethora of young talent. His leadership as a senior, with many underclassmen supporting his rise in the record books, has been a marker for a team that is maturing in confidence, stature, and execution on the field as they take their first step into playoffs today.

Throughout his years at Hillcrest,Ness has exhibited remarkable growth as an athlete and a young man. Ness's investment in the classroom and on the pitch has formed faith and developed knowledge and wisdom that has been a driving force in shaping him into a young leader who has achieved impressive feats.

Hillcrest soccer has a rich history of exceptional players, and Ness is now etching his name in its annals. Ness's journey began in 2020 and has since been on a meteoric rise. In the 2022 season alone, he scored an impressive 43 goals and contributed 21 assists, amassing a total of 107 points. These astonishing numbers solidify his position as one of the greatest scorers in Hillcrest’s renowned soccer program and mark the breaking of the HLA career points record. Surpassing the legendary Chris Pellegrino's record is no small feat, highlighting Ness's exceptional skill and determination.

While Ness might not have overtaken Chris Pellegrino's year goals record – a remarkable feat still standing in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) – he has undeniably left an indelible mark on the field and in the hearts of Hillcrest soccer fans.

Hillcrest soccer has seen some remarkable players in the past, each with their unique strengths and contributions. Names like Kevin Franco and Jorgen Grieve are etched in the history books of the Comets. Franco, known for his incredible skill, and Jorgen, whom the Division 1 powerhouse Northwestern recruited, left their marks in skill and execution on the field differently. On the other hand, Chris Pellegrino was a testament to grit and hustle, with an impressive All-State First Team recognition.

As Head Coach Rod Jensen fondly reminisces, it's not just about the numbers but the journey, the growth, and the legacy left behind by these young men who donned the Hillcrest jersey.

Coach Jensen's reflections on the years gone by and the players he's been blessed to work with reflect the deep connection between the coach, the players, and the sport. Now in his senior year, Abram Ness embodies much of Hillcrest’s soccer spirit – a blend of skill, character, leadership, and faith.

As Abram Ness and the young talents of Hillcrest's soccer team embark on their playoff journey, they carry the legacy of the past and the promise of the future. Ness's journey has been about breaking records, building character, demonstrating leadership, and inspiring the Comets to reach heights many were unsure they could achieve. Hillcrest soccer is more than a game; it's a tradition, a journey, and a legacy that Abram Ness is adding to.

The Comets received the #1 seed in the Class A Section 8A North division, and start their playoff run today at 4:30pm vs. Crookston on Danielsen Field.