Comets Pull Out Tough Win Over Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley
In the spotlight again, Elsa Retzlaff and Ella Knutson showcased their prowess on Tuesday night, driving the Hillcrest Comets to a thrilling 63-55 victory over Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley. As their dynamic duo continues to draw attention in the region, the unsung heroes of the Comet bench emerged as key players in this win.
Elsa Retzlaff dazzled with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals, while Ella Knutson provided a strong stat line with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. However, it was the depth of the team that truly shone during the stretches that secured the Comet’s victory. Kate Olstad contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds, Emma Berge chipped in with 5 points and 6 rebounds, Aaveah Stender secured 8 vital boards, and Brooke Swedberg showcased her defensive prowess with five steals.
“We got out to a fast start and then we stalled out and really struggled to get anything going the rest of the game,” noted Hillcrest Head Coach Hannah Clark. “We were without Ruby Peterson due to sickness and we really missed her veteran leadership. Tonight was a great opportunity for our young girls to show grit and demonstrate a wherewithal to figure out how to win a close game when things just weren’t clicking for us on either end of the floor. I was really proud of how they finished out the game.”
With a record of 4-2, the Comets now set their sights on the Sacred Heart Holiday Tournament in East Grand Forks on Thursday, December 28, and Friday, December 29. A key theme emerging this season is how the supporting cast from the Comet bench is proving that they are more than ready to step into crucial roles, ensuring that the Comets' continue to burn brightly going into the new year.
The match started strong for Hillcrest when Drew Fischer launched a rocket from 38 yards to beat the Laker keeper just six minutes into the game. Although Detroit Lakes quickly responded, tying the game 1-1, the Comets kept up their pressure. Lincoln Nash put the Comets back in the lead, following up a deflected shot from Junior Captain Kian Stender, with a second-half goal from Stender and another from Fischer sealed the victory.