Knutson Scores 1000th in Strong Team Win at Park Christian

The Hillcrest Comets Girl's Basketball team clinched a decisive victory over the Park Christian Falcons this weekend with a final score of 66-51. This win was especially significant as it marked a powerful comeback after their recent loss to Underwood, a game where the Comets showed immense promise but eventually ran out of steam. The team's journey to this win began earlier in the week with a dramatic win against the Rothsay Tigers, showcasing their ability to pull through with late-game heroics.

The Saturday game saw the Comets emerge with remarkable strength and maintain their momentum throughout. The keys to their success were their excellent off-ball movement and potent entry passes, particularly to standout sophomore Ella Knutson. Knutson, who impressively scored her 1000th point during the game, was a force in the paint. Her performance showcased her individual talent and opened opportunities for her teammate, Elsa Retzlaff. Retzlaff led the scoring for the night with 24 points, demonstrating poise in slashing to the basket and consistently finishing strong despite contested shots and contact in the paint.

The game was a testament to the Comets' ability to play beyond their years. Their strategy of attacking the paint and creating offense off the dribble was executed flawlessly. Other notable performances included Kate Olstad, with her tenacity in rebounding, and Ruby Peterson, who contributed both offensively and defensively.

Head Coach Hannah Clark proudly highlighted her players' determination and skill. "The girls came out with a ton of firepower. They took control of the game early and never looked back," she stated. Clark praised Retzlaff's offensive prowess and commended Knutson and Peterson for their all-around game, disrupting Park Christian's offense and making it challenging for them to find easy shots. She also lauded Olstad for her toughness and significant contributions on the boards.

A special acknowledgment is reserved for Ella Knutson, celebrating her 1000th career point. Coach Clark noted, "Ella is such a hard worker and has spent countless hours in the gym. She’s a great basketball player, a great teammate, and a wonderful person! I’m so proud of her and all that she has accomplished thus far in her career."

The Hillcrest Comets' victory over Park Christian is a win in the record books; it reflects the team's unwavering spirit, tactical acumen, and their dedication to the sport.

Hillcrest (9-4, 6-2 LEC) has home games on Tuesday against Battle Lake and on Friday against Hancock.

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