Hillcrest Soars to #8 in Class A Rankings with Back-to-Back Statement Wins
The Hillcrest girls’ basketball team walked into the Grand Forks Holiday Tournament at #18 in Minnesota’s Class A rankings and walked out standing tall at #5—and they did it with two unforgettable, heart-pounding victories.
A Dominant First Impression
From the opening whistle against Sacred Heart, Hillcrest’s defense came out breathing fire. By halftime, the Comets had built a 42–19 lead that left the home crowd stunned. Then they turned that advantage into an emphatic 74–47 final score.
Junior guard Ruby Peterson was everywhere—knocking down buckets, dishing assists, and swiping steals. She was the engine driving the Comets’ fast-paced offense. Meanwhile, Ella Knutson owned the paint. She poured in 31 points on a sizzling 13-for-17 shooting clip, effortlessly carving her way through defenders and grabbing six rebounds.
But Ella and Ruby weren’t alone. Elsa Retzlaff showcased her power under the hoop with 13 points and eight boards, while Brooke Swedberg quietly added eight points of her own to help keep Sacred Heart on its heels. For a Comet squad still honing its identity, this blowout victory proved that relentless defensive pressure and balanced offense is their blueprint for success.
Thrilling Championship Showdown
That confidence carried over into the tournament championship against a formidable Kittson County Central team—arguably Hillcrest’s toughest opponent yet. Kittson County threw everything they had at the Comets, leading to multiple momentum swings in a nail-biter from start to finish.
Hillcrest’s fast tempo paid off once again, securing a 38–35 edge at halftime. But foul trouble tightened the rotation in the second half, forcing several Comet players to log heavy minutes. Under normal circumstances, tired legs might have slowed them down. Not this time.
Aaveah Stender stepped in, playing scrappy defense and coming up with key steals when the game felt like it could slip away. Elin Retzlaff and Ruby Peterson each buried clutch three-pointers in the waning minutes, turning a tense moment into a roar of celebration on the bench. Meanwhile, Elsa Retzlaff delivered a sensational performance on offense, pouring in 24 points and securing six rebounds—earning her a deserved spot on the All-Tournament Team. The Comets laser-focused determination carried them through the final buzzer, sealing a 72–70 win.
Rising in the Rankings—and on the Court
These two tournament wins not only propelled Hillcrest to the top of the Holiday bracket but also launched them from #18 to #8 in the Class A rankings. Watching the Comets grow over two intense games showed just how far they’ve come—and how much potential they still have. From Ella Knutson snaring MVP honors to Ruby Peterson fueling the offense at key moments, every player seemed to discover a deeper sense of purpose within Hillcrest’s blossoming identity as a team.
As the girls head into the Christmas break on a high note, they do so knowing their success goes beyond the final scores. Each athlete is learning how her individual strengths add new layers to a collective, ever-growing basketball family. With bigger matchups waiting in the new year, the Comets have proven they can handle the pressure. If these two heart-stopping victories are any indication, Hillcrest’s surge in the rankings may only be the beginning of an unforgettable season.