Retzlaff Hits 1000 as Comets Win in Battle Lake
In a night etched into Hillcrest Comets history, a restless crowd rose to its feet early in the first half when freshman Elsa Retzlaff squared up on the wing and sent a deep three-pointer soaring through the net—claiming her 1,000th career point. This remarkable milestone, achieved by a ninth-grader, set the tone for a dominating 72–39 victory over the Battle Lake Battlers and underscored the Comets’ team identity: tough defense breeds explosive offense.
From the opening tip, the Comets swarmed the Battlers, pressuring every pass and contesting every shot. That intensity showed up in the stat sheet. Retzlaff, fresh off her historic basket, finished with 23 points—shooting a scorching 6-for-8 from beyond the arc—while adding four rebounds and three steals. Her leadership on both ends fueled Hillcrest’s early 55–23 halftime lead, but Retzlaff wasn’t the lone firepower.
Alongside her, Ruby Peterson showcased her two-way prowess with 15 points, four assists, and four steals, consistently turning defensive stops into smooth offensive possessions. Elin Retzlaff pumped in 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and tallied five steals, amplifying the team’s relentless pace. Underneath the basket, Ella Knutson and Aaveah Stender battled for control of the boards—combining for eight points and eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, Kate Olstad, who scored her 1,000th point earlier this season, joined the on-court celebration with a well-timed three-pointer, and Stella Moline and Brooke Swedberg each chipped in three of their own. Emme Berge orchestrated from the perimeter, posting four assists, three steals, and two points, keeping Hillcrest’s offense humming and spotlighting the group’s unselfish brand of basketball.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Comets stood tall at 72–39, buoyed by a defense that suffocated the Battlers and an offense that capitalized on nearly every transition opportunity. According to Head Coach Hannah Clark, “The girls came out and played aggressive defense, which generated some good looks on offense.” That balance of discipline and intensity continued to wear down Battle Lake, as Hillcrest swung the ball quickly to find open shooters and surgically dissected the Battler defense.
Celebrating Retzlaff’s 1000th point, Hillcrest also showcased the unity that makes accomplishments like hers possible. “She’s one of the most selfless and hardest working players I have ever coached,” lauded Coach Clark, adding how Retzlaff’s milestone is a testament to hours in the gym and the unwavering support of teammates.
On this unforgettable evening, the Comets reaffirmed they are more than high scorers—they are a fortress of defense whose trust in each other translates seamlessly to an offense fueled by hustle and heart. And in the wake of Elsa Retzlaff’s soaring three-pointer and milestone moment, Hillcrest’s team defensive stand as a strong identity, fueling their electrifying offensive one possession at a time.