Comets Soar to Comeback Win Over Rockets

Junior Ethan Swedberg lowered his shoulder, slipped quietly behind the Underwood defense, and in one breathtaking moment, soared to snatch a perfectly placed lob pass in mid-air. Even as the Rockets scrambled, Swedberg twisted past the outstretched arms of multiple defenders and lobbed in a two-point dagger over the rim. With only two minutes left on the clock, his gravity-defying bucket swung the momentum for Hillcrest, effectively breaking the backs of the Rockets and sparking a final burst of Comet offense and defense that secured a thrilling 66-59 victory.

Hillcrest’s triumphant finish was a testament to their balanced team effort and unrelenting pressure on both ends of the court. Though the first half ended in a tie—thanks in part to a last-second layup by Junior Lincoln Nash, who contributed seven points on the night, the Comets returned from the locker room determined to impose their will. They tightened up their defense, swarming the Rockets and forcing errors that fueled a stronger offensive push.

Junior Sean Berge led the second-half charge. Despite picking up his fourth foul early in the half, he refused to ease off the gas, pouring in 17 of his game-high 18 points after intermission. His composure at the free-throw line in the closing moments ultimately helped Hillcrest keep Underwood at bay.

Swedberg’s electric play punctuated his own standout performance, finishing with 15 points, while Junior Zane Holmquist chipped in eight more crucial points to help power the Comets’ surge. With only two minutes remaining following Swedberg’s highlight-reel lob, Hillcrest continued to convert layups, sink free throws, and lock down on defense, dashing any hopes of a Rockets comeback.

After the game, Coach Rogness praised the team’s resilience:

“I said in the locker room before the game started that Underwood was going to be ready. And they were. What a tough game. Sean and Ethan both had great games in the post. They worked hard and were patient for their opportunities. We had great poise at the end of the game to finish out the victory.”

Improving their record to 8-4, the Comets now set their sights on a Friday night road matchup against Battle Lake.