Comets Push Through Adversity for Important Road Win

In a game where most things that have come naturally all season suddenly felt difficult, the Hillcrest Comet Girls leaned on their unity, resiliency, and gritty possession-by-possession focus to secure a 78–56 victory over a determined Parkers squad.

Parkers came out with a strong game plan, effectively knocking the Comets out of their usual rhythm and forcing Hillcrest to work for every shot. Their defense limited clean looks at the basket, and they matched that effort with confident shooting on the offensive end.

Despite the challenge, the Comets proved their mettle, especially in the final minutes. “Our girls’ decision-making in the last four minutes of the game helped us secure the win,” said head coach Hannah Clark. “I liked seeing the girls gut out a win when things weren’t coming easy.”

It was a total team effort, led by a balanced scoring attack. Elsa Retzlaff paced Hillcrest with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, using her court vision to create scoring opportunities. Elin Retzlaff also put her stamp on the game, racking up 17 points, six assists, and six steals in a dynamic two-way performance. Aaveah Stender (17 points) and Ella Knutson (17 points, six assists, four steals) joined the scoring surge, combining timely offense with defensive tenacity. Meanwhile, Kate Olstad (four points) and Ruby Peterson (three points) helped round out the team effort.“Parkers played a good game tonight,” Coach Clark added. “They took us out of our rhythm and shot the ball well, but our late-game composure and aggressive defense made the difference.”

A particular bright spot was Stender’s second-half play, where she delivered clutch baskets to swing momentum in Hillcrest’s favor. “Aaveah Stender played really well for us tonight. She made some big baskets in the second half,” Clark noted.

Though the final margin seemed comfortable, the road there was anything but—proving just how vital resilience can be. The Comet Girls’ unity and relentless possession-by-possession approach lifted them over a strong challenge and showed that this team can persevere when the game doesn’t come easy.