Comets Fight Through Adversity and Eye Playoff Push With New York Mills Win

The Hillcrest Comets are proving what it means to be a battle-tested team. Coming off a grueling stretch of basketball filled with tough matchups, physical play, and a few bumps and bruises along the way, the Comets have emerged stronger, more unified, and now as conference champions. With that title secured, they now set their sights on something even more significant: being the number one seed in the section and making a deep playoff run.

Their latest victory against New York Mills showcased how far they’ve come. It wasn’t easy. The first half was a grind, as the Eagles’ defensive intensity forced Hillcrest into an uncharacteristically passive offensive performance. By halftime, the Comets trailed 16-21, struggling to find their rhythm.

But halftime adjustments and a newfound energy flipped the script. Hillcrest stormed out in the second half with determination, finding their offensive flow and locking in defensively to close the game strong, securing a hard-fought 48-42 victory.

Elsa Retzlaff led the charge with a standout performance, dropping 21 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and spark the offense was crucial in the second half. Elin Retzlaff was a force inside, nearly finishing with a double-double (11 points, nine rebounds), while Ruby Peterson’s all-around play (eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, five steals) proved instrumental in turning defense into offense.

Head coach Hannah Clark praised the team’s resilience.

"The first half was a struggle for us. New York Mills came out ready to defend and made things difficult. We were passive on offense, and our passes weren’t sharp. But at halftime, we made some adjustments, and the girls found more rhythm on the offensive end."

That response speaks volumes about the team’s growth. The Comets didn’t fold under pressure; they adapted, adjusted, and finished strong, a sign of their increasing maturity and toughness.

This game also highlighted the importance of Hillcrest’s depth. With players recovering from injuries, the team has had to rely on its bench in big moments over the past few weeks. That experience has been invaluable, as players like Kate Olstad (four points, seven rebounds) and Aaveah Stender (two points, four rebounds) stepped up in crucial situations to help secure the win.

With Hillcrest nearing full strength, the timing couldn’t be better. Their battle-tested roster heads into the playoffs with confidence, experience, and a championship mentality.

The Comets have proven they can grind out tough wins. They’ve shown they can adapt, grow, and overcome adversity. Now, with their eyes on a section title, they’re ready to take the next step in their journey.