Comets Leap From Senior Night to 63-29 Win over NCE-UH

Tuesday night’s matchup against the Rothsay Tigers wasn’t just another game for the Hillcrest Comets. It was a celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and the spirit of a senior class that has given everything to the program. With a commanding 62-38 victory, the Comets didn’t just clinch the Little Eight Conference title; they solidified the heart and soul of a team built on grit, determination, and unwavering support for one another.

The night belonged to the seniors, but perhaps no one embodied the significance of the moment more than Isaac Iverson. A staple in practice, Iverson has tirelessly worked behind the scenes, pushing his teammates, challenging the starters, and preparing the Comets for success. Senior Night, however, was his moment to shine, and shine he did.

Iverson wasted no time after the opening tip, setting the tone, catching a kick-out pass in the corner, and draining a three-pointer that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The shot was a statement. As the Comets built momentum, Iverson continued to be the spark plug, scoring the team’s first seven points and igniting a first-half surge that put Rothsay on its heels. The Comets stormed into halftime with a 37-20 lead, fueled by suffocating defense and sharpshooting from beyond the arc.

While senior Preston Berge led all scorers with 20 points, and junior Sean Berge chipped in 10, the night’s defining moment came in the closing minutes. As the game neared its end, Iverson again found himself with the ball. From well beyond the arc, just a step inside the Hillcrest logo, he let it fly. The ball soared through the air, and when it splashed through the net, the Comets' bench erupted. It was a full-circle moment: the player who had given so much in practice had just put the exclamation point on a conference-clinching win.

“All our seniors have worked very hard and have impacted our program, team, and season in meaningful and positive ways.” Head Coach Donovan Rogness started. “The team came ready to play, and it really was a complete game fed from our defense. Isaac Iverson got his first varsity start tonight and scored our first seven points with two quick threes. Preston Berge had an overall excellent game, being our high scorer at 20 points and playing a well-rounded game defensively, battling for rebounds. Cohen Draxten also started and played great minutes tonight. We continue to improve on limiting our turnovers and communication on defensive assignments and rotations.”

The celebration didn’t end at the buzzer. Comet players stayed on the court, signing posters and taking pictures with fans, soaking in a night that symbolized everything they had worked for. It wasn’t just about the win; it was about a team coming together, celebrating each other’s success, and recognizing that every role matters in building a championship culture.

Hillcrest carried that same intensity into their next matchup against Norman County East-Ulen Hitterdal, locking in defensively and cruising to a dominant 63-29 victory. From the opening tip, the Comets set the tone with relentless pressure, holding the Titans to just nine first-half points and building a commanding 38-9 lead at the break. The defensive effort was a true team performance, with active hands forcing turnovers, strong communication, and disciplined positioning limiting the Titans’ offensive looks. Hillcrest controlled the boards and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities, never letting up throughout the game.

Offensively, the Comets spread the scoring around with nine different players contributing. Lincoln Nash led all scorers with 17 points, knocking down five three-pointers. Sean Berge added 10 points while providing standout defense and rebounding. Kian Stender gave a lift off the bench with nine points, while post players Ethan Swedberg and Preston Berge battled on the glass and made smart kick-outs when doubled.

Coach Rogness praised his team’s effort on both ends of the floor:

“This was a complete game from the team, and I am proud of them. We had patience on offense and were efficient within our possessions, taking care of the ball and limiting turnovers. I loved the unselfish play and how we shared the ball and found great shots tonight. Defensively we worked hard, communicated well, and played as one focused and engaged defensive unit.”

With two games remaining before playoff seedings are set, the Comets are uniting and pushing strong into the postseason. Sitting at 18-6, they travel to Lake Park-Audubon on Tuesday before hosting Mahnomen-Waubun on Friday for their regular season finale. This final stretch is about sharpening their identity, sustaining their momentum, and continuing to celebrate the dedication that defines this team.