Comet Girls Sharpen the Details in Convincing Win Over Ashby

The Hillcrest Comet girls continued to show why December is about preparation as much as performance, earning a convincing 68–27 win over Ashby while putting on display the finer points of the game that often separate good teams from great ones.

From the opening possession, Hillcrest’s defensive pressure set a clear tone. Disciplined rotations and strong help defense disrupted Ashby’s rhythm and allowed the Comets to control the pace early. That attention to detail translated into a 40–15 halftime lead and reflected a team that understands how defensive intensity fuels everything else they want to do on the floor.

Offensively, the Comets played with confidence. Elsa Retzlaff looked comfortable and composed, leading all scorers with 27 points while making smart reads and letting the game come to her. Elin Retzlaff and Ella Knutson turned in outstanding all-around performances, impacting the game in multiple ways. Elin finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven steals, while Knutson added 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and six steals. These stat lines speak to effort and team-first basketball. Contributions from Aaveah Stender, Stella Moline, Paisley Peterson, and Natalie Maggert showed the depth and balance that continue to develop within the lineup.

Beyond the box score, this game revealed a team leaning into growth. The Comets executed their defensive schemes with precision, moved the ball unselfishly, and showed increasing patience in offensive sets. Those habits, communicating on defense, trusting the extra pass, finishing possessions with rebounds—are being reinforced now so they become second nature later.