Comets Rise Together: Hillcrest’s Grit and Unity Power Statement Win Over Sacred Heart
The Hillcrest Comets faced their toughest test of the young season on Tuesday night, welcoming state-ranked Sacred Heart into a physical, high-level matchup that demanded discipline and togetherness. When the final horn sounded on a 70–62 Comet victory, it was clear why this Hillcrest team is off to such an impressive start: they share the load and trust one another, and they respond together when the moment gets hard.
Hillcrest built momentum early, carrying a 39–26 lead into halftime behind balanced scoring and relentless defensive pressure. Sacred Heart showed why they are one of the top teams in the state, pushing back hard in the second half and eventually tying the game with just over four minutes to play. Rather than panic, the Comets leaned into their identity. They locked in defensively and executed with poise, supporting one another possession by possession.
Head coach Hannah Clark reflected after the game, “Tonight our girls got a chance go up against one of the top teams in the state. After a strong first half, I thought we showed real resilience fighting off a great second-half run by Sacred Heart. Despite the Eagles tying the game with about 4 minutes left, our girls were able to lock them down defensively, got some big stops, and converted at the other end.”
Elin Retzlaff led the way with 26 points, three rebounds, and four steals, repeatedly stepping up when the Comets needed timely baskets. “Elin was outstanding tonight. She led us in scoring and I thought she did a great job finding a way to score whenever our team needed a bucket,” Clark said. Elsa Retzlaff added 15 points and three steals, while Ella Knutson battled inside for nine points and seven rebounds.
One of the defining storylines of the night was the emergence of Brooke Swedberg, who delivered eight points, three steals, and multiple momentum-shifting plays down the stretch. Clark noted, “Brooke Swedberg had her biggest game of the season, with key steals and critical three-point baskets.” Contributions also came from Aaveah Stender (six points, three rebounds), Emme Berge (three points, six rebounds, three assists), and Stella Moline (three points), underscoring the depth and unity of the Comets.
Beyond the box score, the night showcased a team that celebrates each other, on the bench, in the huddle, and on the floor. Their discipline under pressure, gritty defensive resolve, and unified attitude allowed Hillcrest to close out a statement win against elite competition. As Coach Clark summed it up, “It was a super fun win and great team effort all around.”