Comets Lock In Defensively in 93–55 Win
The Hillcrest Comets put together their most complete performance of the season Tuesday night, overwhelming Brandon-Evansville 93–55 behind suffocating defense and disciplined rotations, a connected team effort on both ends of the floor.
From the opening possessions, it was clear the Comets’ recent practice emphasis on defensive rotation, close-outs, and help-side communication was translating directly to game execution. Hillcrest swarmed ball handlers and clogged driving lanes. They forced Brandon-Evansville deep into possessions, resulting in multiple shot-clock violations and contested looks throughout the night.
Hillcrest held Brandon-Evansville to just 0.82 points per possession, while generating 1.35 points per possession on the other end. Brandon-Evansville finished the night shooting 46.7% overall and 30% from three-point range, with many of those attempts coming late in the shot clock after Hillcrest took away first and second options. Adding to this, Hillcrest recorded 16 deflections, 17 steals, and 3 blocks, consistently turning defensive pressure into transition opportunities. Those stops fueled 25 transition points and 33 points off turnovers, allowing Hillcrest to stretch the game open quickly.
Offensively, Hillcrest matched its defensive intensity with precision and balance. The Comets shot an impressive 55.6% from the field and 48.0% from beyond the arc, finishing with a 65.1% effective field goal percentage. Inside, Hillcrest dominated the paint, scoring 46 points in the lane, while also knocking down 12 three-pointers to keep the floor spaced.
The first half set the tone. Hillcrest exploded for 53 points before halftime, building a commanding advantage through defensive stops and quick conversion opportunities. The Comets never allowed an offensive rhythm, and the pressure only intensified in the second half as Hillcrest continued to rotate fresh bodies and maintain energy.
Several Comets delivered standout performances within the team concept. Sean Berge led all scorers with 32 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting, adding 5 steals and 4 rebounds. Lincoln Nash followed with 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-6 beyond the arc. Ethan Swedberg added 8 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
Just as important as the scoring was Hillcrest’s collective execution. The Comets assisted on 17 baskets, controlled the glass with 19 defensive rebounds, and allowed just 5 transition points, a testament to sprint-back discipline and floor balance.
Head coach Donovan Rogness highlighted the team’s response following a challenging stretch coming out of the Christmas break. “Tonight was the rebound game we were hoping for after two tough losses during Christmas break. We came together as a complete team and played tough defense all night. Our defensive intensity led to good offensive play, and we shot the ball well from the field and the free-throw line. Great games by so many on the defensive side, and Sean and Lincoln led us well offensively.”