Comets Soar in State Quarterfinal, Advance to Semifinal Showdown at Williams Arena
The Comets opened the Class A State Tournament in commanding fashion Thursday morning, soaring past NRHEG with an impressive 83–55 victory and punching their ticket to the state semifinal round. With the win, Hillcrest advances to face Mountain Iron-Buhl, the No. 1-ranked team in Minnesota Class A basketball, in a marquee matchup Friday at noon at Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
From the opening tip, the Comets looked poised and confident under the bright lights of the state stage. Hillcrest stormed out to an early lead and never looked back, building a 40–16 halftime advantage before closing the game with another strong offensive showing in the second half.
The Comets were powered by a dominant performance from Elin Retzlaff, who delivered a spectacular all-around game with 31 points, shooting 9-for-18 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, and knocking down 9-of-12 free throws. Her efficiency and ability to stretch the defense helped Hillcrest control the pace throughout the contest.
Elin was joined in the stat column by Elsa Retzlaff, who added 18 points while drilling four three-pointers of her own. Elsa also contributed across the stat sheet with five assists and five rebounds, helping the Comets move the ball effectively and maintain offensive rhythm. Together, the Retzlaff sisters accounted for 49 of Hillcrest’s 83 points, providing the offensive spark that set the tone for the Comets’ tournament opener.
Hillcrest’s success wasn’t just about star power, however. Just as they’ve done all season, the Comets delivered a balanced attack and efficiency across the lineup. Ella Knutson was highly efficient, scoring 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting (85%), while also recording five assists and five rebounds. Stella Moline chipped in nine points, including three field goals from the perimeter. Emme Berge added seven points while also contributing defensively with two blocks and three rebounds. Aaveah Stender contributed three points and was active on the glass with seven rebounds and was the difference in the paint, with Knutson, to lock in the win.
As a team, the Comets were highly effective offensively, shooting 46% from the field (29-of-62). They were especially dangerous from long range, hitting 14 three-pointers on 33 attempts (42%), a performance that stretched NRHEG’s defense and opened driving lanes throughout the game. Inside the paint, Hillcrest also held its own, shooting 51% on two-point attempts while controlling the rebounding battle with 31 total boards and distributing the ball for 18 assists as a team.
While the offense grabbed headlines, Hillcrest’s defense played a key role in creating separation early in the game. The Comets recorded 12 steals and six blocks, disrupting NRHEG’s rhythm and turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. That defensive intensity helped Hillcrest surge to the decisive halftime margin and forced NRHEG to chase the game throughout the second half.
With the quarterfinal win secured, the Comets now prepare for their biggest challenge yet. Hillcrest will face Mountain Iron-Buhl, the tournament’s top-ranked team and one of the most dominant programs in Class A basketball. The semifinal matchup is scheduled for Friday at noon at Williams Arena, placing Hillcrest on one of the most iconic basketball courts in Minnesota.