The Comets Move-on To Section Semis

Behind a dominant, stat-filled performance on Saturday night, the Comets rolled past Hancock 80–44 to advance in the Section playoffs and earn a semifinal showdown Tuesday night in Minnewaska. With the win, Hillcrest continues to extend its season, and the numbers show a team hitting stride at exactly the right time.

From the opening tip, Hillcrest controlled every statistical category. The Comets built a commanding 40–19 halftime lead and matched that output with another 40-point half after the break. The 21-point halftime cushion was built on defensive pressure, rebounding dominance, strong ball-movement, and efficient scoring across the lineup.

Hillcrest shot 44% from the floor (30-of-67), including 42% from three-point range (12-of-28. That perimeter efficiency forced Hancock to stretch defensively, opening lanes inside where the Comets finished 18-of-39 from two-point range. At the free throw line, Hillcrest added 8-of-14. But it was the defensive side of the stat sheet that truly told the story.

The Comets forced 15 turnovers, collected 16 steals, and turned those takeaways into transition opportunities. They also won the rebounding battle decisively, out-rebounding Hancock 36–23, a +13 margin on the glass. That rebounding edge limited second chances and fueled Hillcrest’s tempo.

Ella Knutson delivered one of the most complete playoff performances of the season. She poured in 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, and added 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and a remarkable 11 steals. Her 11 steals were a direct reflection of Hillcrest’s defensive intensity and ability to disrupt Hancock’s rhythm. “I thought Ella had her best game of the season,” said head coach Hannah Clark. “She was assertive on both ends of the floor and it was fun to see her play with so much confidence.”

Elin Retzlaff added a powerful double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds while contributing 3 assists and 4 steals. Elsa Retzlaff chipped in 12 points and 7 boards, giving Hillcrest three players with at least seven rebounds. Emme Berge added 6 points and 4 assists while knocking down two three-pointers. Stella Moline scored 6 points on an efficient 2-of-3 shooting night. Aaveah Stender added 4 points and 7 rebounds, including key defensive boards in traffic. Brooke Swedberg and Paisley Peterson each contributed 3 points, with Peterson shooting a perfect 1-of-1 from the field.

Collectively, the Comets distributed 16 assists, showing balance and trust within the offense.

“Tonight was a fun game getting to play on our home court one last time this season,” Clark said. “I thought they played hard and intense for 36 minutes. We were able to control the pace of the game and I loved how in sync our defense was. We knew we’d have to rebound well and we accomplished that, out-rebounding the Owls by 13.”

Hancock was led by Taylor Nesvig with 16 points, but Hillcrest’s defensive focus limited consistent offensive rhythm.