Comets Make History: Hillcrest Girls Punch First-Ever Ticket to State Tournament

For the first time in program history, the Comet girls’ basketball team is headed to the Minnesota Class A State Tournament. Behind a dominant offensive performance and relentless defensive effort, the Comets defeated Breckenridge 67–52 on Friday night to secure their place among the final eight teams in the state and continue what has already become a historic season.

Hillcrest controlled the game from the outset, building a 39–25 halftime lead and maintaining that momentum throughout the second half. Head coach Hannah Clark praised her team’s composure in such a high-stakes game. “I’m so proud of how hard and how poised the girls played tonight,” Clark said. “These girls have put in a ton of time and effort and I’m so happy for them to get the chance to keep playing.”

Elin Retzlaff delivered one of the most dominant performances of the Comets’ season, finishing with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. She shot an efficient 11-for-14 from the field (78 percent), including 4-for-7 from three-point range and 6-for-10 from the free throw line. Clark noted how Retzlaff’s confidence shaped the flow of the offense. “Elin had an amazing game. She plays so confident and she doesn’t force anything. She let the game come to her and I thought her ability to score made everyone play more freely on offense.” Retzlaff’s scoring came in waves throughout the game, forcing Breckenridge to constantly adjust defensively. Whether attacking the rim, finishing in the midrange, or hitting from beyond the arc, she proved nearly impossible to contain.

While Elin led the scoring, Hillcrest’s depth and balance proved equally important in the win. Elsa Retzlaff orchestrated the offense with a stellar all-around performance, finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. She shot 6-for-12 from the field and added a three-pointer while helping control the pace of the game. “I thought Elsa did such a nice job handling ball pressure and initiating our offense,” Clark said. “Her decision making when she’s got the ball in her hands really helps control the tempo of the game.”

Aaveah Stender added 11 points and 6 rebounds while shooting 4-for-6 from the field and knocking down a three-pointer. Her physical presence inside helped anchor the Comets defensively while also providing efficient scoring opportunities. Clark credited Stender for controlling the interior. “Aaveah controlled the paint on the defensive end,” she said.

The Comets received important contributions from throughout the roster. Stella Moline delivered one of the most efficient shooting performances of the night, scoring 9 points while going a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range. Her timely perimeter shooting stretched Breckenridge’s defense and provided critical momentum for Hillcrest. “Stella gave us some huge minutes and hit some big shots,” Clark noted.

Ella Knutson contributed across multiple areas with 2 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, helping facilitate the offense and clean up on the glass. Her ability to distribute and defend added balance to Hillcrest’s lineup. Meanwhile, Emme Berge anchored the defensive effort on the boards, pulling down 8 rebounds and providing toughness from the perimeter to the paint. “Emme and Ella’s defense and rebounding always gives us toughness and energy,” Clark said. “I thought they did a great job limiting Breck’s guards’ ability to get open looks at the basket.”

As a team, Hillcrest shot an impressive 56 percent from the field, converting 25 of 44 shots overall. The Comets were especially efficient inside the arc, making 16 of 22 two-point attempts (72 percent), while also hitting 9 three-pointers on 22 attempts (40 percent). Hillcrest also controlled the glass with 35 total rebounds while dishing out 18 assists, highlighting the team’s balanced approach and ball movement. Defensively, the Comets recorded 7 blocks and 6 steals while forcing key stops during critical moments of the game.

The victory marks a milestone moment for Hillcrest. In a program filled with strong teams and memorable seasons, this group has accomplished something no previous Comets squad has done: reaching the Minnesota State Tournament. For the players, coaches, and community surrounding Hillcrest, the moment represents the culmination of years of work, discipline, and belief.