In one of the toughest matchups they’ll face all season, the Hillcrest Comets Boys showed tremendous intensity and resolve Tuesday night, staving off a late surge from the physical Border West Buccaneers to secure a thrilling 59-57 home victory. Both teams expended every ounce of energy in a contest that demanded mental sharpness and physical endurance from tipoff to the final buzzer.

At Hillcrest, we celebrate a well-rounded approach to education. Yes, we want strong academics and a solid faith foundation, but we also recognize how vital it is to live out joy, service, and community. Whether belting out Christmas carols around town or getting a morning high five from a Hillcrest dad, each act reminds us that authentic leadership is about using our God-given gifts to bless others. And, as our students discover, that’s the heart of the classical model at Hillcrest: learning that leads to serving, all while growing deeper in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Alumni and friends of Hillcrest gave in a big way to end the calendar year. President Brad Hoganson is thanking them today for the way they have bolstered the vision and mission of Hillcrest to equip students for lives of eternal significance.

Amid the smothering defense and offensive fireworks that lead to the 78-32 win, Senior Kate Olstad scored her 1,000th career point—a remarkable milestone that reflects her unwavering work ethic and commitment.

The Comets dug deep Tuesday night, scrapping their way to a 59-50 victory over the Ashby Arrows. After a slow start that left them trailing by three at the half, the boys found an extra gear in the second, outscoring Ashby 35-23 to seal the win.

President Brad Hoganson has a special greeting, with a testimony from Patrick Genius, a student from Norway. We are excited for what God has in store for Hillcrest Academy.

As the girls head into the Christmas break on a high note, they do so knowing their success goes beyond the final scores. Each athlete is learning how her individual strengths add new layers to a collective, ever-growing basketball family. With bigger matchups waiting in the new year, the Comets have proven they can handle the pressure. If these two heart-stopping victories are any indication, Hillcrest’s surge in the rankings may only be the beginning of an unforgettable season.

The Comets displayed resilience and discipline, outscoring the Chargers by seven points in the second half. Their defensive tenacity and ability to execute under pressure proved to be the deciding factors in a game that was as much a mental battle as a physical one.

The spark for the Comets 74-36 win came from Sean Berge, who dazzled with a 23-point performance, including four long-range three-pointers that left the Battlers scrambling. Ethan Swedberg added to the offensive firepower, scoring 14 points and solidifying the team’s balanced attack.

“Ella and Elin both had nice all-around games,” Coach Hannah Clark noted of the 76-46 win. “Ruby continues to be so solid for us on both ends of the floor,” Clark continued, noting that the game was a genuine team effort; every player embraced her role and played with visible joy and determination.

The game started in a flurry, as both teams traded blows throughout the first half. At the break, the Comets clung to a narrow 41-40 lead, with Hancock’s star, Karleigh Rohloff, showing her scoring prowess early. Hillcrest never flinched. Instead, they responded with a balanced attack, featuring the savvy defensive play of senior guard Ella Knutson and the disruptive anticipation of Ruby Peterson, whose relentless effort on defense sparked crucial turnovers.

There’s power in thanksgiving weekend. Lately, I've intentionally noticed where God is moving and am thankful to see it. This past week, it’s been in our students' laughter, our teachers' dedication, and our community.

God is faithful, and Kate has seen that in her life. She shares that with students and staff alike as she spoke in chapel recently. She reflects on her family dynamics, highlighting her role as the feisty third child among her siblings. Kaitlin emphasizes the significance of the devotionals and Bible studies her parents conducted, which shaped her understanding of God. The main focus of her talk is on God's faithfulness, and she discusses how this belief manifests in her life. Kate recounts her experience with confirmation class, where her grandpa was her teacher, and how it sparked a lasting habit of reading the Bible. Through this practice, she discovers God's unwavering faithfulness to His people. Tune in to hear Kate's inspiring insights and the impactful ways her faith has developed.

The Comets’ hard work and determination were palpable throughout the game. Their unity and willingness to leave everything on the court spoke volumes about their approach this season. With this impressive opening win, Hillcrest has made it clear: they’re not just playing to win; they’re playing for each other.

The fifth graders used Dr. Kathy Koch’s concept of the “8 Smarts” to creatively express worship in ways that reach all learners. They performed a skit and gave teaching to give a special teaching on worship. Mrs. Diniz explains, "Worship is more than singing songs. It’s using our voices, our minds, and our hearts to connect with God, to honor Him, and to invite others to see Him at work in our lives.” This belief in an all-encompassing approach to worship is the foundation of Hillcrest’s classical model, where learning and worship are woven together to deepen students' understanding and love for God.

Down early in the fifth and final set, the Comets battled back to face a 10-12 deficit that had the season hanging in the balance. But instead of tensing up, something extraordinary happened. During a time-out called by Coach Foss, the players returned to the court with smiles on their faces. Fans noticed the change in their demeanor as the team started cheering louder for each other. They weren’t just playing to win; they were playing with joy, a rare sight in such a high-pressure moment.

Starting from an unfavorable box position, Katie wasted no time in the conference meet. She initially pushed hard, quickly securing a spot in the lead pack. She maintained a solid fourth-place position for the first two laps, with a steady pace demonstrating her experience and tactical expertise. However, as the race neared its final stretch, a competitor pushed to overtake her. Though Katie fought to keep pace, a slight gap opened as they entered the final 200 meters. She pushed through a challenging pack and stamped her ticket to the state cross-country meet last week.

Numerous studies emphasize the profound impact of community during difficult times. When people face crises, they rely heavily on their internal faith and the external support of their faith community. This dual strength—inner faith and communal backing—gives children a strong defense against feelings of depression and doubt.