When students see all knowledge as part of God’s revelation, it profoundly impacts how they form their identity. They come to understand themselves first as children of God—learning about their purpose and dignity from His design. But identity formation at Hillcrest isn’t passive or solitary; it’s practiced in community.

Coming off a season in which the Comets relied heavily on two leading scorers, this year’s squad has found its stride by involving teammates in the scoring column, and that versatility was on full display. Junior Kian Stender sparked the first-half surge, drilling three triples, finishing the game with 11 points. The Comets collectively went 7-for-11 from beyond the arc in the opening half, a testament to their growing confidence and willingness to share the ball. Meanwhile, juniors Drew Fisher and Zane Holmquist set the tone defensively, holding their matchups in check and generating transition opportunities.

Heading into the final stretch, Hillcrest proved why they remained undefeated in regulation going into this game. The Comets orchestrated a thrilling come-from-behind push in the last three minutes, sparked by Elin Retzlaff's leadership. Retzlaff poured in 35 points, snagged six rebounds, and tallied three steals and three assists before sitting on the bench with five fouls two minutes into the overtime frame.

The Comets continue to dig deep and rally around each other, proving that their strength lies in unity. Night after night, they demonstrate that it’s not about stopping a single player—it’s about figuring out how to withstand the entire Comets squad. And as long as they keep sharing the load and celebrating the team, it doesn’t look like anyone will be slowing them down anytime soon.

There’s no question that the Comets are progressing at the right time, with playoffs on the horizon. Preston Berge, in particular, has been a key contributor to Hillcrest’s cohesion and success. The senior poured in 16 points against the Vikings, and his willingness to take big shots—even one from way beyond the arc with the game on the line—embodies his growth. Each week, Berge looks stronger, more confident, and more ready to lead his teammates.

As the Comets continue pushing toward the playoffs, their commitment to self-discipline and team unity is evident in how they share the ball offensively and lock down on defense. Their “hip-to-hip” mentality on defense is more than a visible takeaway from game situations; it symbolizes their camaraderie and collective effort to strengthen one another.

This past week, students saw with their own eyes, hundreds of students their age–the Pro-Life generation–who refuse to accept current cultural norms, ready to speak out for better choices and spread this message not merely to make abortion illegal, but to change hearts and make it unthinkable. This is Pro-Life.

Be encouraged: The future of our nation is in thoughtful and loving hands.

The Comets’ elevation into one of the top teams in Class A has been fueled by a roster that believes in each other and executes Coach Clark’s vision of disciplined, team-first basketball. Each player is seamlessly embracing her role, and that synergy was on full display against the Owls.

As the Comets prayed, spoke, and cheered on the younger students, the school community was reminded that the classical model extends beyond textbooks. It’s a lifelong journey of cultivating intellect, faith, and character. It’s a journey enriched by mentors who walk the path first, inspiring those who come after to do the same. May we continue to celebrate and support these dynamic role models as they shine their light—on and off the basketball court.

Hillcrest’s comeback finish was a testament to their balanced team effort and unrelenting pressure on both ends of the court. Though the first half ended in a tie, thanks in part to a last-second layup by Junior Lincoln Nash, who contributed seven points on the night, the Comets returned from the locker room determined to impose their will. They tightened up their defense, swarming the Rockets and forcing errors that fueled a stronger offensive push in the final minutes to drive a 66-59 victory and push the Comets to 8-4 on the season.

While cross-country skiing might appear to be just another sport at first glance, there’s something uniquely immersive and contemplative about it. Surrounded by God’s creation, students at Hillcrest learn perseverance as they push onward through challenging terrain. They also experience quiet moments where their minds can wander to the greatness of God’s handiwork—those bare trees and gently falling snow become a living illustration of the Lord’s creativity.

In a night etched into Hillcrest Comets history, a restless crowd rose to its feet early in the first half when freshman Elsa Retzlaff squared up on the wing and sent a deep three-pointer soaring through the net—claiming her 1,000th career point. This remarkable milestone, achieved by a ninth-grader, set the tone for a dominating 72–39 victory over the Battle Lake Battlers and underscored the Comets’ team identity: tough defense breeds explosive offense.

After a tough loss to the Park Christian Falcons, the Comets shook off a sluggish start and carried a 29-20 edge into the locker room at halftime. Head Coach Donavan Rogness acknowledged the team’s early lull but credited his players for flipping the switch in the second half to earn a 67-36 win Tuesday night.

The classical education model values exposure to the great books of Western civilization—not only so that students gain an affinity for them but also to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and maturity. Reading The Iliad, for instance, challenges students to grapple with themes like heroism and the consequences of pride. The Odyssey demonstrates the importance of perseverance, loyalty, and identity, while Herodotus invites reflections on human nature, cultural values, and divine providence. Tableau takes these vital lessons and moves them from head knowledge to heart conviction.

By halftime, Hillcrest held a 31–23 lead. Coach Hannah Clark noted how proud she was of her squad’s execution, saying, “They are an unselfish group of girls who continue to buy into their roles for the success of the team.” True to that statement, several Comets contributed after the break. With Underwood keying in on Elsa, senior guard Elin Retzlaff shouldered the scoring load in the second half, attacking the rim with confidence and pouring in a game-high 19 points.

Although the Comets and Falcons each came away with one win apiece, the true highlight of the night was the competitive spirit and camaraderie between these two friendly rivals. Fans were treated to scrappy defense, timely shooting, and the kind of atmosphere that only high school sports can bring. With plenty of season left, both squads will continue to refine their games and aim for a strong finish.

In yet another standout performance that underscores why they’re one of the top teams in the state, Hillcrest Comets Girls Basketball cruised past Rothsay with a dominant 72–36 victory. From the opening whistle, Hillcrest’s was fueled by more than a solid game plan and talented athletes. On any given night, any one of the Comets players can step up at a key moment to fuel the team to pull away. It reveals their incredible trust in each other and an unwavering resolve to band together for a common purpose.

The Comet Boys are finding their stride, powered by a resilient defense that relies on help defense and quick passes. Through the past week of Basketball, fans witnessed a Comet team coming together. In Tuesday night’s home showdown against the New York Mills Eagles, the Comets’ energetic start and unrelenting pressure forced 20 turnovers—15 of them in the first half alone—helping Hillcrest jump out to an 18-point lead. At the final buzzer, the Comets locked up a 76-34 victory behind their suffocating defense, holding the Eagles to just 14 points in the second half.

In a classical education, students progress from absorbing concrete truths (grammar), to grasping their deeper meanings (logic), to applying them in real life (rhetoric). Joy, commonly recogized as a “genius quality,” is especially vital for students to explore and develop. Joy fuels curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning—a spark that ignites both the imagination and the heart. This is one reason chapel matters so deeply at Hillcrest. It reinforces that real knowledge is never just intellectual—it’s transformational, guiding kids to integrate faith and wisdom.

In a game where most things that have come naturally all season suddenly felt difficult, the Hillcrest Comet Girls leaned on their unity, resiliency, and gritty possession-by-possession focus to secure a 78–56 victory over a determined Parkers squad.