“We got seven consecutive stops on defense to start the game and those stops started with the great effort out front form Gabe Swedenburg and Noah Brumfield who swarmed the Johnnie’s ball handlers well in the first half, turning steals into points,” commented Hillcrest Head Coach Ryan Garvin.  “We did a great job running the floor in the first half off of misses and makes, and we did a great job of finding the open man in our secondary transition.”

Preston Berge led the Comets with 6 assists, while Swedenburg and Petersen added 3 each.  Hillcrest won the rebounding battle 38-24.  They were led by Brumfield and Berge with 7 boards each and Levi Christensen with 6.

“In the second half we were able to give a lot of guys some additional time and experience,” said Garvin.  “I thought each of those guys came in and contributed some nice things on the offensive and defensive ends.”

Erik Bjorndahl had 15 points, and Preston and Sean Berge added 7 apiece.

“We have some big things to work out with our perimeter defense and how we handle some offensive possessions in certain areas of the floor,” noted Garvin.  “I really liked out energy and our confidence to start this game.  I was uncertain how these young men would come out, but they have continued to show us how they are growing in their understanding of the game, each other, and their potential.”

Hillcrest will host Brandon-Evansville on Thursday night in their Little Eight Conference opener.