“Our defensive intensity really got us going in the first half,” commented Hillcrest Head Coach Hannah Clark. “Ruby Peterson was a big spark for us getting 11 steals in the first half alone and finishing with a double-double (16 points, 12 steals). We got a little complacent on both ends of the floor in the second half, but the girls did a nice job of finishing out the game hard.”
Maddie Ballweg (20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists) and Ella Knutson (15 points, 9 rebounds) joined Peterson in double digits and just missed double-doubles. Elsa Retzlaff had 9 points and Madi Foss led the Comets with 13 rebounds and 5 assists.
“Girls had a case of the Mondays,” said Brandon-Evansville Head Coach Stephen Schreiber. “Started off very slow. Were down 17-0 five minutes into the game. Had a great conversation at halftime about battling through tough times even when you don't feel 100% and came out better in the second half.”
The Chargers were led by 24 points from Kylee Dingwall. Grace Otto, EmmaLee Brethorst and Haddy Baune had six points each.
Hillcrest (11-6, 6-4 LEC) will host Ashby on Thursday night.
Brandon-Evansville (3-10) is home to Long Prairie-Grey Eagle on Tuesday and travels to Browerville on Thursday.