HILLCREST ACADEMY USES STRONG FIRST HALF TO BEAT CLIMAX-FISHER GIRLS BASKETBALL

Climax-Fisher had a solid start to the game as Ava Larson made a three-pointer, and Peyton Hoffman followed with a basket in the paint to give the Knights a 5-0 lead. Hillcrest responded by outscoring the Knights by a 15-2 margin to take a 15-7 lead. Climax-Fisher trailed 17-11 after two Halle Reitmeier free throws, but Hillcrest responded with some full-court defensive pressure and forced several turnovers, and went on a 28-7 run the rest of the half for a 45-18 lead. Hillcrest was led by 16 Ella Knutson points and 14 points from Elsa Retzlaff. 

SECOND HALF –
Climax-Fisher had a great start to the second half as Ella Paulsrud and Larson had a basket each and Hoffman added a free throw to get within a 45-23 deficit. After a Hillcrest basket, Ella Paulsrud scored back-to-back baskets to get within a 47-27 deficit five minutes into the half. Hillcrest battled back and built a 55-29 lead before the Knights answered with two Hoffman baskets and a Claire Erickson basket to trail 55-35. Climax-Fisher trailed 63-40 with five minutes remaining when Hoffman took over and scored eight points, Larson added a free throw, and Teagan Johnson added a three-pointer, but the late rally came up short, and Hillcrest held on for a 68-54 victory.

Climax-Fisher drops to 3-6 on the year. Fergus Falls Hillcrest improves to 5-3 on the year.