Holly Pond’s pursuit of a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance came to a decisive end on February 18, 2026, as they faced a strong challenge from Belle Hill and Mars Hill Bible. The Panthers triumphed with a commanding score of 68-38, largely thanks to Hill’s impressive performance.
The standout sophomore, widely recognized as a four-star recruit, dominated the court, scoring 41 points and securing 14 rebounds for a double-double. Hill’s scoring was particularly impactful in the first half, where she netted 23 points. Her shooting accuracy was remarkable, as she completed 81 percent of her attempts from the field, going 17 for 21. In addition to her scoring prowess, Hill contributed defensively with four blocks, four steals, and two assists.
Holly Pond struggled to contain Hill throughout the match. Despite their best efforts, the Broncos could not find an effective strategy to slow her down. As a result, they finished the season with a 14-15 record. The team will part ways with veteran leaders Maggie Nail and Ava Thomas, but they hope to build on the contributions of their younger players in the upcoming season.
Coach Mary Hartline acknowledged the challenges posed by Hill’s performance. “Belle is obviously one of the most talented players in the state,” she said. “We kind of knew what we were up against. I think our nerves got to us offensively in the first half, but we did a much better job in the second half on that end. That’s just sometimes the way it goes on this stage.”
Hartline noted the team’s defensive adjustments, stating, “We tried three different defenses today. Ultimately, she had 41 points — and that just can’t happen. She’s a phenomenal player, and a lot of teams struggle to find answers against her. It’s definitely frustrating.”
The scoring for Holly Pond included contributions from Ava Thomas, who scored 14 points, followed by Maggie Nail with 9 points and Sadie Nail with 6 points. Despite the defeat, the Broncos’ young roster showed promise and resilience, setting the stage for future growth.
As the dust settles on the Northwest Regional tournament, the spotlight now shifts to the remaining teams vying for championship glory. Mars Hill Bible, propelled by Hill’s extraordinary skills, advances with a significant boost in confidence as they continue their quest for success.
