March 29, 2017 at 3:04 p.m.
White voted Hodag hoops MVP
White voted Hodag hoops MVP
White earned the honor as the Hodags handed out their season-ending awards in the RHS cafeteria.
In all, seven members of the RHS varsity were honored by awards that were primarily voted on by their peers, including three that were given to senior Matt Reinthaler.
Despite missing five games, White was the runaway leader on the team, averaging 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds a contest while shooting an even 50 percent from the field. He also led the Great Northern Conference in scoring and rebounds.
"There were plenty of nights when this player really showed that he can play. He carried us in some tough moments, made some game-winning shots - against Lakeland - and, overall, had a very impressive season. We look foward to having him around next year," RHS boys' basketball coach Derek Lemmens said.
Reinthaler, a 6-1 forward, won the team's hustle award, something Lemmens said came out of necessity.
"He's playing inside undersized and, not only gifted with height or great athleticism," Lemmens said. "Having to guard players always bigger than you, if you're not hustling, it's going to get ugly. This person was able to play their role because of how hard they worked."
Reinthaler was second behind White in both points (9.7) and rebounds (4.5) per game. He and fellow senior Reeve Craig won the team's Hodag Award. The two were team captains, along with Easton Senoraske.
"I think these three did a good job of not just being leaders, but just being representatives of the school, of the program and of our community," Lemmens said.
Brad Quade won the team's Mr. Defense award while Junior Howard and Bryce Schickert shared the honor as most improved.
"These guys not only improved their skills, I felt like throughout the year their confidence improved and I could see a little bit of swagger, and that helps to bring out the little extra talent that they have they didn't always use because they weren't comfortable yet to use," Lemmens said. "Those players are going to be around yet, so it's exciting to that they are continuing to improve."
Rhinelander went 14-9 on the season and finished second in the GNC with an 8-4 league mark. This season snapped a string of four consecutive conference titles for the Hodags. Rhinelander won its first playoff game since 2014, however, before getting ousted from the tournament by eventual sectional finalist Wausau East.
"I'm proud of the way they overcame obstacles and I hope that everyone here walks away feeling good about not only what they did and what they are going to do in the future," Lemmens said.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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