April 14, 2020 at 12:05 a.m.
Lady Hodags to be represented at WBCA All-Star Game
Van Zile, Beavers to play; Clark, Nordine to coach
Lady Hodags to be represented at WBCA All-Star Game
Standout Rhinelander seniors Kenedy Van Zile and Cynthia Beavers have been selected to play on the Division 2 North squad in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game, slated for Friday, June 19 in Wisconsin Dells.
The two will be hearing a couple of familiar voices from the bench as Rhinelander head coach Ryan Clark has been tabbed to lead the team. Rhinelander assistant Terry Nordine is also part of the coaching staff.
"So far it's still on but, obviously, it's a wait and see," Clark told the River News in a recent phone interview, while also noting the Beavers and Van Zile were offered the opportunity to play in the Kiwanis Border Bash scheduled for June in Ironwood, Mich.
"Hopefully that's still on. But I have the possibility to coach these two young ladies a couple more times," he said.
With Van Zile and Beavers leading the charge, the Hodags went 19-5 this past season, claimed their second straight Great Northern Conference championship and advanced to the sectional round of the WIAA tournament for the first time since online tournament records were kept by the WIAA, beginning in 2000.
Van Zile and Beavers were named GNC co-players of the year for their efforts on the hardwood.
Van Zile, who received all-state honors from the WBCA and The Associated Press, led the Hodags in scoring at 21.3 points per game while adding 4.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 4.1 steals per contest. Beavers averaged 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.8 steals per game for the Hodags and was a team best 32.4% from 3-point range.
In addition to Van Zile and Beavers, the North roster includes a number of talented players, including WBCA D2 All-State honorees Macy McGlone of Hortonville, Jada Donaldson of Beaver Dam.
Slinger's Anna Breuer, La Crosse Logan's Claire Borsheim, West Bend East's Elisabeth Bagley, Marinette's Katelyn Kitzinger, Ashwaubenon's Lydia Schaible and New London's Samantha Pfefferle round out the 10-player North squad.
Clark, Nordine and Northland Pines head coach Josh Olivotti will serve as the team's coaches.
Provided that the event takes place as scheduled, Clark said he plans to invite the team to Rhinelander for a couple of practices and some bonding in the week leading up to the All-Star Game.
"A couple of the kids, when I asked them if they knew where Rhinelander was, they had no idea. We'll give them a couple of days up here in the Northwoods - probably go enjoy the lakes," he said. "It will be a fun experience."
The WBCA All-Star Game weekend will take place June 19 and 20 at JustAGame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells.
The girls' All-Star games, beginning with Division 5 and ending with Division 1, will take place on the 19th, with the Boys' all-star games taking place on the 20th. The event is a fundraiser for the MACC (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) Fund.
According to the WBCA's website, it has contributed more than $2.2 million to the MACC Fund since 1978.
In terms of the All-Star game, most of the money is raised from fans, who can sponsor their favorite players and coaches for the game.
Fans can contribute via specific player and coach pages located on the WBCA's website, www.wisbca.org.
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