January 27, 2022 at 10:35 a.m.
Strong second half propels RHS girls past Three Lakes 65-41
Strong second half propels RHS girls past Three Lakes 65-41
The Hodags connected on a season-high 10 3-pointers, including eight in the second half, as they raced past the Bluejays 65-41 at the Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium.
An ability to make shots, and an ability to force turnovers, proved to be key for the Hodags who broke a 22-all tie early in the second half an outscored the Bluejays 45-23 over the final 18 minutes.
"It was a good win for us," Hodag coach Ryan Clark said. "The first half we wanted it really bad, but we didn't play very well. We just missed everything. The second half, we're in great condition. I think we can run teams out of the gym sometimes. Scoring 45 points in a half for us is impressive."
Rhinelander led 20-18 at halftime despite shooting only 26% (8 of 31) from the field and 0 for 7 from the foul line. The offense finally began to flow in the second half as Megan Brown and Audrey Schiek splashed 3s as part of an 11-0 run that put the Hodags in front for good.
Meanwhile the Hodags put the clamps on Three Lakes point guard Kara Sowinski, who came in averaging nearly 13 points per game, but was held scoreless on Monday. Brown drew the assignment on Sowinski much of the night and held her in check. Brown was at the front of Rhinelander's pressuring defense much of the night as the Hodags forced 31 Three Lakes turnovers.
"(Sowinski's) a good little point guard that runs the show for them. I'm blessed to have a kid like Megan who is not only quick enough to stay with her, but then can shuffle her feet side-to-side without fouling her," Clark said. "Megan's such a great defender. She's such a weapon. Going forward, that's something we can keep doing."
Momentum seemed to be going Three Lakes way after a Karlee Weavers bucket got the Bluejays back to within six at 41-35 with 8:03 remaining. Then, on Rhinelander's next trip down the floor, Schiek had a 3-pointer disallowed after the officials incorrectly ruled the ball caromed over the backboard and hit the support behind the basket before dropping in. Video replay confirmed the ball instead hit just below the top of the backboard and bounced in.
However, Rhinelander responded after that, forcing a Three Lakes miss. Then Annika Johnson hit a 3, sparking a decisive 14-0 run for the Hodags.
"The whole crowd thought it was legit. I didn't see it because I was behind it a little bit," Clark said of the controversial non-3. "That was a nice response. We kept telling the girls, just keep battling. They're going to make a run. They're a good basketball team, but a 14-0 response and the shots were falling. When the shots are falling, things look good."
Ava Lamers led all scorers with 20, including 14 in the second half. Sophomore Lily Treder added a spark off the bench with 10 points, including five in the Hodags' decisive run.
"Lily Treder had a huge spurt there and we got some turnovers there and created some offensive easy baskets as well," Clark said. "Lily just gave up a lift at that 5 1/2, 6-minute mark. Good for her. She works so hard, sophomore. She'll be a nice player down the road."
Johnson had nine points for Rhinelander (11-6, 5-2 Great Northern), while Brynn Brzycki and Brown each had eight.
Sara Gruszynski had 20 points to lead Three Lakes (8-6, 3-2 Northern Lakes), last year's WIAA Division 5 state runners-up. Kallie Volk chipped in 11 and Mari Szews added eight points and 12 rebounds.
The game started slowly for both teams, tied at 7 at the halfway point of the first. The Hodags also dealt with some foul trouble as Schiek, Johnson and Lamers all had three fouls in the first half.
"I thought in the first half we were playing really, really hard and I think that's a response to yesterday," Clark said. "I got after them a little in the film session. I was a little upset still from Friday's game (a 64-39 loss at Stevens Point) and we have a very competitive, aggressive practice yesterday. My one concern was we might come out a little too amped up and try to (force things)."
The game was played in front of a lively atmosphere for a Monday night at the Jim as both student-sections were well-represented in a battle for Oneida County bragging rights.
"The student section, Rowdy Rhinelander, brought the energy tonight," Clark said. "I think that's what carried us. Once we hit some shots, it's so great to play in front of your home crowd, especially a crowd like these kids. We fed off of them and played a great second half. Rowdy Rhinelander was alive and well tonight."
Rhinelander (11-6, 5-2 Great Northern) is home tonight to face Northland Pines. The Hodags defeated the Eagles 79-45 in Eagle River Dec. 20.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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