RHS Sports recap: Tuesday, Jan. 16

Boys’ hockey: Kingsford, Mich. 3, Rhinelander 2

Joey Belanger reached a milestone on Tuesday night, but it was not enough in a comeback bid for the Rhinelander High School boys’ hockey team. Belanger notched his 100th career varsity goal in a 3-2 loss at Kingsford, Mich. in non-conference play.

Belanger’s milestone goal came on the power play with 6:29 remaining and pulled the Hodags within a goal, but Rhinelander could get no closer and Kingsford’s pesky forecheck prevented the Hodags from being able to pull goalie Tyler Kimmerling in the final minutes. 

Kingsford scored twice in the first period and once in the second to take control of the game. Timber Cronauer scored on the power play 1:28 into the third period to get the Hodags back in the game. Gavin Denis chipped in two assists on the night as the Hodags were outshot 38-14 in the contest. Tyler Kimmerling made 35 saves in defeat. 

The Hodags (4-9-0, 1-4-0-0 Great Northern) have dropped three straight games and will travel to take on East/Merrill Saturday in a make-up game for this past weekend canceled East/Merrill tournament.

Gymnastics: Antigo 117.4, Rhinelander 106.2

The Rhinelander High School gymnastics team had a number of top-three finishes, but fell short against Antigo 117.4-106.2 in GNC Small division play on the road Tuesday night. 

Freshman Sam Aschenbrenner took second in the individual all-around with a score of 27.8. She was also second on the balance beam (7.7) and was the Hodags’ top finisher on uneven bars (fifth, 5.8). 

Alexis Smith continued a strong vaulting season, tying for first in that event on Tuesday with an 8.15. Karly Gillingham was the runner-up in the floor exercise (7.75). Wendy Fronk was third on balance beam (7.55) and came home fourth in the all-around (26.95).

The Hodags will be back in Antigo for their next competition, an invitational meet Saturday, Jan. 27

Wresting: Rhinelander 2-1, Phillips Quad

The Rhinelander High School wrestling team took two of its three matches Tuesday night in the non-conference Phillips Quadrangular. The Hodags defeated Flambeau 60-6 and Athens 48-17 before falling to Phillips 52-27. 

Owen Kurtz and Reid Schultz both went 3-0 on the night for Rhinelander at 215 and 285 pounds, respectively. Kurtz received two forfeits and got a pin as he scored his 99th career victory. Schultz added a pair of pins among his two pins.

Gavin Liebherr (106), Hoyt Dantoin (113), Anthony Boldt (125), Cyrus Leisure (144), Aiden Ostermann (150), Logan Schwinger (175) and Gavin Dotter (190) all picked up two wins on the night. 

Rhinelander (4-5, 1-3 Great Northern) will wrestle Tomahawk and Wausau East in a home triangular on Thursday.

Full reports will be published in Friday’s River News.