Feck reaches 1,000 points in Hodag Hoops’ rout of Tomahawk

Devon Feck added his name to the list of 1,000-point scorers who have made their way through the Rhinelander High School boys’ basketball program on Tuesday night. He did it in the most Devon Feck way imaginable, too.

Feck scored his 1,000th point less than five minutes into Tuesday’s GNC contest as the Hodags cruised to a 77-35 win over the Hatchets in Tomahawk.

It was only fitting that the sharp-shooting Feck, who has made 41% of his 3-point attempts during his career, reached the milestone on a triple. He took a handoff from teammate Evan Shoeder, stepped back to the WIAA logo on the left wing and kept his right arm extended in the air as he watched his 23-foot attempt ripple the twine for the milestone bucket. 

“It was a two-man game with him and Evan, which I think is very appropriate, just having Evan be a part of that play as well,” Hodag coach Derek Lemmens said. “You’re just super proud of the kid. You know how much time he has put into the game and 1,000 points in a career is no small accomplishment. To see all the time and the work that he’s put in, and to see him find that balance between being a scorer and playing within the team structure, it’s people like that, they definitely deserve it.”

Feck came into the night needing just eight points to reach the milestone. He knocked down a 3 to open the game and then a pair of free throws with 13:58 left in the half before giving Rhinelander (17-2, 10-1 Great Northern) a 10-5 lead on his historic triple with 13:16 before the break.

“It feels good. It’s good to get out of the way, just kind of focus on the rest of the season, heading in the playoffs and stuff, but it definitely feels awesome, big accomplishment,” Feck said.

    (River News graphic) 

Feck scored only one more basket after that on Tuesday night, clearing the way for others to have the stage. Rhinelander had four players score in double figures, shot 50% (33 of 66) from the field and had 22 assists in the contest. 

“They didn’t really need me in that area, so I just try to contribute and get others involved,” Feck said.

The Hodags took control after a slow start, taking a 49-20 lead at halftime. Senior Jatyn Barkus (back) did not play Tuesday, but the Hodags extended their bench and got long looks at everyone on their varsity roster. 

“We platooned a lot and we got everyone several runs and it was good because these guys have been working hard all season,” Lemmens said. “They’ve been practicing. And so to get them out there, get them those opportunities to shine and to just get out and play, it is nice. Then when you got a guy like Devon, really going out of his way to try to involve them, again, just says something about not just him, but also the type of team that we’re so fortunate to coach.”

Abe Gretzinger scored a game-high 18 points for the Hodags. Shoeder and Vince White each had 12 points, with White going a perfect 6 for 6 from the field. In all 10 of the 11 players who suited for the Hodags found the basket.

Ryan Montag had 14 points to lead Tomahawk (2-18, 0-10 Great Northern) while Logan Norman chipped in eight.

Up next, the Hodags host Merrill tonight at the Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium. The Hodags routed the Bluejays 72-28 when the teams met Jan. 8 in Merrill, but Lemmens cautioned that the Bluejays (9-12, 6-5 Great Northern) are a very dangerous team. They forced overtime in both of their meetings against conference-leading Mosinee this season, only to drop both contests, and fell 52-51 at Medford Tuesday night after Medford’s Peyton Ried hit a go-ahead jump shot in the final seconds of regulation.

“This is a team that is dangerous and they’ve proved it all year long,” Lemmens said. “They’re tough. So we’re going to have to come out and, really right from the start, establish ourselves offensively, and I think that’s the key. If we make it kind of a grind out game, it’s really playing into their hands.”

Tip off is set for 7:15 p.m. at the Miazga Gym.

Freelancer Bob Mainhardt contributed to this report from Tomahawk.

Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].