RHS to face Merrill in semifinals

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

The No. 5-seeded Rhinelander High School girls basketball team jumped out to a 21-point halftime lead on the way to winning Wednesday’s WIAA Division 2 Regional Tournament quarterfinal at home against No. 12-seeded Waupaca, 60-27.

The Hodags had nine players score led by Kenedy Van Zile as the only one in double figures with a game-high 25 points. Maddie Meyer added nine points. Emma Smidt led the Comets with nine points.

RHS, which improved its overall season record to 14-9, advances to Friday’s regional semifinal at No. 4-seeded Merrill. The semifinal winner advances to Saturday’s regional championship against the winner between top-seeded Hortonville and No. 9-seeded Mosinee with the highest remaining seed hosting the title game.

Hodags 60, Comets 27

Comets      16           11 – 27

Hodags      37           23 – 60

Hodags: Kenedy Van Zile 25, Ally Seefeldt 4, Alyana Franson 4, Marissa Martin 2, Payton Van Zile 3, Molly Wagler 3, Rebecca Lawrence 6, Maddie Meyer 9, Erika Jorgensen 4. 3-pointers: K. Van Zile 2, P. Van Zile. Free throws: 9-13. Fouls: 12.