Hodag Highlights: Feck reaches 1,000-point milestone as Hodags sweep week with two wins

It was a week to remember for Rhinelander High School senior Devon Feck and the boys basketball team, as Feck joined the exclusive 1,000-point club while the team secured victories over Tomahawk and Merrill. Playing in the opening game of a boys-girls doubleheader in Tomahawk on Tuesday, Feck entered the contest needing just eight points to reach the career milestone. He wasted no time getting started, draining a three-pointer on the game’s first possession. After adding two free throws, the historic moment came with just under five minutes elapsed in the first half. Feck took a handoff from Evan Shoeder, created space with a step-back move, and swished a three-pointer to give him exactly 1,000 career points. The celebration was brief as the Hodags dominated the rest of the way, cruising to a 77-35 victory. The win was a true team effort, with 10 of the 11 players who saw action contributing to the scoring column. Feck added two more points in the second half to finish with 10 for the game. Abe Gretzinger led all scorers with 18 points, while Shoeder and Vince White each chipped in 12 points in the balanced offensive attack. The Hodags returned home on Friday to face Merrill in a much tighter contest. The game remained close throughout the first half, with Rhinelander taking a 30-25 advantage into the locker room. Merrill mounted a second-half comeback and briefly grabbed the lead before Shoeder answered with a crucial three-pointer to put the Hodags back in front. The game stayed tight down the stretch, with Merrill resorting to intentional fouls in an attempt to extend the game. Feck proved clutch at the free-throw line, consistently converting his attempts to keep Merrill at bay and secure a 62-53 victory for the Hodags. Feck paced Rhinelander with 20 points, while Gretzinger and Shoeder each added 16 points in the winning effort.