By Jed Buelow

Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor, Sports and Nature Editor

Winners of five of their last six games, the Hatchet boy hoopsters welcomed Rhinelander to town last Tuesday for a GNC showdown and fell in a tough one 52-36.

Tomahawk (1-4, 5-7) trailed 15-26 heading into the half before managing to battle back in the second half to cut into the Hodag’s lead. Rhinelander answered Tomahawk’s charge late hitting their shots down the stretch to get the conference win and improve to 3-3 in the GNC and 4-7 overall.

Tomahawk head coach Jacob Jarvensivu said Rhinelander deserved credit doing a great job playing to their strengths in the win.

“They dominated the boards and controlled the physicality of the game. Even though they are small on paper, the Hodags played tougher than us and that was the difference in the game,” Jarvensivu stated. Their toughness forced us to miss shots we normally make, and when we don’t shoot well and lose the toughness battle, it’s difficult for us to win. We need to get back to our identity by working really hard in practice this week.”

Connor Dichsen led the Hatchets in scoring with 12 points and Drew Bolder had 9 points in the loss to the Hodags. Elijah Scheffler and Nick Kahle both finished with 4 points apiece, respectively.

Tomahawk’s game Friday at Northland Pines was cancelled. They are back in action last night as they hosted Phillips for a non conference tilt and this Friday, Jan. 24 host Mosinee for a GNC showdown that begins at Hatchet Fieldhouse at 7:15 p.m.