By Becky Walz,
Decorah sophomore Cael LaFrentz rises above the defense in a recent game. Last week, LaFrentz posted 11 points for the Vikes in their win over Hudson. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)
The win streak has stretched to eight games as the Class 4A No. 1 Decorah boys’ basketball team (8-0, 4-0 NEIC) picked up two more wins last week to close out 2023.
Thursday’s review
It had the makings of a state tournament game as the Class 2A No. 4 Hudson Pirates (8-1) hosted No. 2 Decorah Thursday. Trailing for the entire first half, the Vikes rebounded in the third quarter to remain undefeated with a 67-59 victory.
The Pirates hit the ground running and put Decorah down 17-3, with just over four minutes gone in the first period, and it was an 11-point, 22-11 advantage for Hudson after one. However, the Vikes fought back and were within three, 24-21, with 5:33 left in the half before Hudson answered with a 7-0 run to lead 36-27 at the break.
It was Zach Driscoll who stepped it up in the third for the Vikes, hitting a three-pointer, then picking off three Hudson passes and going coast-to-coast for his own 10-0 run. Ben Bockman gave Decorah its first lead of the game with 2:23 left in the period on his own three-point shot. All-in-all the Vikes outscored the Pirates 22-8 in the third to lead 49-44. While Hudson managed to get within three points in the final quarter, Decorah remained out front and secured the win.
Coming off the bench, Matthew Bockman led the Vikes with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals. Ben Bockman dropped in 19 points to go with six rebounds and six assists. On the board with 10 points apiece were Trey McCain and Driscoll.
Scoring – Matthew Bockman 22; Ben Bockman 19; Trey McCain 10; Zach Driscoll 10; Cael LaFrentz 6
Rebounds – B. Bockman 6; LaFrentz 6; McCain 5; M. Bockman 5; Kaiden Quandahl 4; Driscoll 4; Assists – McCain 6; Driscoll 6; B. Bockman 6; M. Bockman 2; Steals – Driscoll 3; McCain 2; M. Bockman 2; Quandahl 1; B. Bockman 1; Blocks – LaFrentz 4; B. Bockman 1
Recapping Waukon game
Just like most of the season, Decorah made it look easy Tuesday, Dec. 19, defeating Waukon (3-3, 0-2 NEIC) on the road, 86-57.
The Vikings were in control from the opening tip, leading 19-9 by the end of the first period. Despite allowing 13 points in the second quarter, the Decorah offense continued to dominate, scoring 16 to lead 35-21 at halftime. In the third, Decorah was unrelenting and its lead grew to 62-43.
Nine Vikings scored at least two points with four in double figures. B. Bockman had 30 points, along with six assists and four rebounds. McCain put up 15 points to go with 10 assists, while LaFrentz added 11 points and 17 rebounds. Driscoll provided 10 points, seven assists and six boards.
Scoring – B. Bockman 30; McCain 15; LaFrentz 11; Driscoll 10; Quandahl 7; M. Bockman 5; Noah Milburn 4; Andrew Rhodes 2; Carter Dlhy 2
Rebounds – LaFrentz 17; Quandahl 7; Driscoll 6; B. Bockman 4; M. Bockman 3; Rhodes 2; McCain 1; Gavin Groux 1; Jackson Pipho 1; Dlhy 1; Milburn 1; Assists – McCain 10; Driscoll 7; B. Bockman 6; Quandahl 2; Groux 1; M. Bockman 1; Louis Bucksa 1; Steals – Rhodes 2; Driscoll 1; B. Bockman 1; Blocks – Rhodes 2; Quandahl 1; Driscoll 1; B. Bockman 1; LaFrentz 1
A look into 2024
The Vikes are off until Friday, Jan. 5, when they welcome NEIC foe Waverly-Shell Rock for an 8 p.m. tip-off.
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