By Becky Walz,
The Class 3A No. 2 Decorah boys’ basketball team (17-1, 9-0 NEIC) has won 16 games in a row, including two victories over the weekend. With the victories the Vikings clinched their third straight Northeast Iowa Conference title.
“It’s a great accomplishment to three-peat in NEIC, but we still have unfinished business and need to keep elevating our play with each practice and or game,” said Coach Jonathan Carlson.
The Class 3A No. 2 Decorah boys’ basketball team (17-1, 9-0 NEIC) has won 16 games in a row, including two victories over the weekend. With the victories the Vikings clinched their third straight Northeast Iowa Conference title.
“It’s a great accomplishment to three-peat in NEIC, but we still have unfinished business and need to keep elevating our play with each practice and or game,” said Coach Jonathan Carlson.
Final home game
Friday night, the Vikes hosted Waukon (6-12, 2-7 NEIC), besting the Indians, 73-54.
Decorah posted 14 points in the first quarter and never looked back, leading 14-11 at the break. Decorah started the second quarter strong, scoring often to lead 35-25 at the half. Waukon worked to get back into the contest to no avail, outscored 38-29 in the second half.
Joe Bockman led the Vikings with 20 points, along with four rebounds and six assists. Ben Bockman had 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Joe Hjelle and Trey McCain provided 10 points apiece. Carson Wemark and Noah Storts led Decorah under the basket with 10 rebounds.
“Give Waukon credit as they battled their tails off and our guys responded. I am proud of the resilience our guys showed despite not playing our best game,” said Coach Carlson.
Waukon 11 14 17 12 54
Decorah 14 21 19 19 73
Scoring – Joe Bockman 20; Ben Bockman 12; Joe Hjelle 10; Trey McCain 10; Jacob Pipho 7; Carson Wemark 6; Noah Storts 6; Bennett Schutte 2
Rebounds – Wemark 10; Storts 10; J. Bockman 4; B. Bockman 4; McCain 3; Hjelle 2; Pipho 1; Schutte 1; Assists – J. Bockman 6; McCain 5; Pipho 4; B. Bockman 3; Wemark 2; Schutte 1; Steals – Schutte 3; Wemark 2; Pipho 1; J. Bockman 1
Saturday afternoon
Less than 24 hours later, the Vikings were back on the court, racing past Charles City (10-8, 4-5 NEIC) on the road, 80-58.
“Our kids did what they needed to do to earn a NEIC victory. I am proud of their efforts on back-to-back games,” said Coach Carlson.
Decorah got out to a slow start, scoring just five point in the first three minutes; however, a flurry of baskets put the Vikes out front 18-11 following the opening quarter. In the second period, the Decorah defense shut down the Comets for the first four minutes while pulling away to a 24-11 advantage. By halftime, the Vikes led 39-22. Decorah posted 19 points in the third and 22 in the fourth to secure the win.
Trey McCain went off for 22 points, with eight rebounds and six assists. J. Bockman added 17 points, while Wemark dropped in 12 points to go with 10 boards, five assists and three steals.
Decorah 18 21 19 22 80
Charles City 11 11 16 20 58
Scoring – McCain 22; J. Bockman 17; Wemark 12; Pipho 7; Storts 6; B. Bockman 5; Hjelle 4; Ethan Holthaus 3; Schutte 2; Kasey Krauskopf 2
Rebounds – Wemark 10; McCain 8; B. Bockman 4; Holthaus 4; Hjelle 3; Pipho 2; Storts 2; J. Bockman 1; Krauskopf 1; Assists – McCain 6; Wemark 5; B. Bockman 5; Pipho 4; Schutte 3; Krauskopf 2; J. Bockman 1; Steals – Wemark 3; Storts 2; Pipho 1; B. Bockman 1; Schutte 1; Blocks – Wemark 1
Final push
Decorah will look to keep its stellar season intact as it faces No. 1 Fort Madison Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids at 7:30 p.m. Looking to claim its third-straight Northeast Iowa Conference crown, the Vikings will battle Waverly-Shell Rock Friday, Feb. 11, in Waverly at 7:30 p.m.
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