Vikes hungry for state bid

By Becky Walz,

Friday, February 25, 2022 7:38 pm

The Decorah boys’ basketball team wants more than just three straight Northeast Iowa Conference titles – they crave a bid to the Class 3A state tournament and the Vikings have just one team standing in their way now.

The Decorah boys’ basketball team wants more than just three straight Northeast Iowa Conference titles – they crave a bid to the Class 3A state tournament and the Vikings have just one team standing in their way now.
Although the snow was falling outside, the Vikes were on fire in their gym Thursday night, defeating Charles City (13-10) to advance to the substate championship game. Decorah (20-1) defended its home court once again, finishing undefeated there with a 62-52 win over the Comets.
“Our guys came out and hit some big shots early and that is what you expect seniors to do,” said Coach Jonathan Carlson. “It was a great accomplishment to go undefeated on our home floor this year, but these guys are hungry to take the next step Monday night.”
Decorah will face Clear Lake (17-5) Monday (Feb. 28) at Waterloo East for the right to play at Wells Fargo Arena.
“It will be a challenge as Clear Lake is a good team, but I know our guys will be up to the challenge,” said Coach Carlson.

The rundown
Winning the tip-off, the Comets put the ball through the net first; however, the opening period was all Decorah as the Vikes sailed seven treys through the net. The hot hand award went to senior Jacob Pipho who fired off four long balls to help push Decorah to the lead, while the Viking defense kept Charles City from scoring for over five minutes of the period to lead 23-6.
Scoring was slightly slower for Decorah in the second period as the Vikes went to the locker room with a 35-18 advantage at the break.
Charles City scratched away at the Vikes’ advantage as Decorah went nearly two minutes without scoring late in the third frame. With eight minutes to play, Decorah remained out front 46-33.
Looking to mount a comeback in the final quarter, the Comets pulled to within nine points with a minute to play but would get no closer as Decorah closed out the game.

Big numbers
Jacob Pipho finished the night with 17 points, including five three-points, while Trey McCain was close behind with 14 points and firing three treys off. On the board with eight points apiece were Joe Bockman and Ben Bockman. Noah Storts provided six points, with Carson Wemark in the scoring column with five. Joe Hjelle also had two.

Charles City 6 12 15 19 52
Decorah 23 15 11 16 62
Scoring – Jacob Pipho 17; Trey McCain 14; Joe Bockman 8; Ben Bockman 8; Noah Storts 6; Carson Wemark 5; Joe Hjelle 2

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