LaFrentz Breaks Point Record

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. DECORAH — On Jan. 5, in a basketball game against Spirit Lake, Decorah High School senior Cael LaFrentz set the career points record previously held by his teammate Ben Bockman, who graduated in 2024. Bockman, a swingman known for his long-range shooting, had set the record at 1,286 points. Against Spirit Lake, and only a third of the way through the season, LaFrentz surpassed Bockman with 1,307 points. The 6-foot-10 southpaw enjoys scoring around the rim, but his range extends well beyond dunks and layups. LaFrentz can score anywhere on the court—midrange shots, 3-pointers, even free throws on opponent technicals. He also leads the team in free-throw percentage. His versatility is the product of long hours in the gym and dedication to the game. "Cael has been a huge anchor in our varsity program for the past three seasons and has worked extremely hard to get to where he is at," said coach Jonathan Carlson. In addition to effort, LaFrentz has learned how to score while being double- and triple-teamed on offense and boxed out by multiple defenders on defense. He has been putting up double-doubles since his sophomore year, when he averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds. As a junior, he averaged 29 points and 13 rebounds, and this season, he is averaging nearly 30 points and 15 rebounds. "What he faces each game and has to overcome is not an easy feat for any player, let alone a high schooler," Carlson said, referring to the array of defenders trying to stop LaFrentz. While his scoring and rebounding grab headlines, LaFrentz's work on defense, passing, and leadership has helped the team's overall success. "Cael has vastly improved as a defender over the past three years, and he can really change the game on both ends of the floor," Carlson said. "He reads defenses well, can distribute the ball when necessary, and raises the level of play of his teammates. When he elevates his play, it raises all of his teammates on both ends of the floor." Despite his impressive stats, Carlson believes LaFrentz's best basketball is still ahead. "Cael's best basketball is still in front of him, and he has the drive to reach that potential. He just needs to keep working hard every day. I'm thankful to be a small part of his journey." The Decorah boys basketball team is currently 5-2 on the year. Their next game is at Cascade on Saturday, Jan. 10, with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m. The full schedule, along with team and individual statistics, can be found on GoBound. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.