April 30, 2009

Upper Iowa University Head Men's Basketball Coach Brian Dolan announced today that Mike Lafrenz, from Bennett, Iowa, has committed to continuing his academic and basketball career at Upper Iowa.

Lafrenz, a 6-7 center, is transferring to Upper Iowa from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D. As a senior at Tipton High School in Tipton, Iowa, Mike averaged 19.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, while blocking 78 shots and handing out 51 assists and shooting 57.9% from the field. He helped guide his team to a 19-4 record. Lafrenz was a Second Team All-State selection following his senior year and was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection after both his junior and senior seasons. He scored a career-high 44 points and collected 17 rebounds in a victory over Mid-Prairie High School during his senior year. During his junior season, he averaged 17.8 points and 11.8 rebounds while blocking 73 shots as Tipton finished the season with an 18-5 record. Mike comes to Upper Iowa University with four years of eligibility remaining and will join his brother Mark, who played as a freshman for the Peacocks this year.

"With the addition of Mike we have added much needed size and strength in the post," said Coach Dolan. "Mike will be a physical, low post presence, but he also possesses a good skill level which makes him versatile. Even though he will be a freshman, we will count on Mike to contribute right away. It is going to be a lot of fun watching Mike play with his brother, Mark, over the next three years."

Lafrenz joins an incoming class that includes fall signees Tucker Wentzien (Solon) and Kurt Bearinger (Oelwein) and spring signees Sam Elgin (Center Point-Urbana), Brad Burgus (Indian Hills Community College), and Jake Hughes (Cedar Rapids Kennedy).