Photo by Iowa Central Athletics: The Iowa Central women honored their sophomores (left to right) at home on Saturday: Amelia Echternkamp, Ashlin Jacobsen, Ashleigh Kerr, Sharon Greek, Kylie Knakmuhs and MacKenna Bush.

Graham McFall of course hoped for the best, but he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from his Iowa Central women’s basketball team in his first year at the helm.

The Tritons were just 7-21 in 2024-25, and they only earned two victories in ICCAC league play.

McFall’s returning sophomores helped bridge the gap and mend any fences this season, leading to a remarkable turnaround that saw its latest chapter written at home on Saturday in a 68-59 win over Iowa Lakes.

Iowa Central improved to 22-7 overall and 15-6 in the ICCAC on a day in which it honored its six sophomores.

“The buy-in from this group has been incredible,” McFall said. “Coming in during year one, to have players who were ready for something better and willing to trust us as a staff has been a true blessing.

“They’ve been great to coach, great teammates to one another, and exactly what you want representing your program, campus and community.”

Sophomore Ashlin Jacobsen had a huge game with 27 points. She was flanked in the starting lineup by classmates MacKenna Bush, Amelia Echternkamp, Sharon Greek and Ashleigh Kerr.

Trista Ohlmeier had 16 points and 15 rebounds for Iowa Central, with Bush contributing 12.

Jacobsen and Bush combined for nine triples in 13 attempts from deep.

“This was a big one for us,” McFall said. “Securing a home playoff game for the Region 11 Tournament means a lot. I’m proud of the way they shared the ball and created quality looks in the paint and on the perimeter.

“We had some turnovers we need to clean up, but overall, I really liked our approach and the way we competed.”

The Lakers fell to 19-9 and 15-6.

Iowa Central heads to No. 12 NIACC for its regular-season finale on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

IOWA CENTRAL 68, IOWA LAKES 59

Iowa Central — Ashlin Jacobsen 9-13 4-4 27, MacKenna Bush 4-5 0-0 12, Sharon Greek 2-3 0-0 4, Amelia Echternkamp 0-5 0-0 0, Ashleigh Kerr 0-0 0-0 0, Trista Ohlmeier 7-15 2-3 16, Izzy Bassett 2-7 0-0 5, Shakani Murray 0-2 4-4 4, Annika Scott 0-0 0-2 0. Totals: 24-50 10-13 68.

Iowa Lakes — Zoey Wooten 8-17 2-2 21, Erica Welsh 4-9 0-1 9, Tahlea Tirrell 3-16 0-0 6, Baakir Christian 3-9 0-4 6, Shanya Glover 2-6 2-4 6, Tavara Swonger 4-10 0-0 9, Makyia Kenney 0-5 2-4 2. Totals: 24-72 6-15 59.

Quarter scores: Iowa Central led 55-29. Three-point goals: Iowa Central 10-23 (Jacobsen 5-9, Busch 4-4, Bassett 1-4, Echternkamp 0-4, Greek 0-1, Murray 0-1); Iowa Lakes 5-21 (Wooten 3-9, Swonger 1-2, Welsh 1-5, Tirrell 0-4, Glover 0-1). Turnovers: Iowa Central 22, Iowa Lakes 10. Rebounds: Iowa Central 43, Iowa Lakes 36.