Triton men look to ride momentum
Iowa Central reached the Final Four last year
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The Mason Denholm era at Iowa Central started incredibly strong, as Denholm helped lead the Triton men to the school's first-ever Final Four appearance.
Now, the task for Denholm is continued success.
Iowa Central finished 28-8 last year, placing fourth overall after falling to Ellsworth in the national semifinals. They had two All-American players and were ranked in the Top-25 all season long.
"The program is on the right path, but there's still plenty to improve upon," Denholm said. "Every day, we're working to build Iowa Central as a consistent national contender."
But starters Jordan Cain, Aleix Sempere, Tashun Pender, CJ Mitchell and Jalen Wynter have graduated, leaving a large void to be filled by the likes of returning players Manny Lueth, Dorian Pruitt and Carter Loney.
Lueth, a former Ames High School standout, played in all 36 games last year, making 18 starts. He averaged nine points and over three rebounds per game, shooting 35 percent from the 3-point line.
Pruitt saw action every game, making a handful of starts. He posted eight points a night, as Loney played in all 36 and averaged two points and three rebounds.
"Our group is long and athletic," Denholm said. "I believe this team can be very strong defensively and create issues for opposing teams.
"With only three returners who played significant minutes for us last year, we will see a lot of growth throughout the season. It will be exciting to find out what this team will become and be capable of by the end of the year."
Denholm will also look to the likes of newcomers London Burton, Manny Jentzen, Rieal Acin, Torran Carter-Brown and EJ Breland to help replace the production from Cain, a first team All-American, Sempere, a third team selection, and the others.
Iowa Central opened the season with a 30-point victory over Mount Mercy's junior varsity. They have also held multiple scrimmages and competed in to other events to get prepared for the year.
Burton went off for 27 points in the 102-72 victory, as Jentzen added 12 and Walter Berns scored 11 off the bench. Fourteen different players saw action, with 12 of them scoring points.
"Our focus every day is to win the day," Denholm said. "We're trying to improve each day in the areas that'll help us win games.
"We talk a lot about focusing on our processes and what it takes to be successful on the floor, academically and in life every day. If we just focus on our process, the outcomes will take care of themselves."
The Tritons are one of five ICCAC teams ranked in the preseason Top-25, checking in at No. 23. Des Moines Area is first, Kirkwood third, Ellsworth eighth and Iowa Western 16th.
Iowa Central will make its home debut on Friday when it hosts Dakota County at 6 p.m. inside Hodges Fieldhouse.
Denholm will once again be assisted by Owen King, with former North Linn all-stater Austin Hilmer joining the coaching staff this winter.