The IVCC men’s basketball team has had a few growing pains recently. But head coach Mike Riley insists that the growing is necessary and is part of the team’s success.

"I hope there’s a lot of learning and a lot of growing," says Riley. "They’re growing up is what I’m hoping.

Those freshmen have been growing in every game, and the Apaches’ 5-5 record (at press time) shows it.

"When you have 10 freshmen you have to hope that they’ll grow up. Hopefully by Christmas they won’t be freshmen any more."

The team showcased its growth in the Apache Classic at IVCC on Dec. 3-4. IVCC won against Rock Valley by a score of 71-63. It was Rock Valley’s first loss of the season. IVCC also had a narrow loss to Division I Lake Land. IVCC lost 82-81.

"I just don’t want it to sound like a tragedy that we lost (against Lake Land)," says Riley of the final minute loss. "It was a good game we played well. It was a hard fought game. We’re making steps in the right direction."

Those steps have turned into leaps and bounds from last season. At this time last year, IVCC hadn’t won a game yet, as it was 0-10. The Apaches finished at 6-22 last season.

Riley says his team’s balance is has been the key to the success so far this year.

"Our team is so balanced we’ve just got so many people that can do things for us you can have anyone have a great game on any given night," says Riley. "Usually you have five or six players that you always start. This team’s so doggone balanced with personnel it’s hard to say what we’re going to have on any given night."

While most teams typically have a starting core of five or six players. That core usually starts every game and typically leads the team in scoring in the game. But no such core exists on the IVCC squad. IVCC’s bench typically outscores the Apache starters.

"This is a frustrating team to coach and I’m sure it’s a frustrating team to be on as a player. Heward starts tonight and last night he had limited minutes and Frankey starts tonight and he didn’t play much the night before either. They probably haven’t got a clue one game from the next what they’re going to do."

Although Riley says coaching his team is frustrating, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

"There have been a lot of positive things by a number of people this year," says the IVCC head coach. "We’ve got versatility. That’s good because we have players that are coachable, and they’re able to step in at good roles. It’s tough, but it’s a good situation."

Riley says his team’s wins this season have been a result of a solid team effort.