Men's basketball team opens an undefeated season
By Maria Borri
Apache sports editor
The IVCC men have started the basketball season with a 3-0 record at press time.
On Nov. 9, the men claimed a 95-71 win over UW-Washington Co., while on the next day, they won by forfeit to Fond Du Lac.
On Nov. 3, the home opener against Lake County, IVCC dominated throughout, winning 101-77.
At the end of the first half, IVCC was leading 63-32.
Assistant coach Tommy Canale said, "We came out strong and had taken over the ball game at the first half."
High scorers included Jeremy Woodward with 17, Terrance Gladney with 15, Steve Sawyers with 13, Chad Tungate with 12, Jeremy Jones with 11, and Kendall Hurns with 10.
Both Riley and Canale were pleased with the team's opening game.
Riley said: "We had lots of energy. The practice for a month and a half built up; we wanted to play others.
"This is the first time in four years that we have had a home game as an opener. This helped the kids with the familiar surroundings. In the game, we showed a lot of depth and our kids had fun."
Lake County is a Division II team as is IVCC, and they have a new coach this year.
"The team (Lake County) is much better than last year," Riley said.
Riley praised his new assistant coach.
"I now have an assistant coach who has done an excellent job in preparing the team along with his high energy level benefiting the program, the kids, and myself," Riley said.
Canale grew up in LasVegas and coached basketball there. More recently he coached at Streator Woodland High School.
Upcoming games for the men include Oakton on Nov. 17, Joliet at home on Nov. 27 and Rock Valley on Dec. 1.