Chad Helle has been around long enough to know it's just one game.
But the veteran coach also understands that starting the season off with a strong showing is very important.
The Iowa Central men used strong shooting performances from several newcomers to begin the 2021-22 year with a convincing 94-56 victory here Monday night over Mount Marty JV inside Hodges Fieldhouse.
Kevin Taylor recorded a double-double, scoring 17 points with 11 rebounds. Josh Baker added 14 with seven boards and Bo Barber had 13 with three assists.
"I thought we showed some real improvements from our last scrimmage to (Monday night)," Helle said. "It's all about doing that; taking those steps forward one at a time and figuring out what we have as a team."
The Tritons scored the first 17 points of the game as Taylor knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to start the scoring. Iowa Central led by as many as 21 early in the first half, and pushed that advantage to 46-19 at the break.
Taylor, one of those freshmen, showed off his athleticism with classmate Barber, running the floor and converting. A Barber triple in the second half made it 62-31 in favor of the Tritons.
"Those guys have really stepped up with (returning starter) Javonte (Keck) sidelined," Helle said. "I think they saw this as an opportunity to help carry the team as he works his way back."
Returning regulars Jordan Majeed and Jaxon Smith provided a veteran source. Majeed had nine points, five rebounds and three steals, with Smith adding six points, six boards and a pair of steals. Baker also had three assists and two steals.
Cole Tunender and Owen Thomas each had six points with Mahad Faisal, Jett Pinneo and Kyler Matthias each adding five.
Over the final 20 minutes, Helle was able to work in more of his newcomers, giving key playing time to several players as they begin their college careers.
"We were able to reward those guys for the hard work they have been putting in," Helle said. "It's been a little while since we've had that chance. It was good, and it is what these kind of games are about."
Iowa Central returns to action Wednesday when they travel to West Burlington to face Southeastern. The Tritons host Rochester Tech on Saturday at 3 p.m.
-By Dana Becker