By: Dana Becker

Messenger Sports Staff

The little things are what Chad Helle always stresses to his Iowa Central men's team.

And by listening to what Helle has to say, the Tritons have found themselves playing their best basketball in some time, highlighted by an 83-78 upset of third-ranked Kirkwood here Saturday inside Hodges Fieldhouse.

The win was the fourth in a row for Iowa Central, who closed 2022 with two wins on the road in Minnesota before opening the new year with a victory at Northeast last Wednesday night.

"We've obviously been playing pretty well," Helle said. "But it's been a process. It started early in the preseason with this group. They really bought in and have listened to us coaches, listened to their teammates and play for one another.

"They really like each other and enjoy being out there competing. We also have some incredible sophomore leadership. Those guys are setting the tone and the building blocks for us."

Darius Henderson led all scorers were 23 points, going 11-for-14 from the field. He also had eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Kevin Taylor scored 19 points with three rebounds and two steals. 

Miles Fant chipped in 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Donovan Pointer was the fourth player in double figures with 10 points.

Isaac Besh added six assists, three rebounds and two steals.

"Isaac's play has been so important for us," Helle said. "He's unselfish and just does all the little things we need. Kevin is our go-to player, but we have guys like Darius and Miles who can shoulder that load as well, and Kevin has done a great job of noticing that."

Iowa Central took advantage of 20 turnovers by Kirkwood, turning them into 26 points. The Tritons were also plus-14 on points in the paint.

See full article at  https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2023/01/on-the-move-8/