It’s that time of year again. As the leaves begin to change, the weather starts to get colder and everyone starts bringing out their big winter jackets. It’s basketball season and the IVCC men’s basketball team and coaches are ready to get the season going!
Head coach Tommy Canale, entering his sixth season of coaching for IVCC, said, “The team is looking good, we are off to a good start in practice and our pre-season was good.”
The team has six returning players for this season. Alec Schwab, Michael Murray, JoVonn Griffin, Josh Fenoglia, Nick Finney, and red shirt Kevin Harris.
The newcomers for team include Ross Arteaga (Mendota), Malcolm Foster (John Hardin HS), Corey McCrary (North Lawndale HS), Sam Ford (Highland C.C.), Perry Adams (Weatherford C.C.), and Conor Leffelman (Amboy).
When asked about what are the key games for this season, Canale said, “All of them. Our philosophy is not to look past any one opponent and take them one at a time. The Arrowhead Conference is always tough every night you play. Highland will be the favorite as they have won conference the last 12 years in row or something like that.”
The Eagles look to end that streak by winning this year’s title. What can we expect out of this year’s team? “You can expect a team that will play hard each and every night, be disciplined, and look to compete at the highest level and above everything else, defend. Defense is what wins games.”
IVCC opened up their season at home against UW-Rock County on Nov. 1 and routed the Rattlers 82-50.
The Eagles started quickly, getting two three-pointers from Schwab and putting up 10 points to start the game. Defensively, the team held UW-Rock County scoreless, as Fenoglia blocked two shots by the Rattlers and kept the shutout going. Schwab’s first half was stellar, putting up 18 points and leading the team to a big lead at halftime.
Murray left the game temporarily in the first half due to a bloody nose, but returned with a vengeance in the second half, taking charges on defense to stop the Rattlers from scoring, intercepting passes and hitting consecutive three-pointers with around 10 minutes remaining in the second half.
The Eagles will host an invitational tournament on Nov. 16 and 17. IVCC will play Oakton and Waubonsee.
IV Leader Sports Editor Josh Dillon contributed to this story.