OTTUMWA, IA – There would be no trap game on this day.

One might think after an emotional road win against an arch rival, and a game with the NJCAA Division II preseason No. 1-rated team looming next week that Coach Hank Plona and his Warriors might find it difficult to focus on a winless opponent this afternoon.

There would be no such look-past factor; however, as No. 12-rated Indian Hills (3-1) took care of business against undermanned NIACC (0-4) as the Warriors led 43-26 at half and were never seriously threatened in rolling to a 95-67 ICCAC victory.

The Warriors featured a balanced attack as Plona saw six different players reach double figures and another fell just a point short of that club.

"It was a complete team effort," Plona noted.  "We came out and tried to control things with some full-court pressure and changing up our defensive approach.  And to do that, you have to have quality depth, and I think we've shown that."

Freshman Curtis Jones continued to impress as the Minneapolis native led the Warriors with 16 points in addition to his point guard duties.

"I thought coming in that Curt has been known as a scorer," said Plona of Jones.  "And while we know he's capable of that, he's kind of had to morph into a point guard.  We put together a few things to get him going on offense and it was good to see him take advantage of that today.  He can make plays on every level."

After posting a career high of 30 on Wednesday in West Burlington, sophomore Tyrese Nickelson followed up that performance with 15 against the Trojans. Freshman Taj Anderson dropped in eleven second-half points to end up with 14 for IHCC.

"We know that Taj is a special talent," Plona added.  "If he continues to be aggressive, he can not only be one of the better scorers in our league, but potentially in the country. 

Rounding out the double-digit scorers were sophomore Levar Williams and freshman Tyem Freeman, each with eleven, and Chris Payton added ten.

Freshman Braxton Bayless added nine for the Warriors and Plona looks for that to continue as his guard from Ankeny gets more comfortable in his role.

"I think it's clear that Curt, Taj and Braxton are three very special freshman guards," Plona said. "It should be fun watching them get better and better before our eyes going forward.

The Warriors continued to shoot well from the charity stripe as they got to the line 31 times, making 26 (84 percent).  NIACC was just 9-for-16.

NIACC's McKelary Robertson led all scorers with 19 and was the only Trojan in double-figures.

The Warriors now look forward to a tough road challenge on Wednesday as IHCC travels to Cedar Rapids to take on Kirkwood.  The Eagles were tabbed as the pre-season No. 1-ranked team at the Division II level of the NJCAA.  Like the Warriors, Kirkwood also dropped its season-opener, falling to DMACC in Boone, 75-70.

"Going to Kirkwood is as difficult of a road test as you can ask for," Plona said.  "Coach Sandquist does a great job getting his guys ready every year, and I think our guys are looking forward to the challenge."

Game time Wednesday is 7 p.m. at Johnson Hall.