Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Athletics: Mason Denholm was officially named the new Iowa Central men’s basketball coach on Friday. Denholm had previously served as an assistant with the program.

Mason Denholm will make the move from assistant to head coach of the Iowa Central men’s basketball team.

The 30-year-old Denholm was announced as the new head coach Friday, replacing Ryan Kirsch after one successful season together with the Tritons.

Iowa Central went 20-12 this past year, advancing to the Region 11 Tournament championship game for the first time since 2018. The Tritons were edged by eventual NJCAA national champion Kirkwood.

“I’m very grateful to lead the men’s basketball program moving forward,” Denholm said. “I’m looking forward to building upon the success we achieved last year.”

Prior to joining Kirsch’s staff with the Tritons, Denholm was an assistant at Wayne State College from 2022-24. He served on the staff at Grand View University from 2017-22, reaching the NAIA National Tournament.

Between the two schools, Denholm has coached three All-American players and 15 all-conference selections. Iowa Central placed two on the all-region team this past winter in freshmen Jordan Cain (first) and Jalen Wynter (second).

“Our entire athletic department is thrilled with the hiring of Mason Denholm as our new head men’s basketball coach,” ICCC athletic director Kevin Twait said. “Mason played a heavy hand and had a huge impact in orchestrating the Iowa Central men’s basketball transformation this past season. He is more than ready for this opportunity.

“Mason is both an outstanding teacher of the game and a tremendous recruiter. We are confident that under Mason’s leadership, our men’s basketball program will continue to thrive and provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for our squad members.”

Iowa Central averaged just under 80 points per game this past season. Cain led the team at 16.3 points per contest, followed by Wynter at almost 12.

Denholm, a graduate of Grand View, and his wife, Emily, have one child. He grew up in Iowa Falls, and graduated from high school in Valley City, North Dakota before committing to and playing basketball for GVU.