MANISTIQUE — The Iron Mountain boys basketball team enters the 2021-22 season with no seniors and a completely new starting lineup. Gone are the top rotation players from last season’s Division 3 state runner-up, including Foster Wonders who moved on to play Division 1 ball at Southern Illinois.

And with their first game on the road, the Mountaineers faced a challenge unlike they have in recent years.

But no matter. Coach Harvey “Bucky” Johnson’s squad continually built its lead against host Manistique and left with a 59-39 victory.

“We learned some things and we’re building,” Johnson said. “The pieces to the puzzle are there. and it’s my job to put them together properly.”

Iron Mountain led 11-6 after the opening quarter, by eight at halftime and by 12 after three quarters.

Reece Kangas led Iron Mountain with 14 points, while Joey Colavecchi added 12. Kangas sank four of his team’s nine 3-pointers.

“We have a lot of potential,” Johnson said. “We’re a work in progress, but I’m pleased to start with a road victory by 20 points.”