Clovis coach J.D. Isler thinks the Wildcats can be a lot better once 2011 rolls around. But he’s pretty happy with how they’re doing in 2010.

The Wildcats moved to 8-1 on the season, cruising past Rio Rancho 71-55 on the road Tuesday.

“We’re a completely new team trying to put a bunch of new guys together,” Isler said. “I’m pleased with how they’re coming along. I think we’re at the tip of the iceberg.

“We’re going to be a lot better team in February than we are now.”

The team has put up the record despite playing most of its schedule on the road so far — they’re 3-0 at home and 5-1 on the road. But that should even out with the Southwest Dairy Farmers Classic, which starts Tuesday at Rock Staubus Gymnasium.

Lathan Lieb led Clovis with 24 points, but had 14 of them in the fourth quarter to help the Wildcats protect a 47-33 lead against the host Rams (2-7).

“He really just started getting to the hole,” Isler said of the 6-foot-3 Lieb. “He’s so physical, those guards have a hard time defending him.”

Craig Cook scored 12, D.J. Blackmon added 11 and three others scored at least five for the Wildcats.

“I think our balance is starting to get really good,” Isler said. “We’re getting scoring from a lot of people. We’re not one-dimensional and everybody’s chipping in.”

Josh Lucero hit three 3-pointers and scored 14 to lead the Rams.