First Half Blocks Leaders
With the holiday break upon us, it’s time to take a look at who the state’s blocks leaders are through the first half of the season. (Note: Stats are through games that were entered into QuikStats by December 30 at…
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Continue ReadingWith the holiday break upon us, it’s time to take a look at who the state’s blocks leaders are through the first half of the season. (Note: Stats are through games that were entered into QuikStats by December 30 at 11:30 am, and total blocks rather than blocks per game).
1.) 2020 Matt Haken, George-Little Rock – 32 blocks
The 6-5 senior forward has not only blocked the most shots in the state so far, he’s also averaging 18.3 points and has pulled down 50 more rebounds than any other Mustang.
T2.) 2020 Alex Van Kalsbeek, MOC-Floyd Valley – 31 blocks
Good luck scoring on the interior in the Siouxland, apparently, as Van Kalsbeek and Haken are Siouxland Conference rivals. Van Kalsbeek had one of the best summers of any player in the state, and he’s having a monster senior season, averaging 19.1 points and 12.0 rebounds while also leading the team in assists, steals and blocks. Oh, and he’s shooting 81.9% from the floor.
T2.) 2020 Christian Heilbuth, Siouxland Christian – 31 blocks
After leading the state with 156 blocks last year, Heilbuth isn’t turning away shots at quite the same rate this season, but his rim protection has still been vital for an Eagles team that is much improved. He’s one of four players averaging in double figures for a 7-0 squad.
T4.) 2022 Ben DeMeulenaere, Belle Plaine – 27 blocks
In addition to his rim protecting, DeMeuleneaere has been great on the glass, pulling down 9.3 rebounds a night for the Plainsmen.
T4.) 2020 Matt Schubert, Rockford – 27 blocks
The 6-8 senior also found himself among the top 10 in rebounding. He’s having a strong year for the Warriors, averaging 16.7 points and 12.6 rebounds.
T6.) 2022 Sam Wilt, Anamosa – 26 blocks
The Blue Raiders have had a rough start to the season, entering the break with a 1-7 record, but Wilt, a 6-2 sophomore, has been a bright spot. He leads the team in every major category.
T6.) 2020 Brody Koenigs, Riceville – 26 blocks
Riceville is just 1-6 on the year, but Koenigs has been a solid contributor and rim protector. He leads the team in rebounding.
8.) 2020 Nate Reed, Sioux City North – 24 blocks
The Stars are just 1-7, which has overshadowed the strong senior year that Reed is having out in Sioux City. He’s averaging 21.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.0 blocks a night.
9.) 2023 Daniel Tobiloba, Grand View Christian – 23 blocks
The Thunder have had some prominent shot blockers graduate recently, but the 6-10 freshman Tobiloba is picking up the slack, averaging 3.3 blocks a night.
T10.) 2020 Michael Keegan, Beckman Catholic – 22 blocks
One of the most valuable players in the state, Keegan impacts the game at a high-level on both ends of the floor. A 6-5 lead guard who can score, pass, rebound and defend, he’s combined for 39 steals and blocks so far this season.
T10.) 2021 Caleb Burks, Waverly-Shell Rock – 22 blocks
The 6-7 junior leads the Go-Hawks in rebounding and steals, as well, while averaging 10.4 points on 62.5% shooting.
The next 14: Brayden Sobaski (2021, Pekin; 21), Kaiden Phillips (2020, Davenport Central; 20), Aldane Barrett (2021, Davenport West; 20), Jon Schwarte (2020, Treynor; 20), Nik Coble (2020, WACO; 20), Chase Pester (2021, MVAOCOU; 18), Dayne Eckley (2020, Pekin; 18), Grant Embretson (2020, Benton; 17), Clayton Hansen (2020, Diagonal; 17), Syles Jordan (2020, Heartland Christian; 17), Trent Rockwood (2020, Moulton-Udell; 17), Nathan Moeller (2020, Prince of Peace; 17), Mason Harter (2023, Sigourney; 17), Eli Keahna (2021, South Tama; 17)