First Half State Leaders: Steals
With the holiday break upon us, it’s time to look back at who the state’s leading swipers have been throughout the first half of the season.
1.) Jake Hilmer (North Linn, 2019) – 6.9 steals per game
This is the second list that Hilmer finds himself at the top of (assists), and a good chunk of those helpers come from his work on the defensive end, allowing the Lynx to get out in transition, where they’re lethal. He has a chance to become the all-time state leaders in both categories before his career is over.
2.) Thomas Hensley (CAM, Anita, 2018) – 5.9 steals per game
The 5-10 point guard is not only a menace on the defensive end, he also leads the Cougars in scoring (22.9) and assists, while ranking second in rebounding.
3.) Noah Beck (BGM, Brooklyn, 2020) – 5.4 steals per game
It’s been a difficult first half for the Bears, struggling to a 3-6 record at the break. But this 5-5 sophomore guard has been a bright spot on the defensive end, swiping over five steals a night.
4.) Isaac McSorley (New London, 2019) – 5.1 steals per game
This long, lanky junior wing has been a bright spot for a Tigers team that has played without arguably their best player so far this season (Mason Porter), leading the team in scoring in addition to swiping 36 steals on the young season.
5.) Zach Lester (Clear Lake, 2018) – 4.5 steals per game
Also among the state leaders in scoring at 32.0 points a game, Lester has proven himself to be one of the state’s best two-way players this year. He leads the Lions in every major category except for rebounding, where he is a single board behind Sean Wendel.
6.) Nathan Keck (Kingsley-Pierson, 2019) – 4.4 steals per game
Keck leads the Panthers in scoring, assists and blocks in addition to his swiping abilities, helping to lead K-P to the top of the Western Valley Conference standings at the break.
7.) Avery Busta (Forest City, 2019) – 4.3 steals per game
The junior guard’s prowess on the defensive end is a big reason why the Indians are 8-0 and posting the best defensive average (36.3 points a game allowed) in Class 2A. He’s also tied for the team lead in assists.
8.) Keontae Luckett (New London, 2019) – 4.1 steals per game
Another New London product on the list, Luckett, like Jake Hilmer, uses his defense to turn into offense, where he’s also among the state leaders in assists. A lightning quick guard who moves his feet really well, many of his steals come by playing great on-ball defense.
9.) Tyreke Locure (Des Moines North, 2019) – 4.1 steals per game
One of the most highly regarded players in the state, regardless of class, Locure holds the state’s bench mark for scoring in a game this season after dropping 56 against St. Joseph Lafayette (MO) right before the break. A lightning quick guard who excels at jumping passing lanes, he’s routinely been at the top of the steals list since he was a freshman.
10.) Dylan Kisner (Central Springs, 2019) – 4.1 steals per game
The Panthers enter the break at 0-10, but Kisner has been a swiping machine for them. In addition to his four steals a game, he leads the team in scoring and assists.
The next five: Logan Miller (Easton Valley, 2018; 4.0), Gabe Shields (South Tama, 2018; 4.0), Mason Compton (Durant, 2019; 3.9), Kyle Frank (HLV, Victor, 2018; 3.8), Patrick Savage (Lamoni, 2020; 3.8)