First Half State Leaders: Blocks
With the holiday break upon us, it’s time to look back at who the state’s leading rim protectors have been throughout the first half of the season.
1.) Will Hurd (St. Mary’s, Storm Lake, 2018) – 5.0 blocks per game
The Panthers are just 1-5 at the break, but Hurd has been the state’s best rim protector so far. He stepped his game up in the final three games before the break, blocking 22 shots in those three contests.
2.) Jared Beck (Davenport North, 2018) – 4.6 blocks per game
Also a standout pitcher on the diamond, the 6-11 center is the centerpiece of the Wildcats defense. He’s blocked at least three shots in every game so far this season.
3.) Jon Schwarte (Treynor, 2020) – 3.7 blocks per game
The Cardinals are 7-0 at the break, and the 6-8 sophomore is a big reason why. He’s third on the team in scoring, and leads them in rebounding and blocks.
4.) Xavier Foster (Oskaloosa, 2020) – 3.6 blocks per game
Foster could end up becoming the most highly touted player in the state since Harrison Barnes. At 6-11 with great athleticism, length and guard skills, he’s been phenomenal on both ends of the floor for the 9-0 Indians.
5.) Hunter Ray (Montezuma, 2019) – 3.4 blocks per game
The 6-5 junior currently holds the single-game mark this season with 10 blocks in a win over HLV, Victor.
6.) Jason Taylor (Rock Valley, 2018) – 3.2 blocks per game
The Upper Iowa signee is the focal point of a Rockets defense that is allowing just 51.3 points a game. The 6-11 senior has steadily improved throughout the course of his high school career and should enjoy a solid four years with the Peacocks.
7.) Evan Doyle (Central Lee, Donnellson, 2018) – 3.2 blocks per game
This is the second top-10 list that Doyle finds himself on (rebounding), and he’s been really good for the surprise Hawks, leading them in scoring, rebounding and blocks.
8.) Vance Bushong (Montezuma, 2018) – 3.1 blocks per game
Another Montezuma Brave on the list, Bushong had six blocks of his own in that game against HLV, Victor, and the Braves had 19 as a team. He pairs with Ray to provide some outstanding rim protection.
T9.) Morgan Mundorf (Griswold, 2018) – 3.0 blocks per game
Griswold is just 1-8 at the break, but Mundorf has been solid at both ends of the floor, leading the Tigers in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks.
T9.) Nik Coble (WACO, Wayland, 2020) – 3.0 blocks per game
The 6-3 post leads the Warriors in scoring, rebounding and blocks.
T9.) Troy Houghton (Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, 2018) – 3.0 blocks per game
The lone guard on the list, Houghton is one of the state’s premier defenders, and his three blocks a game just help to further that argument. He’s an outstanding on-ball defender with great defensive awareness, and he leads the Lynx in scoring and rebounding, to boot.
The next seven: TJ Bollers (Clear Creek-Amana, 2021; 2.9), Seybian Sims (Iowa City West, 2018; 2.9), Caleb Lomica (North Polk, 2019; 2.6); Ben Lyon (Ankeny, 2018; 2.5), Daniel Geistler (Norwalk, 2018; 2.5), Cade Moritz (Des Moines Roosevelt, 2018; 2.5), Nicholas Bork (Saint Ansgar, 2018; 2.5)