Maine’s Kellen Tynes is among nation’s best in steals

ORONO, Maine (WABI) – Kellen Tynes has grown up into one among school basketball’s steals leaders.

“I’ve lengthy arms, and I performed a pair totally different sports activities rising up like soccer and baseball. I feel that helped. Watching numerous movie to be taught tendencies of groups helps lots,” stated Tynes, sophomore guard.

His mother and father, Quinta and Joey, instilled his expertise as his early coaches.

“Lots of people preached protection to me at a younger age, in order that’s simply sort of how I used to be introduced up. You possibly can have dangerous video games offensively, however you’ll be able to at all times play protection, have vitality and energetic fingers, and do the little issues,” stated Tynes.

The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia native’s dedication reveals the best way for his teammates.

“He actually pays consideration to the main points and all these totally different sure issues with crew scout. He learns tendencies lots, so I feel that performs a very large half in how he will get his steals,” stated Jaden Clayton, freshman guard.

Tynes and the Black Bears might be examined by UMBC’s three-point taking pictures, in order that they’ll should deliver the protection.

“He’s bought an innate expertise by way of with the ability to hawk the basketball. I’ve been round a number of guys in my profession much like him. It’s not one thing you’ll be able to actually coach or train. It’s simply sure guys are innate at sure issues. He simply at all times finds his approach across the ball,” stated Chris Markwood, head coach.

He’s serving to Maine to show a nook in Markwood’s first season as head coach.

“Shout out to the Black Bear followers who come out to assist us. I do know it’s been powerful as a result of we haven’t been profitable, however we’re working arduous. We’re on the market attempting to get a win for you guys,” stated Tynes.

Tynes is jockeying for the highest spot in steals with Kent State’s Malique Jacobs and New Mexico’s Jaelen Home. Jacobs is at 3.2 steals per sport with Home checking in at 3.0. Tynes only in the near past dipped from 3.0 to 2.9.

Tipoff with the sharp-shooting UMBC Retrievers is on Saturday at 1 p.m. down in Catonsville, Md.

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