Our Alumni

Jaydee Luster
March 2006

Yes, they stopped the game yesterday after Hoover's JayDee Luster stole the ball and drove to the basket, where he was fouled.

Before Luster stepped to the line, the announcer at Madison High revealed to the small Senior Night gathering that the Hoover guard's third steal of the e game was the 438th of his career, shooting him past Lincoln's John McCartney on the San Diego Section's all-time list.

Oh yes, the announcer mentioned, he's just a junior.

Luster didn't stop there, not only finishing with seven steals but a career-high 41 points in leading the fourth-ranked Cardinals (21-6, 8-1) to an 85-41 Central League victory over Madison.

“Early in the game I tried to steal every pass because I knew I only needed three,” said Luster. “Even the players from Madison were (saying) before we started the game that they were going to try to keep the ball away from me.

“When I got two in the first quarter, I calmed down and just played my game. I knew I'd get one more.”

The record-breaking steal came 1:16 into the second quarter. Ahead of Luster on the state list are Kenny Brunner of Compton Dominguez (498) and Jason Kidd of Alameda St. Joseph (719), who also holds the national record.

Luster's 442 is No. 5 all-time nationally and just 40 behind No. 4.

The 5-foot-10 guard then turned his attention to attacking the basket, finishing with a point total second in school history to the 44 scored by Curtis Webster, according to Cardinals coach Ollie Goulston.

Luster left the game with 6:16 to play. Otherwise, he easily could have made it two records.

“I was having trouble getting up for this game, so I splashed some water on my face and drank a Red Bull before the game,” said Luster. “I don't care about the scoring records. I would like to get that assist record this year, though.”

Luster had six assists last night to give him 721 in his career.

“Although JayDee has now scored more than 1,500 points in his career and he got 41 tonight, that isn't what he or this team is all about,” said Goulston. “Steals and assists are more a reflection of this team – defense and passing the ball.

“He had it gng tonight, but our focus was the win. It was our top priority. He'll have a lot of records before he's finished.”