MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula's top male basketball player, honored by the UP Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, is coming to play at Northern Michigan University.
St. Ignace's Johnny Ingalls was named Mr. UP Basketball by the UPSSA at the annual basketball tournament held in Marquette just a few weeks ago, according to a Monday news release from NMU Sports Information. standing at the top of
Other recruits joining the Wildcats and head coach Matt Michrzak are Wisconsin's Isaiah Allen, Michael McNabb and Cody Schmitz.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the 2024 recruiting class.” Majkrzak said in the NMU SI release announcing them. “All four of them score the ball at a very high level. The quartet scored a total of 8,216 points over their four years in high school. The amazing numbers speak for themselves.
“Despite being one of the best scorers in the country, all four are unselfish players who can be as impactful defensively as they are offensively.
“Another trait all four have in common is a strong desire to improve and work on their game. They are mature basketball players who value all the little things it takes to be great.
“There has never been a freshman class that we have spent as much time as coaching. The first time we saw all of them play was when they were freshmen in high school, and then we watched a lot of games over the years. I'm here.
“What has impressed me is not only seeing their growth as players, but watching them become great leaders in their high schools and travel programs. They have a great comfort level with the coaches and their families. They fit NMU and the market in every way.”
Here's a quick sketch about each player:
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Johnny Ingalls, 6-foot guard, St. Ignace — After averaging 30.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.6 blocked shots per game last season, the Saints' feat propelled the team to its first MHSAA semifinal appearance since 1983. led to. In the Division 4 tournament, they faced Michigan State University's Breslin Center and finished 21-7.
Not only was Ingalls named Mr. UP Basketball, he was also named the Associated Press' state Division 4 Player of the Year. Other honors include All-State First Team, All-UP Dream Team, Straits Area Conference Player of the Year, and a berth in the upcoming UP All-Star Game.
He finished his high school career with 2,029 points, almost a UP record.
“Johnny fits the mold of what we're looking for in a coach's kid's point guard.” Mike Kurzak said. “His father (Doug) and his mother (Doreen) had great careers at NMU and Lake Superior State University, and basketball is in his blood.
“He's been at his best in the big moments this season and is really fun to watch. He's always been a great point guard, but with the addition of his athleticism and defensive range, he's become a complete third-level scorer. became.”
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Isaiah Allen, 6-4 guard, Lutheran, Milwaukee, Wis. — Last season, he averaged 23.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game, leading his team to a district finals appearance and 18-9 record. led to the achievement of
With 1,376 career points, he is Milwaukee Lutheran University's all-time leading scorer, a Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Division II All-State honorable mention, a two-time Woodland Conference first-team all-conference honoree, and a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel All-Area honoree. I received an award. Team and WBCA All-Star.
“Isaiah does so many things at a high level.” Mike Kurzak said. “Naturally, the first thing that jumps out is his high-flying dunks and blocks at the rim.
“But we also fell in love with his IQ and feel for the game. He's 6-4 and has legitimate point guard ability, but he also has a willingness to beat smaller defenders down low and score on blocks. He not only averaged 24 ppg, but also shot 57% from the floor.
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Michael McNabb, 6-4 wing, Grafton, Wis. — Last season, he averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 steals and became Grafton's all-time leading scorer with 2,157 points.
McNabb was named WBCA Division II All-State First Team, All-North Shore Conference First Team, Prep Hoops Second Team All-State, and a WBCA All-Star.
“Michael has the ability to put the ball in the hoop with incredible speed.” Mike Kurzak said. “He always had a left-handed glide that made him really hard to stop going to the rim.
“As he ages, he becomes an even better athlete and continues to add layers to his offensive arsenal. He plays with a high momentum and is a relentless rebounder.”
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Cody Schmitz, 6-5 guard, Gail Ettrick Tremperloo, Wisconsin — Last season, he averaged 30.1 points, 11 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 steals and led a 20-8 team to the sectional finals. lead.
Schmitz scored 2,654 points during his career, making him the GET's all-time leading scorer and Wisconsin's fourth all-time leading scorer.
He was named to the WBCA Division 3 All-State First Team, Cooley Conference Player of the Year, four-time Cooley Conference First Team, Badger Pro Shop All-MPC Team, Winona Daily News All-Area First Team, and WDN Player of the Year. . Prep Hoops Second Team All-State and WBCA All-Star.
“Cody is the fourth all-time leading scorer in University of Wisconsin history, and it shows when you watch him play.” Mike Kurzak said. “He is another true third-level scorer who combines advanced athleticism with an advanced skill set.
“Over the last year, he has made great strides as a defender and we believe he can become an elite two-way player.”
Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.