Pryce Sandfort Named Mr. Basketball

Coming off a season in which he led Class 4A in scoring, rebounding, and 3-pointers made, Waukee Northwest wing Pryce Sandfort Pryce Sandfort 6'7" | SF Waukee Northwest | 2023 State #123 Nation IA has been named the 2023 Iowa Mr. Basketball by the Iowa Print Sportswriter Association, who chose the future Hawkeye over other contenders at their annual meeting on Friday morning.

"I've put in a lot of time and hard work over the years, so for it to pay off like this is very cool," Sandfort said. "I'm honored to be in such great company with the history of this award."

A highly skilled 6-7 wing with a picturesque stroke from deep, Sandfort was a key role player for Waukee as a freshman and sophomore, helping lead one of the best teams the state has ever seen, 2021 Waukee, to the state championship, which Sandfort says is his favorite memory from his time in high school. "To finally break through and win the first basketball title for Waukee is something I'll never forget," Sandfort said.

Following those two years at Waukee, Sandfort was able to be a part of something rare - helping establish a culture at a brand new school. Waukee Northwest opened up prior to the 2021-22 season, and Sandfort was the headliner for a pair of teams that qualified for the state tournament in each of its first two years as a school, including an appearance in the state championship game this season, finishing runner-up to West Des Moines Valley. "To go to state twice in the first two years, along with a state championship appearance, I'm just very proud of what this team accomplished," Sandfort said.

Sandfort, who committed to play his college ball at Iowa over offers from Clemson, Drake, and Nebraska, among others, flourished in his two years as the star at Northwest, averaging 25.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks a game with 53-42-88 shooting splits. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor with his length, intelligence, and talent made him a coveted prospect who ranks among the top 100 players in the country.

He will head to Iowa City following graduation, where he'll join older brother Payton Sandfort and a strong group of returnees in black and gold. Sandfort has lofty goals heading into his college career. "My main goal is to win a National Championship. I'm going to go into Iowa City very hungry and ready to work, and there is no doubt in my mind that we can and will make some postseason runs. I know winning it all is not an easy task, but I'm ready to get to work."