Introducing Mr. Basketball Candidate #9: Sam Ingoli
As part of our preseason content, we’re counting down the top dozen candidates for this year’s Mr. Basketball award, presented annually to the top senior in the state. The list continues with our No. 9 player, West Des Moines Dowling point guard Sam Ingoli, who helped lead the Maroons to their fifth straight state title in football last night.
Name: Sam Ingoli
Height: 6-4
Position: PG
School: Dowling Catholic
2016-17 stats: 313 points (14.2/game), 162 rebounds (7.4), 69 assists (3.1), 57.7 FG%, 44.1 3P%, 67.3 FT%
Career stats: 535 points (11.9/game), 238 rebounds (5.3), 143 assists (3.2), 53.7 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 69.1 FT%
About Ingoli: An all-state selection last year, Ingoli is a big, physical lead guard and is among the most efficient guards you’ll find in the state. He’s great at attacking the rim and breaking down a defense, and he’s also turned himself into one of the best on-ball defenders you’ll find. Equally adept scoring and facilitating, he rarely commits turnovers, rebounds at a high level for a guard, and has the body and mindset that college coaches crave. Also a standout on the football field as a big wide receiver, he’ll have a big decision to make in the coming months on what sport he’ll be pursuing at the next level.
Why he can win Mr. Basketball: He’s a skilled and efficient guard who will put up some bigger numbers this season with the losses that the Maroons have suffered. And he plays in the biggest city in the state, so he’ll routinely have eyes on him throughout the season. If Dowling is able to make it back to the state tournament, it’ll be because of Ingoli.
Odds he wins Mr. Basketball: Another player with a very slim chance at winning, but it’s not a knock on him as a player or a person. He has an incredible backstory and is a player that everyone can root for. He’s a highly gifted player who does all the little things you want out of a lead guard.