Jonny Ingalls of St. Ignace embarked on his basketball journey at a young age, a path almost predestined given his immersion in the sport. With his mother at the helm of the high school girls’ team and his father guiding the boys’, basketball was a constant in his life. “From a young age, Jonny was an exceptional player,” his father and coach, Doug Ingalls, remarked. “He’s always played with a selfless spirit, possessing a champion’s heart, relentlessly pursuing victory.”
Ingalls’ high school career was nothing short of stellar. He amassed 2,000 points, becoming a luminary for the varsity team and propelling the Saints to their first state semifinals appearance since 1983. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, earning him the prestigious title of Michigan Associated Press Division 4 Player of the Year.
Standing at 6 feet, Ingalls dominated as a senior point guard, with a career total of 2,029 points over four years. His senior year averages were impressive: 30.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 4.3 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game. In the postseason, he elevated his game further, averaging 35.5 points. Ingalls showcased his scoring prowess with five games of 40 or more points, including a remarkable 49-point game against Division 1 Marquette, which secured him a scholarship offer from Division II Northern Michigan, and a 44-point game in a tight regional semifinal victory over Onaway.
“He’s always been a clutch player,” Doug Ingalls said. “Jonny has the ability to excel when the stakes are high, delivering outstanding performances precisely when we need them most.”
Ingalls’ jump shot received accolades from opposing coaches, and he expanded his arsenal in his upperclassman years to include a mid-range jumper, complementing his three-point shooting and scoring off the dribble. “His jump shot is a thing of beauty,” his father praised. “This year, he’s extended his range even further.”
Doug Ingalls, also celebrated as the AP Division 4 Coach of the Year, has a rich basketball history himself, having been a standout point guard and holding the assists record at Northern Michigan University. “Playing for him is incredibly meaningful,” Jonny Ingalls shared. “Given his success as a player and his intelligence on the court, it’s an honor.”
After 25 years, Doug Ingalls is retiring due to health concerns, leaving behind a legacy that includes multiple tenures at St. Ignace and a role as an assistant coach for the girls’ team, which, under his wife Dorene Ingalls’ leadership, has clinched five state championships. “His understanding of the game is remarkable,” Dorene Ingalls said. “He has an innate ability to devise plays that immediately translate into points.”
The Division 4 First All-State selections also include notable players such as Hillman’s Trenton Taratuta, Marine City Cardinal Mooney’s Brian Everhart, and others, showcasing the depth of talent in the division.