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Decatur Today
By the People, for the People
Purdue Signee Luke Ertel Leads Mt. Vernon to Class 4A Final Four
The Indiana high school basketball standout had a dominant performance to advance his team to the state semifinals.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:42pm
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Luke Ertel, a four-star point guard prospect and Purdue signee, led Mt. Vernon High School to a 66-46 victory over Decatur Central in the IHSAA Class 4A semi-state semifinals. Ertel recorded a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing out 5 assists to power his team's run to the Final Four.
Why it matters
Ertel's standout performance showcases the talent and potential he brings to Purdue's 2027 recruiting class, which is ranked 15th nationally. As the Indiana Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Ertel's leadership and production have been instrumental in Mt. Vernon's record-setting season and deep playoff run.
The details
Entering the weekend, Ertel was averaging 24.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. In the semi-state semifinal win, he continued his dominant play, notching a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double while also contributing 5 assists. Ertel's performance comes after he scored 34 points in an overtime victory over Pike to advance Mt. Vernon to the regional title game.
- The IHSAA Class 4A semi-state semifinals and championships are taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
- Mt. Vernon defeated Decatur Central 66-46 in the semi-state semifinal game on Saturday morning.
The players
Luke Ertel
A four-star point guard prospect and Purdue signee who was named the 2026 Indiana Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Ertel led Mt. Vernon High School to the Class 4A Final Four with his dominant performance.
Mt. Vernon High School
The Indiana high school basketball team that is amidst a record-setting season and has advanced to the Class 4A Final Four.
What they’re saying
“Watching Luke Ertel operate in the pick-and-roll this summer was consistently a thing of beauty. His ability to gain an advantage off a live dribble, get the defender on his hip, and read the defense to make a play was unique among his peers in this cycle. Ertel has an excellent feel and is someone who is confident on the ball, but also elevates the floor of those around him.”
— Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Scout
What’s next
Mt. Vernon will now take on New Albany on Saturday night, with the winner advancing to the state championship on Saturday, March 28 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.
The takeaway
Luke Ertel's dominant performance in the IHSAA Class 4A semi-state semifinals showcases the talent and leadership he will bring to Purdue's 2027 recruiting class, which is ranked 15th nationally. Ertel's ability to impact the game as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator has been instrumental in Mt. Vernon's record-setting season and deep playoff run.
