Mount Vernon's Luke Ertel named Indiana Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year

Averaging 24.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:54am

Mount Vernon senior guard Luke Ertel has been named the Indiana Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Ertel is averaging 24.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game this season, and has helped lead the Marauders to their second straight regional championship.

Why it matters

This honor recognizes Ertel's outstanding performance on the court and his leadership in guiding his team to continued success. As a Purdue commit, Ertel's achievements at the high school level also build excitement for his future college career.

The details

Ertel has been a standout player for Mount Vernon this season, putting up impressive stats across the board. The Marauders will face Decatur Central on Saturday in the semi-state semifinals as they look to advance further in the state tournament.

  • Ertel was named the Indiana Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year on March 21, 2026.
  • The Marauders will face Decatur Central on Saturday, March 22, 2026 in the semi-state semifinals.

The players

Luke Ertel

A senior guard for the Mount Vernon Marauders who has been named the Indiana Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Decatur Central

The opponent that Mount Vernon will face in the semi-state semifinals on March 22, 2026.

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What’s next

The winner of the semi-state semifinal matchup between Mount Vernon and Decatur Central will advance to the state championship game.

The takeaway

Luke Ertel's recognition as the Indiana Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year is a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership on the court. As a Purdue commit, his continued success at the high school level has generated excitement for his future college career.