Mt. Vernon's Ertel named Gatorade Player of the Year

Gatorade has announced Luke Ertel of Mt. Vernon High School is the 2025-26 Gatorade Indiana Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

The six-foot, two-inch senior guard had led the Marauders to a 27-3 record and a berth in the Class 4A State Championship Game. Ertel is averaging 24.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.8 steals through 30 games.

A member of the Hancock County Youth Leadership Council, Ertel has volunteered locally with the Formula Zero Clinic and a basketball camp for children with special needs. He has also donated his time to multiple community service initiatives through his church.

“Luke can turn a game’s momentum whether as a scorer, shooter or facilitator,” said Matt McKay, Pro Insight Founder and CEO. “His basketball IQ and gritty toughness consistently shine through, no matter the environment.”

Ertel has maintained a weighted 3.98 GPA in the classroom. He has signed a written letter of athletic aid to play basketball at Purdue University.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one state winner from each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., in 12 different sports: football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, boys and girls soccer, and boys and girls track and field. In total, 610 high school athletes are honored each year.

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