The quest for the coveted 2026 Indiana Mr. Basketball title has entered its final stage, with a select group of five outstanding athletes vying for the honor.
Luke Ertel of Mt. Vernon, a Purdue commit, concluded his high school career with a Class 4A state championship, showcasing an impressive average of 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Brennan Miller from Lawrence North, committed to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, was a key player for his team, averaging 16.7 points and 10.0 rebounds while maintaining strong shooting percentages. Brady Scholl of Northridge, set to join Indiana Wesleyan, led his team to a regional championship with averages of 24.6 points and 11.6 rebounds, alongside significant blocked shots. Dikembe Shaw from Crown Point, an Illinois-Chicago recruit, guided his team to the Class 4A state finals, achieving 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, also surpassing 1,000 career points. Finally, Noah Smith of Plainfield, a DePaul commit, concluded his high school tenure with 19.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and remarkable shooting efficiency, including a career-best 42% from beyond the arc.
These five finalists embody the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship that define Indiana high school basketball. Their exceptional performances and leadership on the court serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes, demonstrating the rewards of hard work and commitment to their craft.
