Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding
performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close
out the 2025-26 season by naming the top player in each state.
Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in
addition to local and state accolades.
Luke Ertel of
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Indiana High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 senior guard led the Marauders to a 29-3 record and their first state championship in program history.
For the season, Ertel averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field, 39.8 percent from 3-point range and 88.6 percent from the free throw line.
MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year Luke Ertel scored a season-high 36 points in an 85-78 victory over South Bend Saint Joseph in December. (FILE PHOTO: Tyler Hart)
In a 52-50 victory over Crown Point in the Class 4A state final, Ertel piled up 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
Ertel posted three triple-doubles during his senior campaign, including 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 77-69 triumph over New Albany in the state semifinals.
Regarded as a top 50 prospect in the Class of 2026 by Rivals, Ertel signed with Purdue over offers from Butler, Fordham, Kent State, Ohio, Toledo, Tulane, UAB and Wake Forest.
Each
state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in
the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released in
April. Past selections include 2026 NBA All-Stars Karl Anthony-Towns
(2014), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015),
Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Cade Cunningham (2019, 2020), Kevin Durant
(2006), Jalen Duren (2021), Anthony Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016),
Chet Holmgren (2020, 2021), Brandon Ingram (2015), Jalen Johnson
(2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019) and Norman Powell (2011).
Past MaxPreps Indiana Players of the Year
2019-20 – Anthony Leal, Bloomington South (Bloomington)
2020-21 – Caleb Furst, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (Fort Wayne)
2021-22 – J.J. Starling, La Lumiere (La Porte)
2022-23 – Flory Bidunga, Kokomo
2023-24 – Flory Bidunga, Kokomo
2024-25 – Braylon Mullins, Greenfield-Central (Greenfield)
