IndyStar Names Five Finalists for 2026 Mr. Basketball Award

IndyStar named five senior finalists for the 2026 Mr. Basketball award on Wednesday, narrowing Indiana's top individual honor in boys basketball to a group that collectively reached state-level postseason play, earned college commitments, and dominated opposing programs across every corner of the state.

Luke Ertel of Mt. Vernon in Fortville is the finalist most observers already had circled. The Purdue recruit drove the Marauders to state-finals weekend and delivered a triple-double in late-March postseason action, cementing his status as the state's most productive two-way guard and the clear front-runner heading into final voting. Ertel's combination of playmaking and scoring made him a consistent presence in statewide award conversations throughout the season.

Brady Scholl of Northridge in Middlebury brought a different skill set to the finalist field. The 6-foot-6 forward and Indiana Wesleyan commit averaged close to the mid-20s in scoring during his team's deep postseason run while posting double-figure rebounding numbers in regional and semi-state play. His interior efficiency and rim protection ranked among the state's best at his position.

Dikembe Shaw anchored the Crown Point frontcourt through a run that extended into late postseason rounds. Shaw drew Player-of-the-Year consideration across Northwest Indiana, where his size and scoring created matchup problems few opponents solved. His emergence as a dominant force in the state's northwest corridor was one of the season's more compelling storylines.

Noah Smith of Plainfield, a long two-way forward who signed with DePaul, supplied consistent interior scoring and rim presence throughout the year. His college destination reflects the level of attention he generated as one of the state's most versatile big men.

Brennan Miller of Lawrence North in Indianapolis rounds out the group, his inclusion reflecting both his production for the Wildcats and his standing in the class with collegiate programs already tracking his next steps.

The five finalists were selected by votes from Indiana high-school coaches and media members. The announcement opens the final stage of voting for a prize that, for generations of Indiana players, has represented the definitive judgment of an entire state's coaching and media community on who led the sport.