The race for Indiana's most prestigious high school basketball honor is heating up! The field for the 2026 IndyStar Mr. Basketball award, presented by the Indiana Pacers, has been narrowed to five standout seniors. The winner, determined by votes from the state's high school coaches and media, will be announced later this week.
Each finalist has put together a remarkable season, showcasing the incredible talent developing in the Hoosier State. Let's meet the contenders who are vying for this legendary title.
First up is Luke Ertel, a 6'3" Purdue-bound point guard who capped his high school career in storybook fashion. Ertel led his team to a Class 4A state championship, averaging an impressive 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. A sharpshooter who connected on 40% of his three-pointers, he finished his career with 1,756 points, proving he can score from anywhere on the court.
Next is Brennan Miller, a 6'7" forward headed to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Miller was a double-double machine for Lawrence North, averaging 16.7 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting an efficient 53% from the field. His all-around game, which also included 3.7 assists per contest, was a cornerstone for his team's successful 19-6 season.
Northridge's Brady Scholl makes the list as a dominant force in the paint. The 6'7" Indiana Wesleyan commit averaged a stellar 24.6 points and 11.6 rebounds, leading his team to a 26-2 record and its first-ever regional championship. Scholl's impact was felt on both ends, adding 3.0 blocked shots per game while shooting 59% from the field.
Dikembe Shaw, a 6'7" Illinois-Chicago recruit, powered Crown Point to a Class 4A state finals appearance. Averaging 17.4 points and 6.0 rebounds, Shaw eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone for his career this season. His consistent performance was key in his team's impressive 25-2 campaign.
Rounding out the elite group is Noah Smith, a 6'9" big man committed to DePaul. Smith was a model of efficiency, averaging 19.2 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 62% from the field. He even stretched the defense, hitting a career-best 42% from beyond the arc, showcasing the modern skillset of today's top forwards.
These five athletes represent the future of basketball, each having left an indelible mark on Indiana high school hoops. Stay tuned to see who will join the legendary list of Indiana Mr. Basketball winners.