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, capping off a legendary season of Hoosier hoops.
This year's finalists represent the future of the game, with a mix of dynamic guards and versatile forwards ready to make their mark at the collegiate level. Let's meet the five players vying for the title of Indiana's best.
First up is Luke Ertel, a 6-3 point guard headed to Purdue. Ertel finished his high school career in storybook fashion, leading his team to a Class 4A state championship. A stat-sheet stuffer, he averaged an impressive 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game during a 28-3 senior season, proving he's a complete floor general.
Next is Lawrence North's Brennan Miller, a 6-7 forward committed to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Miller was a double-double machine, averaging 16.7 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting 53% from the field. His consistent inside presence and rebounding tenacity were key for his 19-6 squad.
From Northridge comes Brady Scholl, a dominant 6-7 big man bound for Indiana Wesleyan. Scholl powered his team to a historic 26-2 season and a regional title, putting up 24.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 59% from the field. His shot-blocking prowess, averaging 3.0 per game, anchored one of the state's toughest defenses.
Dikembe Shaw, a 6-7 wing committed to Illinois-Chicago, led Crown Point to the Class 4A state finals. The versatile senior averaged 17.4 points and 6.0 rebounds, eclipsing 1,000 career points and showcasing the all-around skill that makes modern forwards so valuable.
Rounding out the list is Noah Smith, a 6-9 DePaul commit. Smith was a model of efficiency, averaging 19.2 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting an incredible 62% from the field. His size and scoring touch inside made him a nearly unstoppable force for his 22-3 team.
These five athletes have not only posted incredible numbers but have also led their teams to remarkable success. As we await the final announcement, it's clear that the future of Indiana basketball is in incredibly talented hands. Stay tuned to see who will join the legendary list of Indiana Mr. Basketball winners.