The 2026 Indiana All‑Star basketball series will feature a rare convergence of talent, as this year’s honorees for Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball are also the state’s senior champions.
A Historic Matchup
Luke Ertel of Mt. Vernon and Gracyn Gilliard of Center Grove have each guided their teams to Class 4A titles, a feat that underscores the depth of this year’s crop of seniors.
Their achievements are being celebrated not only for the personal accolades but also for the historic context they add to the long‑standing Indiana‑Kentucky rivalry, a series that dates back to 1940 for the boys and 1976 for the girls.
Indiana All‑Star director Mike Broughton highlighted the leadership and skill of both athletes, noting that their presence elevates the competition and inspires younger players across the state.
The upcoming schedule includes a doubleheader on Sunday at Charlestown and another on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Indiana squad will face a Kentucky team that has produced legends such as George McGinnis and Oscar Robertson.
Beyond the headline names, the rosters are packed with standout players, from Dikembe Shaw and Noah Smith on the boys’ side to Maya Epps, who is returning from a car‑accident recovery, and a host of other standouts including Joslyn Bricker, Brooke Zartman and Mollie Ernstes.
Injuries will sideline several participants, including JaShawn Ladd and Hannah Menser, but the depth of talent remains strong, with many looking to fill the void left by those unavailable.
The series also reflects a lineage of duos who have achieved the same senior‑year state championship distinction, such as Ali Patberg and Caleb Swanigan in 2015, reminding fans of the tradition that continues to shape Indiana basketball.
Organizations ranging from Indiana Wesleyan to Ball State and beyond are collaborating to support the event, underscoring the broad institutional backing that makes the All‑Star games possible.