Mount Vernon boys basketball coaches corner INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Mount Vernon senior guard Luke Ertel is having a fantastic season, leading the Mauraders to the semi-state round of the state tournament for the second straight season. He will never share the court at Mackey Arena with Purdu e senior guard Braden Smith, but he has still been able to learn from watching the program (and likely NCAA) all-time assist leader. “Seeing him play is realizing how much I need to get better,” Ertel said. “He’s a master with the ball. He sees the next play before it even happens, so watching his pace and how he progresses the game is awesome.” Ertel is excited to be a part of the Purdue family next season. “It’s just such a great environment and the family culture Coach Painter has made and how everyone wants to stay there, even after they’re done playing,” Ertel said. “It’s just been so awesome, so I can’t wait.” Ertel and the Mauraders are set to take on Decatur Central in the semi-state semifinal on Saturday, looking to get to the state championship for the first time in school history. “We have a special group of guys,” Mount Vernon boys basketball head coach Joe Bradburn said. “We were knocking on the door last year in the Jeffersonville game in the semi-state and had great experience from our guys. They come to work every day. We’re a good group of guys. But we have that goal.” Mount Vernon made it to semi-state last season, losing to the eventual state champion, Jeffersonville, in the semifinal. Tipoff against Decatur Central is scheduled for 10 a.m. in New Castle on Saturday. For more on Luke Ertel and Mount Vernon, watch the video above. ...read more read less