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 Purdue 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 cultur...