Mt. Vernon's Luke Ertel is 2026 Indiana Mr. Basketball: 'Dream come true'

Ross Michael McHale has incredible timing. He came into the world at 8:21 p. m.

March 21 at Community Hospital North. At that moment, about 45 miles east at New Castle Fieldhouse, his uncle Luke Ertel was trying to get Mt. Vernon to the state championship for the first time.

“The game was on,” said Ross’ mother and Luke’s oldest sister, Mary Grace Ertel McHale. “It was in the background. ” New grandmother Amy Ertel was in the Community North waiting room watching the game when she was informed Ross announced his arrival into the world.

It was right around the same time her youngest son Luke picked up his third foul, which was followed seconds later by his fourth foul. “A very high stress hour for her,” Mary Grace said with a laugh. Not to worry.