Indiana got on their feet on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and applauded the Mt. Vernon Marauders for bringing home their first state championship title. Coached by Joe Bradburn, the Marauders were led to victory by Luke Ertel, a Purdue commit, with 26 points.
In the week leading up to the big day, the boys were showered with support by their fans in the towns of Fortville and McCoordsville. The local ice cream shop, Libby’s, created a Black and Gold Sunday in honor of the marauders.
The team was also welcomed with a breakfast at Breakfast and Brunch in McCordsville before their last practice before state. Signs were set up all around the halls of Mt. Vernon High School, and there was a parade during SRT for the recent state champs. The boys were also invited to a celebratory lunch at Foxgardin.
Residents of McCordsville, Fortville, Lawrence and all places with Mt. Vernon students or alumni can now say that their school has won a state championship.
The boys had a 28-3 record, and ended up closing the season with a 12 game winning streak. This team had five seniors on it, which include Ertel, Webber, Jamaree Collins, Jack Guerre and Cameron Price. They are all graduating this year, which will still leave the Marauders with starting center Max Vise. Vise will be the only returning member of the starting five, so next year there will be a lot of position changes for the boys team.
Jayden Fentress said, “It felt surreal, it was almost like a dream come true. It was kind of a relief knowing that all the hours everybody put in to make this happen was with it. Winning a championship was truly a blessing.”