A high school basketball player in West Virginia is facing serious legal trouble after an incident during a game left an opponent with a broken nose. Gage Ketterman, an 18-year-old student at Harman School, was arrested last Monday following allegations that he elbowed another player in the face during a match against Union High School.
The incident occurred on February 27, and the injured player’s mother reported the injury to the West Virginia State Police shortly after the game. She described how her son was elbowed, resulting in severe bleeding that lasted for over four hours, necessitating a trip to the hospital.
Authorities reviewed video footage from the game, which supported the mother’s claims. The video reportedly shows Ketterman striking the opposing player directly in the face with his elbow. It also captured him taunting other players throughout the game by hitting them on the back of the head. At one point, Ketterman was seen wiping his elbow after the strike, which raised concerns about the intent behind his actions.
Police concluded that Ketterman’s behavior appeared to be intentional and malicious. As a result, he faces adult felony charges, including one count of malicious assault and two counts of attempted malicious assault. Because he is 18, he will be charged as an adult.
Ketterman was arrested and released the same day after posting a $12,500 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 22. The case has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and safety in high school athletics, highlighting the serious consequences that can arise from aggressive behavior on the court.