News Summary

A high school basketball game in Grant County, West Virginia, turned violent when 18-year-old Gage Ketterman was arrested for intentional malicious assault. The incident occurred on February 26, 2025, injuring a 17-year-old player who was left with a broken nose and required surgery. Video evidence shows Ketterman targeting players aggressively. He now faces serious legal charges, raising concerns about safety and sportsmanship in youth sports, as the community grapples with the fallout.

Basketball Brawl in Grant County Shocks Community

Grant County, West Virginia, was rocked by a shocking incident that occurred during a high school varsity basketball game this past February. The local community was left stunned when an 18-year-old basketball player, Gage Ketterman, was arrested for what authorities are calling intentional malicious assault. The events unfolded at the Union High School gymnasium on February 26, 2025, during a game that was meant to showcase talent and sportsmanship but ended in chaos and injury.

Game Takes a Turn for the Worse

As the game progressed, tensions on the court escalated in an alarming manner. Melissa Streets, a concerned mother, reported that her son, a 17-year-old player, was suddenly attacked during the match. According to Streets, her son was left with significant injuries, which led to a visit to the hospital. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with players and spectators watching in disbelief as Ketterman’s conduct crossed a line.

Injuries and Charges

The young athlete was diagnosed with a broken nose and had to undergo surgery following the incident. Streets quickly collected video evidence of what transpired on the court, intending to provide clear proof of Ketterman’s actions. Law enforcement responded swiftly to the report filed on February 27, just a day after the brawl. The recovered footage reportedly captured Ketterman targeting opposing players with his elbows. The evidence shows Ketterman striking the young victim in the face and swinging elbows dangerously close to other players’ heads throughout the game.

Authorities Take Action

With the disturbing video in hand, investigators from the West Virginia State Police Moorefield/Petersburg Detachment, led by Corporal Charles Hartman, carefully reviewed the footage. After assessing the situation, they established probable cause for charges against Ketterman due to the nature of his actions. It became clear that his conduct was more than just aggressive play—it was evidently intentional. As a result, Ketterman now faces serious legal consequences.

Legal Ramifications

Ketterman has been officially charged with one count of malicious assault for the injuries inflicted upon the 17-year-old victim. In addition, he has two counts of attempted malicious assault for targeting other players during the game. This alluggests that Ketterman’s behavior was not a mere accident but a deliberate attempt to cause harm on the court.

Current Status of the Player

After being taken into custody on April 6, 2025, Ketterman was released on a bond set at $12,500. His future now carries significant uncertainty, as the community processes the fallout of this disturbing event. High school sports, typically a place for young athletes to shine and learn valuable lessons about teamwork and respect, have been overshadowed by this troubling incident. Parents, coaches, and players alike are left wondering what went wrong and how to ensure something like this never happens again.

Looking Ahead

The incident at Union High School will likely prompt discussions about safety and sportsmanship in local schools. As the basketball season continues, parents, players, and coaches alike must remain vigilant and prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. The hope is that this troubling event will serve as a wake-up call, fostering a renewed focus on respect and fair play in all youth sports leagues. The Grant County community has a long road ahead to recover from this incident, but together, they can strive to create a safer environment for their young athletes.

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