BOWDEN, W.Va. — A high school basketball player from Harman School is facing felony charges after allegedly injuring another player during a game in what authorities describe as intentional acts of violence.
Gage Ketterman, 18, has been charged with malicious assault and two counts of attempted malicious assault following an incident that occurred during a February 26 basketball game against Union High School.
According to a criminal complaint, police were contacted by the mother of a 17-year-old Union player who said her son was elbowed in the face during the game. The blow resulted in a broken nose, heavy bleeding for several hours, and difficulty breathing. The injury required hospital care and treatment from a specialist.
Review of game footage led Corporal Charles Hartman of the West Virginia State Police to conclude that Ketterman’s actions were deliberate. In one video, Ketterman allegedly planted his feet and swung his elbow directly into the victim’s face. Additional clips reportedly show Ketterman swinging his elbow at another Union player, striking him in the shoulder and glancing his head.
The injured 17-year-old has been cleared to play the rest of the season with a face mask, but according to his mother, he remains hesitant due to fear of further injury.
The case raises questions about sportsmanship and safety in youth athletics, and whether enough is being done to protect student-athletes from dangerous behavior on the court.
