As single-class basketball started coming to a close in the 1990’s, Batesville boys basketball made a lasting impact in those final years and very much so a part of that was 1995 graduate Brent Gutzwiller who played for both Steve Cochran and Melvin Siefert during his three years at the varsity level.

 

In that time, Gutzwiller helped the Bulldogs to a 53-18 overall record which included two conference titles, two sectional championships and a regional title in 1994 that saw Batesville beat New Castle and Connersville in the regional before a single-class semi-state loss the next weekend against Ben Davis. Gutzwiller averaged just shy of 11 points per game that year and was named All-EIAC and was an All-State honorable mention selection for a 20-5 squad. One season later, his senior campaign saw him nab Team MVP honors, All-County, All-EIAC, All-Sectional and All-Regional while being All-State Honorable Mention and a District 3 All-Star. Playing alongside past Hall of Fame inductee Michael Menser, Gutzwiller scored 479 points, averaging 21.4 points per night which included career-highs of 31 and 34 points. Batesville went 17-6, beating Greensburg in the sectional championship before a two-point loss in the regional to Connersville.

 

Gutzwiller finished his career as one of the program’s top scorers, totaling 814 points and was a multi-sport student-athlete, having earned a combined five letters in football and baseball which included an All-Conference nod in football. He went on to play one season of basketball at Anderson University before finishing his education at Ball State. Brent worked five years at Eli Lilly and was the company’s Salesperson of the Year. He is now a sales representative for Stryker.