After a strong finish to its 2018 season, the Noblesville boys soccer team is ready to pick up where it left off.
The Millers caught fire during the latter part of last season, at one point winning seven straight games. Noblesville then battled eventual sectional champion Hamilton Southeastern in the first round of the sectional, pushing the Royals to penalty kicks before dropping the game, and finishing the season 11-6-1. As a result, Millers coach Ken Dollaske said his team has “very high expectations” for this year.
“Our squad is very excited for the upcoming season,” said the coach.
Noblesville has nine players returning from last season, plus another one rejoining the team: Senior Harrison Christman is back after playing two years at the development academy with the Indiana Fire Junior team. Dollaske said Christman “should provide even more fire power up top.”
“We have a core group of returning players along with some fresh, young talent to fill the void left by some graduates,” said Dollaske.
The list of players to watch includes three seniors: Midfielders Gabe Imes and Jack Miller, and goalkeeper Adam Carter. Imes was an All State Honorable Mention last year and was named to the District 2 First Team. Carter made the Second Team, and Miller was a Top Team Player.
Also back are two sophomores, Palmer Ault and Spencer Holland, who were the Millers’ leading goal scorers last season. Palmer was named to the District 2 Second Team.
Noblesville opens its season Tuesday by hosting Greenfield-Central, then will play at Carmel next Thursday (Aug. 22).
“Our schedule is one of the toughest in the state and we are looking forward to the challenge,” said Dollaske.
VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Adam Carter, Collin Cates, Harrison Christman, Marcus Crossman, Bryan Diaz, Brendon Fisher, Gabe Imes, Jack Miller.
Juniors: Drew Barnes, Sam Greenaway, Nick Johnson, Garrett Poynter, Colin Todd.
Sophomores: Palmer Ault, Cole Bramblett, Drew Cochran, Brayden Doll, Kyle Goad, Spencer Holland, Gabe Ingle, Andy Stansfield.
Freshman: Owen Mejia.
Noblesville’s Palmer Ault was one of the leading scorers as a freshman last year for the Millers boys soccer team. Ault is back with Noblesville this season as part of a solid sophomore class. (Kent Graham/File photo)