The REPORTER
The Noblesville boys soccer team is the Hoosier Crossroads Conference champion once again.
The Class 3A No. 1-ranked Millers clinched their third HCC title in four years by beating Franklin Central 5-1 on a rainy Wednesday evening at Beaver Materials Field. Noblesville finished conference play with a 5-0-2 record.
Ashton Craig scored two goals for the Millers, with Ben Hewitt, Sam Holland and Quinn Johnston all scoring one. Noblesville coach Ken Dollaske said that the team was able to get several junior varsity players that will be listed on the sectional roster some playing time in the game, a necessity since the sectional tournament begins on Monday.
The Millers also finished their regular season with this game. Noblesville went 11-0-5; Dollaske said his team has a “bend-not-break mentality, where at the end of the game, we’re either winning or at least we’re not down on the scoreboard.”
The Millers will host Sectional 8 this year, and of course enter as the two-time defending state champions. Noblesville plays Muncie Central in a Monday first-round game. Dollaske said his seniors on the team understand the pressure that exists in tournament play.
“They know us being down in a playoff game and not losing our composure and being able to come from 3-1 down like we did against Carroll last year,” said Dollaske. Noblesville trailed the Fort Wayne team by that margin in the regional championship game, but came back to tie the contest, then win on penalty kicks.
“So, having that experience is super important, and hopefully it makes our third run successful,” said Dollaske.
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Sheridan’s boys team won its Senior Night game on Wednesday, beating MTI School of Knowledge 4-2.
MTI scored the first goal of the game seven minutes in, but the Blackhawks roared back to score three goals by halftime. Conner Stuart broke away for the first goal, Carsen Aleman scored off an Evan Krakora corner kick, and Trai Fitzgerald put in a last-minute score from Tyler Garner.
In the second half, MTI scored from a corner kick in the 62nd minute, but Sheridan got the final word, as Fitzgerald put in the Blackhawks’ four goal, on an assist from Angel Cuautle.
The ‘Hawks are 3-8-2 and travel to Rossville this afternoon to finish Hoosier Heartland Conference and regular-season play.
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The Sheridan girls traveled to Tipton to wrap up their regular season, and were victorious 1-0.
After a scoreless first half, the Blackhawks broke through in the second half. Mac Smith scored the goal with 25 minutes left in the game, off an assist by Cecilia Timme. Sheridan’s defense then withstood the Blue Devils’ pressure during the final minutes of the game. Norah Stites made four goalkeeper saves.
The ‘Hawks finished the regular season 9-5-1 and will host 1A Sectional 37 next week. Sheridan takes on Taylor Tuesday in a first-round game.
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The Guerin Catholic girls beat Fishers 1-0 in an all-county matchup Wednesday at the Tigers’ field.
The 2A No. 3 Golden Eagles got the goal in the ninth minute of the game, with Mia Gatz kicking the ball in from about 10 yards.
Guerin Catholic finished the regular season 10-4-1 and plays in 2A Sectional 26 at Speedway, awaiting the winner of a first-round game between No. 1 Brebeuf Jesuit and the host No. 17 Sparkplugs. The Tigers finished 3-9-3 and plays Pendleton Heights in a Thursday semifinal game at Sectional 8.
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The Noblesville girls team finished up HCC and regular-season action Wednesday with a 6-1 win at Franklin Central.
The 3A No. 3 Millers completed conference play with a 4-1-2 mark and are 10-1-3 overall. Noblesville travels to Hamilton Southeastern on Tuesday for Sectional 8 play, taking on Muncie Central in a first-round match.
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Hamilton Heights played to a 0-0 tie with Pendleton Heights on Wednesday.
Audrey Lang had 15 goalkeeper saves for the Huskies, who completed a 9-4-3 regular season. Heights plays in 2A Sectional 24 next week, taking on Jay County Tuesday in the first round.
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Hamilton Southeastern also played to a 0-0 tie at 3A No. 19 Mount Vernon Wednesday.
The 3A No. 2 Royals finished the regular season 12-1-3 and hosts Anderson Tuesday in a first-round Sectional 8 game.
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University dropped a 1-0 game to Triton Central on Wednesday.
The Trailblazers are 5-6-2 and host Northwest Warriors Homeschool this afternoon.