October 29, 2011
Carmel Defeats Hamilton Southeastern in Battle of Nationally Ranked Teams
In a battle of two of the nation's top-ranked teams, Carmel's dominant defense was the difference as the Greyhounds claimed a 1-0 victory over Hamilton Southeastern in the Class 2A girls state championship match.
It was the only meeting of the season between the county rivals who not only rank No. 1 (Carmel) and No. 2 (Hamilton Southeastern) in Indiana's 2A girls poll, but No. 2 and 5 respectively, in the most recent ESPNHS national poll.
Hamilton Southeastern started quickly getting an early shot on goal just two minutes into the game but the momentum shifted and it was the Greyhounds who eventually broke through with the only goal it would need as sophomore Samantha Kokoska set up senior Brooke Backes with 15 minutes left in the first half.
After the early shot on goal, Carmel’s defense stiffened and only allowed three more shots the rest of the way. The Greyhounds kept the pressure up at the other end throughout the match as Hamilton Southeastern senior goalkeeper Stacie DePriest came up with 12 saves, a championship match record.
Carmel finished their state title season with a record of 22-0-1 under head coach Frank Dixon who has been along for the ride for all nine of Carmel's state championships over the years. All seven of Carmel's state tournament opponents this season were ranked in the top 15 of the final state coaches poll. Greg Davidson’s Royals ended their season with a record of 20-1-2.
HSE's Elly McGuffog Wins Mental Attitude Award
Elly McGuffog of Hamilton Southeastern High School was named winner of the 2011 Mental Attitude Award for Girls Class 2A Soccer by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.
The senior captain helped lead the second-ranked Royals to their first state finals appearance this season. In 2010, she was named to the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team and the Indianapolis Star Super Team.
McGuffog is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honorary, Student Athletic Council, and is a freshman mentor and student tutor. She has volunteered at the Wheeler Mission for six years.
An outstanding student, McGuffog is ranked 10th in her class of 648. She has ranked in the top 10% of her class throughout all four years of her high school career. Head Coach Greg Davidson says, “Elly has proven she has the drive to succeed in all areas of her life and truly exemplifies the spirit and passion of her generation.”
Elly is the daughter of Betsy Field and Neil McGuffog of Fishers. She will attend Columbia University to study math and science.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA’s corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000 to Hamilton Southeastern High School in the name of Elly McGuffog. Since 1989, more than $745,000 in college scholarships have been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.