2022-23 Class 3A Boys Soccer State Finals Recap
Oct. 29, 2022
Noblesville Boys Repeat as Champions
Thanks to a Jake Johns goal in the 17th minute and clutch goalkeeping in the final minutes, Noblesville repeated as Boys 3A state champs with a 1-0 win over fourth-ranked Columbus North.
Coach Ken Dollaske’s Millers took the title this season after major graduation losses from the 20-1-1 state champions of 2021. The seventh-ranked Millers finished 16-3-3 to claim the title in their third state finals appearance. The goal by Johns, only his second of the season, came on an assist by Sam Divis.
Columbus North fought gamely to the end and nearly broke through in the final six minutes. At that point, Noblesville goalkeeper Cole Thompson was charged with a yellow card, bringing in back-up Noel Pena cold off the bench. As a result of the yellow card, Columbus North had a free kick just inside the box, which was blocked by the Noblesville defense. An ensuing corner kick sailed in front of the goal, but Pena came up with a big save to preserve the shutout. Thompson and Pena combined for five saves in the contest.
The Bull Dogs of coach Andy Glover finished a splendid 19-2-1 as they were seeking their second state title (2012). Columbus North also finished as runner-up in 2011.
Flynn Keele of Columbus North receives Cato Mental Attitude Award
Flynn Keele of Columbus North High School was honored as the recipient of the C. Eugene Cato Mental Attitude Award following the match.
Keele is a three-year starter for the Bull Dogs and has been a team captain for both his Junior and Senior season. He was named to the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association All-Academic Team and to the All-District Second Team in each of the past two seasons.
Keele is the Class President of his Senior Class and a member of High School Heroes, National Honor Society, and Student Assembly. He also takes time to tutor his peers and volunteer at soccer camps throughout the summer. He's maintained a 4.3 throughout his four years as a Bull Dog and ranks third in his class.
He is the son of Seth and Mandy Keele of Columbus, Indiana.
The award is annually presented to a senior, who is nominated by his principal and coach, and has demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability during his four years of high school. The award is named in honor of Mr. Cato, who served the IHSAA as its fifth commissioner from 1983 to 1995. During his tenure, boys and girls soccer became the 19th and 20th sports to be sponsored by the IHSAA.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, a proud corporate partner of the IHSAA, presented a $1,000 scholarship to the general scholarship fund at Columbus North High School in the name of Flynn Keele.