As the fall sports season nears its conclusion, our athletes have showcased their talent on various fronts. Let’s look at the highlights, key players from each sport, and a recap of their championship runs, along with insights from our Athletic Director, Jim Self.
Girls Volleyball (Record: 26-0):
The girls’ volleyball team has been exceptional, defending their state title with a perfect record. They begin their Sectionals this Saturday, October 14th, at 10 am at Zionsville. With such depth in their roster, every player is considered a key contributor to their success.
Boys Football (Record: 7-1):
Our boys’ football team geared up for their last regular-season game away against Brownsburg on Friday, October 9th, at 7 pm. Their Sectional bracket was decided last Sunday with their first-round Sectionals being away against Fort Wayne Northrop on October 27th at 7pm. The boys will face the winner of Fishers vs. Homestead on November 3rd at 7 pm with the location yet to be determined. Key offensive players include Seniors Donovan Hamilton (WR) and Jalen Alexander (RB). On the defensive front, we have Seniors Juda Parker (MLB), Jack Osiecki (LB), Styles Prescod (OL), and Junior Mason Alexander (DB).
Girls Soccer (Record: 12-1-3):
The girls’ soccer team had a stellar season, reaching the second game of Sectionals but narrowly losing to Noblesville 1-2 after a dominant 9-0 victory against Anderson in the first round. Key players include Senior Midfielder Ayla Conn, Sophomore Forwards Riley Boyd and Sloane May, and Senior Goalkeeper Hailey Wade.
Boys Soccer (Record: 7-5-3):
Despite a heartbreaking double-overtime loss in their revenge match against Fishers in the first round of Sectionals, the boys’ soccer team demonstrated resilience to the very last minutes of their season. Seniors Blake Braden and Logan Puls were key score equalizers until the final 45 seconds before penalties where Fishers scored, ending the game 3-2. Other key players include Senior Captains Owen Gopsill and Drew MacDonald, Juniors Jack Anderson, Cade Joinec and Cam Joinec, and the rest of the Senior squad.
Girls Cross Country (State Rank: 2nd):
The girls’ cross-country team stands at an impressive second-place state ranking, with their Sectionals championship set for this Saturday, October 14th at 10am at the White River Elementary Course in Noblesville. Key runners include Senior Maggie Powers, Juniors Elizabeth Butler, Catey Campbell, Ava Powers, and Addison Smith, and Freshman Anissa Lammie.
Boys Cross Country (State Ranking: 7th):
The boys’ cross-country team is preparing for their championship run this Saturday at the same time and place as the girls’, with key runners including Senior Andrew Smith, Juniors Michael Chalfant and Nick Vega, Sophomores Liam Powers and Riley Schamp, and Freshman Isaac Smith.
Girls Golf (State rank: 11th)
The girls’ golf team secured second place in Sectionals and first place in Regionals, placing 11th out of 18 teams in the State Championship. Key players include Seniors Ella Bui, Natalia Nieset, and Alaina Sumner, Sophomore Janelle Garcia, and Freshman Sophie Roberts.
Boys Tennis (Record: 3-10):
While the boys’ tennis team faced challenges with a 5-0 loss at Sectionals, they displayed their talents with a young and future-proof roster including 12 sophomores and 10 freshman players. Key players include Seniors Logan Bill, Eliot Cox, Amay Kulkarni, and Alex White, and Juniors Leo McVeigh, Alex Piercy, and Tyler Rich.
Reflecting on this year’s fall sports season, Athletic Director Jim Self expressed immense pride and satisfaction as well as some standout programs.
“We’ve been blessed to have a really good fall this year…If you had to point to one thing, it’d be our volleyball team. They’re undefeated, only lost two sets all year long,” Self said. “Our football team has had a strong year going into the tournament, girls’ cross country has been good, and girls’ soccer got beat the other night, but they’ve had a really good season.”
Self also expressed his goals and expectations looking ahead to the upcoming winter sports season.
“I think we’ll be really good at girls’ basketball, and we definitely have some talent in wrestling and swimming, so we’ll see where that goes,” Self said. “The expectations are high, and they are always high in our school district. They’re high from parents to our athletes to our coaches. It’s just a community with high expectations, and our kids come through.”
When assessing the performance of the fall season compared to previous years, Self attributed the improvements to several factors.
We have some talented athletes, especially with volleyball and football. Almost every Senior is going someplace to play at the next level, many at a high Division One. We’ve got some big-time recruits on that football team,” Self said. “I attribute this to good genetics and hard work in the offseason. I think coaches have high expectations for kids, and kids seem to meet them.”
Wrapping up another great season, the Royals are looking forward to keeping up the momentum and finishing strong in the remaining Sectionals. As emphasized by Mr. Self, high expectations are set to be met, driving our athletes and school community towards excellence.
