IHSAA boys soccer: Get to know these Central Indiana freshmen who made an instant impact
These Central Indiana high school boys soccer players made an impact in their first season.
Here's a look at the area's best from the Class of 2027.
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Michael Bonaccorsi, Cathedral, midfielder
Praised by coach Joel Russell for his distribution abilities, Bonaccorsi accounted for four assists in his first season, two of which came during regionals — one vs. East Central in the semifinals and the other against Carmel in the championship match (logged 80 minutes in that game).
Titus Falk, Covenant Christian, defender
Described by coach Josh Brown as a shutdown defender who plays like an upperclassman, the 5-5 Faulk appeared in all 20 games for the Warriors, who allowed just 28 goals (an improvement from 46 goals against last season).
Ben Hewitt, Noblesville, forward
The forward played a key role in the Millers' 4A championship defense, tallying 13 goals and two assists over 21 games. He scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Hamilton Southeastern, netted the game-winner vs. Zionsville and sent the regional semifinal vs. Warsaw into overtime with a second-half equalizer.
Colvin Meek, Herron, defender
Meek appeared in 12 of 16 games for the Achaeans, seven of which resulted in shutouts. Herron finished the season 11-3-2 — its most wins in program history, per MaxPreps — with a goal differential of 78-20.
Tanner Miller, Roncalli, midfielder/forward
Miller notched a goal and 10 assists in his first season. He's "fast and very soccer intelligent," coach Maurice Schilten said of Miller, who logged multiple assists in three games (three vs. Covenant Christian; two in sectional semifinals vs. Franklin Central).
Taiki Nakamura, Park Tudor, midfielder
A key playmaker for the regional champion Panthers, Nakamura generated nine assists and three goals in 19 games. He had three assists in a rout of Bethesda Christian and accounted for one of the team's two goals in the regional semifinals vs. Muncie Burris.
Lathan Ridge, Speedway, goalkeeper
Ridge surrendered 20 goals over 17 games with 65 saves. He held five opponents scoreless, and logged five-plus saves in seven appearances (season-high eight in a 5-2 win over Franklin Central). Ridge allowed just one goal and made five saves in a 1-0 loss vs. Roncalli.
Hector Valencia, Scecina, forward
Valencia scored eight goals for the Crusaders, with a hat trick in a 5-0 win over Beech Grove. He also contributed critical scores in one-goal wins over Lutheran and New Castle.
Honorable mention
Ben Davis: Jayden Canales, Onyx Kariuki, Kener Rivera, Asiel Velazquez; Greenfield-Central: Bennett Singco; Guerin Catholic: Sam Duquaine; Plainfield: Liam McAdams.
Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school boys soccer: Top freshmen players Class of 2027
