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Noblesville scored early and, as it turned out, often en route to a 3-1 victory over Carmel in the Class 3A boys state championship game.

The Millers of Ken Dollaske got on the board in just the fourth minute on an unassisted goal by Brady Horn.

The state championship is the first for Noblesville (20-1-1), whose only previous appearance in the state finals came back in 1999.

The Millers -- who won an earlier meeting with the Greyhounds, 3-0, on Aug. 19 -- finished unbeaten against state competition in 2021 as they lost only to Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius and tied Fishers.

Palmer Ault gave Noblesville a 2-0 lead at halftime with a goal in the 20th minute, on an assist from Spencer Holland.

The Millers added their final goal early in the second half Holland hit the back of the net in 43rd minute. Ault and Jake Johns were credited with assists.

Carmel (16-4-2) broke through with its only goal in the 69th minute as Will Latham tallied on an assist from Chase Havice. It was the first goal the Millers had allowed in its previous eight games leading up to the title game and only the 10th goal allowed this season.

Carmel, coached by Shane Schmidt, was seeking its second state title (2006) in its fourth-ever finals appearance.

Brayden Doll of Noblesville receives Cato Mental Attitude Award
Following the match, Brayden Doll of Noblesville High School was named the recipient of the C. Eugene Cato Mental Attitude Award in Class 3A Boys Soccer.

Doll is a three-year varsity letterwinner. His play on the field has earned him numerous accolades, including 2020 First-Team All-District, 2020 Second-Team All-Conference, 2020 Noblesville Most Improved Player. Brayden is a member of the National Honor Society, spends time tutoring his peers at Noblesville, and volunteers with TOPSoccer, an organization that assists athletes with special needs.

The son of Amanda and Ian Doll of Noblesville, Brayden has a 4.26 GPA and is still undecided on his college choice.

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 Noblesville High School’s general scholarship fund in the name of Brayden Doll.