INDIANAPOLIS – Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian’s James Neebes had to remain patient Friday night, and it paid off during the IHSAA Class 1A boys soccer state finals.
Held without a goal through the first 50 minutes at IU Indianapolis’ Michael A. Carroll Stadium, Neebes broke a scoreless tie against No. 10 Indianapolis Scecina Memorial and never stopped en route to No. 2 Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian’s 3-0 victory.
Neebes finished with a hat trick and tied two Class 1A boys soccer state finals records for goals scored and set two more state marks for shots on goal and total shots by an individual.
“We’re trying to win a state championship. That’s just everything to me. We’re playing because we’re trying to win,” Neebes said. “That first goal was a big motivator for the rest of the game. That was definitely a pivoting point.”
Prior to the junior forward’s historic, second-half outburst, the Braves (19-0-4) struggled to find the back of the net despite firing 12 shots and three shots on goal in the first half
Indianapolis Scecina Memorial goalkeeper Dreik Marin-Ballesteros and the Crusaders (17-5-1) made things difficult, but the Braves’ offense ramped up the midfield pressure and increased their attack in the second half to take control.
In the second half, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian peppered Marin-Ballesteros with 24 shots and 16 shots on goal, but the senior stood strong despite wavering three times in the final 30 minutes.
Marin-Ballesteros finished with 14 saves, which set a new Class 1A boys soccer state finals record. Marin-Ballesteros’ performance bested Jeff Wiles of Providence, who logged 13 saves against Guerin Catholic in 2013.
“We knew we had to stick to it and be resilient through it. At the end of the second half, it started, and we were finally able to punch through. The score line represented it,” Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian coach Sam Meyer said. “We were able to build off a lot of 50-50 balls that would possibly eliminate their attack.”
Neebes created his own opportunity to bury the first goal of the game.
Attacking the corner of the box, Neebes broke down one defender, sliced between two and launched a line drive goal past Marin-Ballesteros into the net with 30 minutes, 25 seconds remaining on the clock.
Marin-Ballesteros fended off six more shots on goal over the next 27 minutes, but Neebes struck again for his second goal in the 77th minute and needed only two more minutes to record his third.
“That’s what I love about him. He never quits. He’s one of those attackers. He’s got a memory of a goldfish,” Meyer said. “He could miss 20 shots, and he can’t wait to make the 21st. He’s never going to be satisfied after a goal. He’s not satisfied after three.”
Neebes’ three second-half goals tied a Class 1A boys soccer state record for most in a half and most in a game. He matched Park Tudor’s Francesco Nofrini, who set the mark in 2022.
Neebes logged nine shots on goal, which set a new Class 1A boys soccer state mark previously held by Britt Watts of Fort Wayne Canterbury in 2011. His shots total unofficially surpassed Watts’ 10 taken during the Class 1A state finals in 2012.
“We got two others after that one goal. We just buried it,” Neebes said. “We got hungry for more for sure.”
They also achieved their geographic goal by becoming the second Fort Wayne school to win a boys soccer state title and first since 2018.
Fort Wayne Canterbury has netted seven state titles since 1997, including four in Class 1A. Now, the first-time state champion Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian has joined the list.
“It hasn’t been lost on me. I’m a bit of a historian. I love the game, so I love looking up the stats like that. There’s been multiple teams to go to state from Fort Wayne. Homestead has. Lewis Cass has. Concordia has. Canterbury has. Canterbury being the only one that’s been able to convert,” Meyer said. “So, for us to be able to be the second team from Fort Wayne, represent Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne soccer, to get the title as well, is a proud accomplishment.”
Carter Hartman of Scecina Memorial High School awarded Cato Mental Attitude Award
Following the match, Carter Hartman of Scecina Memorial High School was named the recipient of the C. Eugene Cato Mental Attitude Award.
Carter ranks 3rd overall in his class of 106. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Chess Club Leader, Gaming Club Leader, and the Scecina Liturgy team. He has over 100 hours of volunteer service completed with various youth soccer camps over the course of two summers. Carter has also participated in boys volleyball and track and field for the Crusaders.
The son of Carl and Lisa Hartman of Greenfield, Indiana, Carter is undecided on his college choice but is planning on studying Mechanical Engineering.
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 $1,000 to the general scholarship fund at Scecina Memorial High School in the name of Carter Hartman.
IHSAA’s Champion of Education Award, presented by Ivy Tech Community College!
This award recognizes teachers and faculty who go above and beyond to challenge students to reach their full potential. As an organization that emphasizes keeping education at the forefront of high school athletics, the IHSAA is proud to shine a light on two honorees in this year’s class. On behalf of Ivy Tech Community College, presenting sponsors of the IHSAA Champion of Education Award, the IHSAA will award $250 to the classroom of each recipient.
Bob Freeborn recently retired after a 48-year career at Blackhawk Christian School. During his tenure, Bob taught Biology and coached Boys Soccer, and he continues to serve as a mentor to both students and faculty. Bob truly cherishes the opportunity to give back to the school and the Fort Wayne community. Multiple generations of students have been blessed with his passion, care, and thoughtfulness!
Matt Black teaches Biology, Anatomy, and Botany at Scecina Memorial High School, while also leading the school’s Student Council. Matt is the heartbeat of Scecina and his love for the school and students is felt by all. He makes it a point to provide the best student experience possible and tries his best to attend all Scecina extracurricular activities!