Indiana high school boys soccer: Indy-area's top defenders to watch in 2023
IndyStar is highlighting returning boys soccer players to watch by position before unveiling the 2023 preseason ALL-USA Super Team at the end of the week.
Today's position group: Defenders.
Sam Beebe, Plainfield
Beebe joined a veteran defense last season that limited opponents to 18 goals and posted seven shutouts. He will be tasked with leading a significantly younger and less experienced defensive corps this season.
Chris Gabriel, Carmel
Gabriel logged 500 minutes and picked up three assists for the Greyhounds as a sophomore. Carmel allowed just 11 goals for the season.
Luke Gamble, Martinsville
The senior center back anchored an Artesians outfit that conceded 20 goals in 17 games. He also scored a pair of goals, the second of which came in a penalty kicks loss to conference foe Perry Meridian (1-1 final).
Owen Gopsill, Hamilton Southeastern
The senior was critical to an HSE defense that allowed 20 goals over 19 games, with its trio of goalies averaging 2.8 saves per game. Gopsill also scored a pair of goals, the first of his career.
Max Reason, Noblesville
The 6-foot senior shined for a Millers' backline that averaged less than a goal against and about five shots on net per game. Reason registered an assist, the first point of his career, in a win over Plainfield.
Will Sandlin, Fishers
The senior picked up three goals and an assist last season, while also aiding a Tigers squad that out-scored opponents 54-16 and posted eight shutouts.
JD Sever, Franklin
Sever anchored a Grizzly Cubs defense that gave up just 20 goals and posted six shutouts. He also joined the attack on occasion, tallying six goals and six assists over his 18 games played.
Luke Smith, Pike
The Red Devils graduated standout goalkeeper Cesar Morales, but return a four-year varsity starter in Smith who played a significant role with an outfit that surrendered 16 goals en route to a sectional championship.
Gavin Wagers, Brownsburg
Wagers shined at leftback for the Bulldogs last season, aiding a defense that allowed just 21 goals on the year against a daunting schedule. The senior was also a critical contributor offensively, netting eight goals (third-most on the team) and five assists.
Quinn Warren, Brebeuf Jesuit
Warren began his career in net a couple years ago, then shifted to the attack as a sophomore. He played primarily on defense last season, but the 6-6 standout still made significant contributions on the attack, scoring 11 goals and five assists for the two-time defending 2A champs.
Kasole Williams, Noblesville
Williams joins the Millers after spending the past two seasons with FC Cincinnati's MLS Next Academy.
Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA boys soccer: Indy-area's top defenders to watch in 2023
