The top three teams in this year’s NE8 standings rightfully dominated the 2023 All-Conference selections, which were announced Tuesday by the coaches and administrators of the conference. Both NE8 schools in Z-Land were represented, however, in the first team as Andrew James of Bellmont and Phillip Gaier of Norwell were the only selections from schools outside the top three of Columbia City, Leo and DeKalb.
James worked his way into the Top Ten of Bellmont’s all-time lists for goals and assists this season, leading the Braves’ attack as they finished the season 5-10. James scored nine of the team’s 23 goals this season.
Other midfielders joining James in the first team were Owen Graves of Leo, Carter Neumann of DeKalb and Columbia City’s Colton Knefelkamp.
Norwell’s Philip Gaier was one of four forward selected for top honors despite playing just 11 matches. His talents impressed the conference coaches enough to garner the selection.
Columbia City and Leo split the conference championship at 6-1, while DeKalb was third in the NE8 at 5-2. The Norwell Knights were fourth at 4-3.
Bellmont’s Daniel Vogel was selected as a second-team forward, while Kyler Morris, Norwell’s top scorer with 13 goals, was also named to the second team.
Norwell had three additional second-team selections in midfielder Hudson Gerbers, defender Ryan Smith and senior goalie Noah Fromm.
Bellmont sophomore George Gardner received an honorable mention, as did Cooper Sloan and Noah Schamerloh of Norwell.
About the Author
