By words, Alexis Cantero’s background wouldn’t be obvious.
The Morton junior is humble and modest, not routinely volunteering details about his rarified experiences unless otherwise asked.
By actions, the center midfielder’s quality is clear.
Cantero spent most of his sophomore year in Portland, playing for the Timbers Academy and attending school.
But after returning to Hammond last spring, he has boosted the Governors this season.
Cantero has helped Morton go 10-0-1 through the weekend, outscoring opponents 71-6. The Governors already went undefeated last year in the regular season before losing in sectionals to Munster.
“It’s been good being back here,” Cantero said. “I can play my game. School is good, and the team members are cool too — I’ve known most of them a while.”
Morton coach Chris Jagadich praised Cantero’s skill, fitness and willingness to do anything necessary for the Governors to win.
“He’s fit right in and that’s a real tribute to his character,” Jagadich said. “He’s not going to put on airs or be overconfident or arrogant. He doesn’t act like he’s playing down.”
Cantero played as a freshman at Gavit, but was limited to less than a handful of games because of back problems. Still, Jagadich remembered him.
“We were really impressed,” Jagadich said. “He was really energetic and worked all over the field. That was our initial impression.”
Cantero was set to go to Morton as a sophomore, but his plans changed last summer during a month-long vacation to visit his uncle in Santa Barbara, Calif.
His uncle’s friend, who had a contact with the Timbers, suggested Cantero try out for their academy, along with two other players. He was the only one of the three who made it.
Considering the nature of the opportunity, Cantero’s parents supported his move across the country.
“You have to sacrifice something to get something better,” Cantero said. “My dad was fine with it and my mom was too.”
He added with a laugh: “My mom was, but maybe not as much because you know how moms are.”
Cantero arrived in Portland last August, and he said the first four months were “amazing.”
He was playing entire games, flourishing academically and enjoying his new surroundings in the Pacific Northwest. He was living in a seven-bedroom, five-bathroom house with 15 other players from around the country.
But the circumstances took a turn.
Cantero’s playing time diminished. That stress and the long days-into-night of practice took a toll, limiting his hours to study. His grades suffered.
He was homesick.
“I just wasn’t being me,” Cantero said.
So in March, Cantero began at Morton.
Jagadich, an English teacher, did a double take when Cantero showed up in his classroom during second semester.
“I thought to myself, ‘Am I seeing things here, is this a dream?'” Jagadich said. He’s wonderful in the classroom, really focused on academics and really focused on his character.
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“He’s doing the right things not only on the field but off the field. He’s a great teammate and just a quality human being.”
Cantero was born in the United States, but his family moved back to Mexico shortly thereafter. They returned to the U.S. when he was 9.
Cantero didn’t speak English and learning the language proved challenging. The situation contributed to him attending nine schools to date. He transferred several times, mostly when he was in elementary school, seeking bilingual programs that fit.
Cantero believes he’s found a home at Morton.
“My parents said wherever I’m comfortable, and I’m comfortable,” he said.
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Top 10
Last week’s rank in parentheses.
1. Munster (1)
2. Lake Central (2)
3. Crown Point (4)
4. Chesterton (3)
5. Morton (6)
6. Griffith (7)
7. Valparaiso (5)
8. Bishop Noll (8)
9. Boone Grove (9)
10. Highland (10)
Player of the Week: Griffith’s Will Carroll scored four goals Wednesday as the Panthers edged Hanover Central 5-4.