Grace Opinker

HAMMOND — As a sophomore, Alfonso Leon burst onto the soccer scene at Bishop Noll.

Leon finished the 2023 season in the top five of Northwest Indiana in goal-scoring with 22. He was primed for an even stronger junior season, but academic ineligibility kept him off the field.

"It hurt me," Leon said. "It hurt the team, but I just reflected on that moment."

Without Leon, the Warriors embraced a "next man up" mentality. Sophomore standout Joaquin Rosas netted 18 goals, while Daniel Gutierrez added 12, helping Noll reach the 2A Sectional 17 championship against Illiana Christian.

The Warriors came up short in a 1-0 loss. For Leon, watching from the sidelines instead of competing in the postseason was a harsh reality.

Determined to wear a Noll uniform again for his senior ye

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