Already established as one of the top lacrosse players in California after his freshman season at St. Ignatius College Prep, Matt Higgins wanted more.

He wanted to play against the best. He wanted to play alongside the best. And he wanted to do so on a daily basis.

Boys’ Latin and the mighty Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference has proven the answer.

Now a senior, he enrolled in the school’s boarding program in his sophomore year. Higgins, a 5-foot-10 attackman, continues to max out on his opportunity.

As one of the area’s most complete players, the Maryland commit scored 46 goals and added 43 assists in helping the Lakers reach the conference title game last season, earning All-Metro first-team honors.

Moving across the country to pursue a passion at a young age has been a big win for Higgins.

“Oh yeah, 100%. You can’t really ask for anything better than this,” he said. “Every week, to play the best teams in the country against top defenders and playing alongside some of the best attackmen on my line … It’s really been a blessing and I couldn’t be more thankful for everything.”

One of Higgins’ biggest strengths on the field is how he plays bigger than his size. Boys’ Latin coach Brian Farrell took notice one summer day in Hagerstown, scouting a camp that Higgins was participating in while still in middle school.

“He made this play where he picked up a tough ground ball, ducked under two defenders and had his head up to feed an open guy on the crease while taking a hit,” Farrell said. “He was like 5-feet-nothing, 100 and whatever pounds, so just this little guy. I just thought there was something special there.”

Sure enough.

After getting acclimated and earning important time on the field during his sophomore year, Higgins emerged last season alongside fellow attackmen Spencer Ford, now at Maryland, and senior Connor Sydnor, now playing for Jacksonville University.

Inside Lacrosse ranks Higgins the 12th best prospect in the 2025 class. For opponents, he’s a handful.

“What makes him great is he’s a dynamic dodger and he plays well in the two-man game utilizing picks,” Calvert Hall coach Bryan Kelly said. “He sees the field and is not selfish, so he’s the guy that makes the right decision with the ball. I just think he’s an outstanding player.”

Senior defenseman Brady Wesloski, a Delaware commit, has helped provide the daily grind that Higgins was seeking when he arrived. The two became fast friends.

“I always try to take him in practice just to make myself better. He’s such a dynamic player — a real quick guy, real jittery,” Wesloski said. “Coming to BL, he became one of my best friends right away … He acclimated real well and he’s a great player. To be able to call him a teammate these three years is great and I know, afterward, we’ll forever stay friends.”

The weather is still cold in Baltimore, but there’s signs of spring and Higgins’ senior season is underway.

To this day, he’s amazed by the tradition and unique culture that is BL lacrosse and the MIAA. It’s exactly what he signed up for three years ago. He’s grateful and amped.

“So fired up,” he said. “Senior year is what you look forward to.”

The California kid is a team captain for one of the most storied lacrosse programs in the country. This season, the Lakers are a quality mix of experienced players and newcomers as they try to overcome McDonogh, which has won the past three conference titles.

Higgins is primed to do his part — and a little more.

“As a leader, it’s just about me being myself and not trying to act or do anything different. Just be myself, do the right things and lead by example,” he said.

After a demanding nonconference slate, Boys’ Latin opens its MIAA A schedule at 4:15 p.m. March 28 when it hosts Spalding.

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