No. 1 Boys’ Latin lacrosse starts fast, never looks back in 13-6 win over No. 5 Gilman

01.05.2024 02:51

The Baltimore Sun

Attackmen Spencer Ford and Matt Higgins combined for seven goals and eight assists to lead the first-place Lakers to a win.

With some added energy and motivation, No. 1 Boys’ Latin lacrosse delivered a crisp first half Tuesday against visiting Gilman, setting up a comfortable 13-6 win in Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference play.

The Lakers dominated every phase. Attackmen Spencer Ford and Matt Higgins combined for seven goals and eight assists; faceoff specialist Parker Hoffman controlled the circle; and goalie Will Ohnmacht stopped 11 shots.

Boys’ Latin (11-2) remains in first place with a 7-1 conference mark, while No. 5 Gilman (10-5) fell to 5-3. After suffering their first conference loss to defending champion McDonogh last Tuesday, the Lakers had a bye Friday and a challenging practice Sunday.

They were ready Tuesday, jumping out to a 6-1 lead after one quarter that extended to 9-2 at the half.

“Coming off that loss last week against McDonogh — it’s a heartbreak to lose to them — this week at practice was really focused on coming out and [crushing] whoever was in front of us and Gilman was the next opponent,” said Ford, who had four goals and five assists.

Hoffman won 7 of 9 faceoffs in the first quarter and Ohnmacht got his first save early. On offense, it was a balanced first quarter for the Lakers, including goals from five players to take a 6-1 lead. Ford and Higgins connected four times for goals by the time the game was over, each setting the other up twice.

“Playing with Matt is so much fun,” Ford said. “We worked on things over the summer, played in some showcases together and it started to click. And then during practices we just continued doing it and it’s now just so much fun because he’s such a great player.”

With just one game last week, Boys’ Latin coach Brian Farrell asked for extra in Sunday’s practice and was pleased with how well the team bought in. It showed up Tuesday with a sensational performance.

“I thought we were really settled in and patient on offense and didn’t force things,” Farrell said. “Parker Hoffman did a really nice job at the X getting us the ball, and when you have the ball and you’re able to eat clock and make simple plays and put the ball in the back of the net, it can drain on teams. Gilman is a really good team.”

After Ford scored on a pass from Higgins to open the second half, giving the Lakers a 10-2 lead, the Greyhounds kept at it and finished on even terms the rest of the way. Jay Wilkerson and Jay Rodgers each had two goals for Gilman.

“[Boys’ Latin] came out firing, clicking on all cylinders and we came out flat,” Gilman coach Tony Incontrera said. “They dominated possession in that first quarter and it really set the tone. It was difficult for us to dig our way back. I thought our guys showed some resiliency, but it’s something we have to learn from.”

Both teams have two games remaining in the regular season. Boys’ Latin hosts Severn at 3 p.m. Saturday before closing at St. Paul’s on Tuesday with game time set for 4:15 p.m. Gilman travels to St. Mary’s at noon Friday before wrapping up Tuesday at McDonogh at 4:30 p.m.

Gilman — 1-1-1-3 — 6

Boys’ Latin — 6-3-2-2 — 13

Goals: G — Wilkerson 2, Graham, Rodgers 2, Hoag ; BL — Ford 4, Higgins 3, Insley, Sydnor 2, Kenney, Herring, McDonald

Assists: G — Baddley; BL — Higgins 3, Ford 5, Kenney, Sydnor

Saves: G — Parks 4; BL — Ohnmacht 11

Boys’ Latin attackman Matthew Higgins shoots past Gilman defensemen George Guyton and Brooks Kitchel for a goal on Tuesday at J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Gilman Greyhounds midfielder Sebastian Chaney drops to the turf as his stick and the ball fly free after being checked by Gilman Greyhounds attackman Will Cranston as midfielder Matthew Feola #25 and midfielder Colin Kenney watch during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Gilman Greyhounds midfielder Sebastian Chaney loses both his stick and the ball by a check delivered by Gilman Greyhounds attackman Will Cranston #18 during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Gilman Greyhounds defenseman George Guyton spins free of Boys' Latin Lakers attackman Matthew Higgins as he brings the ball upfield during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Gilman Greyhounds attackman Jay Rodgers scores a goal on Boys' Latin Lakers goalkeeper Will Ohnmacht while midfielder Lincoln Herring #8 and short stick defensive midfielder Mason Proutt defend during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Boys' Latin Lakers defenseman Bryce Barrett shadows Gilman Greyhounds midfielder James Meyer who advances to clear the ball during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Boys' Latin Lakers midfielder Colin Kenney reacts in front of Gilman Greyhounds defenseman George Guyton after scoring a goal during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
The Boys' Latin Lakers prepare to play the Gilman Greyhounds during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Boys' Latin Lakers head lacrosse coach Brian Farrell is seen during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Gilman Greyhounds head lacrosse coach Anthony Incontrera is seen during MIAA-A boys' lacrosse at Boys' Latin's J. Duncan Smith Field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)