How does the Boston Lax All-American Game showcase top high school lacrosse talent. What makes this annual matchup between MIAA and ISL players unique. Why has this event become an important tradition in Massachusetts lacrosse.
The Boston Lax All-American Game: A Premier Showcase of High School Talent
For over a decade, the Boston Lax All-American Game has provided a unique platform for the best high school lacrosse players in Massachusetts to compete against each other. This annual event brings together top athletes from both the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the Independent School League (ISL), creating an exciting showcase of talent rarely seen on one field.
Origins and Purpose of the Event
The Boston Lax All-American Game was founded in 2013 with a clear mission: to unite the cream of the crop from Massachusetts high school lacrosse. By pitting MIAA stars against their ISL counterparts, the game offers a rare opportunity to see how these elite players measure up across league boundaries.
Beyond showcasing talent, the event serves a charitable purpose. Over the years, it has raised and donated money to various local and national causes, making it not just a celebration of lacrosse, but also a force for good in the community.
MIAA vs ISL: A Fierce but Friendly Rivalry
The 2023 edition of the Boston Lax All-American Game saw the MIAA squad triumph over the ISL team with a score of 13-9. This victory evened the series between the two leagues at one game apiece, adding fuel to an already intense rivalry.
Key Players and Performances
Several standout performances defined the 2023 contest:
- Camden Matthews (Acton-Boxboro): Named MIAA Offensive Player of the Game with four goals and an assist
- Scott Einarson (Billerica): Provided crucial saves in goal, sparking the MIAA comeback
- Will Emsing and Patrick Maroney (BC High): Combined for three goals in a dominant third quarter
- Andrew Toland (BC High): Selected as MIAA Defensive MVP
- Evan O’Neil (Tabor Academy): Named ISL Player of the Game with two goals
The Flow of the Game: From Deficit to Dominance
The 2023 matchup was a tale of two halves, demonstrating the competitive nature of this all-star showdown.
A Slow Start for MIAA
The ISL team came out strong, quickly building a 5-1 lead in the first quarter. Evan O’Neil of Tabor Academy was particularly effective, netting two early goals for the ISL squad.
MIAA’s Comeback and Takeover
The tide began to turn when Billerica’s Scott Einarson entered the game as goalkeeper for MIAA. His critical saves energized the team, leading to a 4-0 run in the second quarter. Camden Matthews tied the game at 5-5 just before halftime.
In the third quarter, the MIAA team, particularly players from the Catholic Conference, took control. BC High’s Will Emsing and Patrick Maroney, along with St. John’s Prep’s Jimmy Ayers, combined for five goals, giving MIAA a commanding 10-6 lead heading into the final period.
The Significance of the Boston Lax All-American Game
This annual event holds a special place in the Massachusetts lacrosse community for several reasons:
Bridging the Gap Between Leagues
The game provides a rare opportunity for MIAA and ISL players to compete against each other, fostering connections across league boundaries. As coach Charlie Hardy noted, many of these players will go on to be teammates or rivals at the collegiate level.
Inspiring Young Players
The event draws a significant crowd, including many young lacrosse players who come to watch the high level of play. This exposure to top talent can inspire the next generation of lacrosse stars in Massachusetts.
Honoring the Lacrosse Community
The 2023 game opened with tributes to former Boston Herald and Boston Lax contributor Bruce Lerch, as well as former coach and Boston Lax personality Ryan Kilian. A moment of silence was also held for Franklin’s Nick Gaspar, highlighting the event’s role in bringing the lacrosse community together.
Evolution of the Boston Lax All-American Game
Since its inception in 2013, the Boston Lax All-American Game has grown into a beloved tradition in Massachusetts lacrosse. Let’s explore how this event has developed over the years.
Inaugural Game and Early Years
The first Boston Lax All-American Game took place at Harvard Stadium in Allston, Massachusetts. From the beginning, the event aimed to bring together the best talent from both the MIAA and ISL, creating a unique all-star experience.
Venue Changes and Growing Popularity
While the inaugural game was held at Harvard, the event has since moved to other locations, including Babson College for the 2023 edition. These venue changes reflect the game’s growing popularity and the organizers’ efforts to accommodate larger crowds.
Impact on Massachusetts High School Lacrosse
The Boston Lax All-American Game has had a significant influence on the state’s lacrosse scene. How has this annual event shaped the landscape of high school lacrosse in Massachusetts?
Elevating the Profile of High School Lacrosse
By showcasing the best talent in the state, the game has helped raise the profile of high school lacrosse in Massachusetts. It provides a platform for players to gain recognition beyond their individual leagues, potentially catching the eye of college recruiters.
Fostering Inter-League Relationships
The game serves as a bridge between the MIAA and ISL, two leagues that rarely interact during the regular season. This cross-league exposure benefits players, coaches, and fans alike, broadening perspectives and fostering a sense of community within Massachusetts lacrosse.
Creating Lasting Memories
For the players selected to participate, the Boston Lax All-American Game represents a career highlight. The opportunity to compete alongside and against the best players in the state creates lasting memories and forges connections that can extend well beyond high school.
Looking to the Future: The Boston Lax All-American Game’s Potential
As the event continues to evolve, what might the future hold for the Boston Lax All-American Game? Let’s explore some possibilities and potential developments.
Expanding the Format
While the current MIAA vs ISL format has proven successful, there may be opportunities to expand or modify the event in the future. Could we see the inclusion of players from other leagues or neighboring states? Might the game evolve into a multi-day tournament?
Increased Media Coverage and Exposure
As the game’s profile continues to grow, it may attract more media attention. Increased coverage could lead to greater exposure for the players and potentially more opportunities for college recruitment.
Technological Innovations
Future editions of the game might incorporate new technologies to enhance the experience for players and spectators alike. This could include advanced statistics tracking, virtual reality experiences for fans, or innovative broadcast techniques to bring the action to a wider audience.
The Role of Charity in the Boston Lax All-American Game
Beyond its athletic significance, the Boston Lax All-American Game has always had a charitable component. How has this aspect of the event developed over the years, and what impact has it had on the community?
Beneficiaries and Causes
Over the years, the game has supported a variety of local and national charities. While specific details of all beneficiaries are not available, this commitment to giving back has been a consistent theme throughout the event’s history.
Community Engagement
The charitable aspect of the game helps to engage the broader community beyond just lacrosse fans. It provides an opportunity for the sport to make a positive impact and demonstrate its value to society at large.
Player Involvement in Philanthropy
Participating in an event with a charitable component can help instill values of social responsibility in the young athletes. This experience may inspire them to continue philanthropic efforts throughout their careers and lives.
The Boston Lax All-American Game has become more than just a showcase of athletic talent. It’s a celebration of Massachusetts lacrosse, a bridge between leagues, and a force for good in the community. As it continues to evolve, this event is sure to remain a highlight of the lacrosse calendar, inspiring players and fans alike for years to come.
MIAA stars prevail over ISL – Boston Herald
WELLESLEY — Since it was founded 11 years ago, the Boston Lax All-American Game has presented premier athletes in Massachusetts a unique chance to face one another. It’s not too often that you see the best from both the ISL and the MIAA battling it out on one field.
In the second installment of the series between the two leagues, the MIAA earned some bragging rights. Acton-Boxboro senior and St. Lawrence commit Camden Matthews was named the MIAA’s Offensive Player of the Game (four goals, assist), as he and his teammates rallied from an early four-goal deficit to knock off the ISL at Babson College, 13-9.
“This feels really good,” said MIAA coach and longtime Reading game manager Charlie Hardy. “There’s so much talent on this field, on both sides of the field. It was hard to decide who was going to go out first.”
The game opened up with a tribute to former Boston Herald and Boston Lax contributor Bruce Lerch, as well as former coach and Boston Lax personality Ryan Kilian.
The two leagues also took a moment of silence to honor the life and memory of Franklin’s Nick Gaspar.
Then, it was time to take the field. Hardy’s group at Reading won the Div. 2 boys lacrosse championship just last month. However, he saw his collection of assembled MIAA All-Stars get off to a sluggish start. Tabor Academy product Evan O’Neil sniped a pair of goals in the opening frame, as the ISL quickly jumped out to a 5-1 edge.
The MIAA then turned to Billerica star Scott Einarson in net, who provided a newfound spark almost immediately. After making a few big stops, Matthews and his teammates began to start firing away.
“I think we were ready,” Matthews said afterward. “I think it was fun. The environment is obviously great, and I think the boys were ready. They brought their shoulders, I think we outweighed them in the penalty game a lot, but we did in the net too. So, it paid dividends.”
In a complete juxtaposition from the first quarter, the MIAA out-scored the ISL 4-0 in the frame, with Matthews tying things at 5-all with 28.
7 seconds to play in the half.
Once the third quarter got underway, the Catholic Conference took over. BC High’s Will Emsing (two) and Patrick Maroney netted three goals, while St. John’s Prep star Jimmy Ayers added a pair, and the MIAA was able to coast to the finish, leading 10-6 after three.
BC High’s Andrew Toland was selected as the MIAA’s Defensive MVP after making a few critical saves down the stretch to preserve the victory.
O’Neil was selected as the ISL Player of the Game (two goals).
With the series between the two leagues now even at one game apiece, Hardy is hopeful that the showcase, and the newfound rivalry itself can continue for years to come.
“I think this is great,” Hardy said. “I think this is good for lacrosse. You look at the nice crowd we got. I think the young kids come out to watch and see the quality of play, both on the public side, and the other side, on the dark side… kidding! But no, I think it’s great for lacrosse. These kids get to know each other.
I said to the kids: ‘Look right, look left. You’re going to be playing one of these kids, or playing against them. Or, you’re going to be a teammate of theirs next year.’ That’s what happens.”
All-American Game History – BostonLax
The first BostonLax All-American took place in 2013, at Harvard Stadium in Allston, Massachusetts. The game was the creation of the Boston Lax Staff, with the goal of combining the top talent from the MIAA and ISL together, on one field, for a spirited exhibition All-Star game.
The game also represents BostonLax’s opportunity to unite the Massachusetts lacrosse community in a fun and charitable night of lacrosse, as the game has raised and donated money to numerous local and national charities over the years.
We present this page in appreciation of the top stars, who have participated in our great game.
Game Videos
2013
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2014
2015
2016
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2017
2018
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2019
Game Write-Ups and Photos
Over the years the game has been a representative culmination of the Massachusetts High School lacrosse season. Here are some videos, articles, MVPs and notable alumni from the game’s history.
2015: BOSTONLAX ALL-AMERICAN GAME RECAP & PHOTOS
(2 Goalie Goals)
2016: ALL-AMERICAN GAME DOESN’T DISAPPOINT, TALENT SHINES ALL NIGHT
2017: 2017 BOSTON LAX ALL-AMERICAN GAME PROVIDES EXCITING FINISH
2017 GAME PHOTO GALLERY
2018: 2018 BOSTON LAX ALL-AMERICAN GAME RECAP
2018 ALL-AMERICAN GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS & PHOTO GALLERY
2019: 2019 BostonLax All-American Game: Lazzaro & French Power Team Surgeon to Win
2019 Boston Lax All-American Game Photo Gallery
Rosters
2013 roster
2014 roster
2015 roster
2016 roster
2017 roster
2018 roster
2019 roster
Game MVP’s
2013: Nick Marrocco – Goalie – Duxbury
2014: T.
J. Fitzell – Midfield – South Hadley
2015: Sean Lowrie – Attack/Midfield – Roxbury Latin
2016: Will Weitzel – Defense/LSM – Roxbury Latin
2017: Frankie Higgins – LSM/FO – Hingham & Jake Zablocki – FOGO – Shepherd’s Hill
2018: Patrick Daly – Attack – Tabor Academy
2019: Allyn French – Midfielder / Faceoff Midfielder – Dracut
Notable Alumni of Game
Nick Marrocco – Duxbury / Georgetown / MLL
Jay Drapeau – Westford Academy / Loyola / MLL
John Sexton – Lincoln-Sudbury / Notre Dame / PLL
Morgan Cheek – Nobles / Harvard / MLL
Will Weitzel – Roxbury Latin / Yale (NCAA Champion)
and many more……..
Popular Articles
Boston Lax All American Game – MIAA 13, ISL 9
All-American Game Kevin Stone – 0
https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=9_l1iTFyZVE
(Video by Luke Miller, @milla.media on IG)
(Mike Flanagan, @flano0 on IG)
Story by Jared Keene/BostonLax Correspondent
WELLESLEY – New year, but not the same result, one…
St. Pius X High School USA
Age
from 14 to 17 years old
For whom
mixed
languages
English
Founded
1956
Total number of students
545
Number of foreign students
5%
Student/faculty ratio
11:1
Accommodation
Apartment / studio
price
from $70,850 for a year of full-time study, incl. accommodation
Submit a request
St. Pius X High School (SPX) is a private high school, opened in 1956 in Houston (USA), which is part of the Amerigo chain of leading schools.
It accepts students from 14 to 18 years old, about 5% of the total number of students come from abroad.
The school offers AP, Honors (more than 100 courses in these programs) and Dual Enrollment programs, where students receive parallel credits that will be credited towards a bachelor’s program at a college or university. SPX has strong training in STEAM subjects. Separately, the unique engineering program “Engineer Your World”, developed jointly with NASA and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Texas – Cockrell School of Engineering, is singled out. The program is ranked 11th on the list of top engineering programs in the United States.
SPX also has a unique advisory course. Students are divided into mini-groups of several people, each group is assigned a mentor, selected and the number of teachers. The mentor helps students to adapt and build relationships with each other and with the teaching staff.
Foreign students additionally study English (minimum 10 hours per week).
All students attend a 4-year University Advantage program where they prepare for admission. Graduates are guaranteed admission to one of the top 50 US universities subject to certain academic achievement requirements. Also, all students can take summer internships at Stanford University or Chicago as part of the Global Scholars program.
The most successful students receive an invitation to a special Amerigo Honors Track program, where they actively prepare for further studies at the university – they learn to write essays, compose resumes, and pass career guidance tests. Students who once received an invitation to the program undertake to take part in all additional activities and preparation activities, annually confirming the level and qualifications. Successful completion of the program guarantees admission to one of Amerigo’s top 50 partner universities. Graduates who choose a university from the TOP-30 or a college from the TOP-10 receive a scholarship of $15,000.
French, Spanish or Latin are offered as foreign languages. Additionally, students can choose elective courses, training in 20 sports teams and classes in 30 clubs of interest.
Among the famous graduates there are many representatives of creative professions and outstanding athletes.
On weekends, together with curators and teachers, the children go on educational excursions, visit sights, cultural and sports events. On Thanksgiving Eve or during spring break, long trips are organized.
| Age | from 14 years to 17 years |
| For whom | mixed |
| Languages | English |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Total number of students | 545 |
| Number of international students | 5% |
| Student/faculty ratio | 11:1 |
| Accommodation | Apartment / studio |
cost from $70,850 for a year of full-time study, incl. | Leave a request |
accommodationAdmiral Farragut Academy (USA) – secondary education abroad
Admiral Farragut Academy is a naval school. It was founded in 1933 and named after the first US Air Force Admiral, David Farragut. The Admiral Farragut Academy program focuses on foreign languages (Spanish and Chinese), engineering, marine science, sailing and aviation.
The American school Admiral Farragut Academy sees its mission not only in preparing the student for entering the university, but also instilling in him the skills of leadership and self-discipline. Pupils here are called “cadets”, and the school uniform bears the insignia of the navy. Along with standard subjects, it is customary to study marine sciences, dive under water at the academy, and from the age of 14 you can get a sailing certificate and a pilot’s license from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. By the way, the legendary astronauts Alan Shepard (the first American in space) and Charlie Duke (the tenth man on the moon) studied at the Admiral Farragut Academy.
Girls and boys from 27 countries study at the Admiral Farragut Academy. For them, this is not just a high school, but a second home. Therefore, a special pride of the school is life at the boarding school. Here, children have access to all conditions for sports and recreation, from basketball courts and a fitness center to a boat base. Admiral Farragut Academy believes in nurturing a well-rounded individual. Students who play sports learn to manage their time, they are always active and easily make friends outside of the classroom.
Mandatory part of training – participation in the training program for junior reserve officers. Each student in grades 8-12 spends three years studying maritime science, history, and the operation of the US Navy.
Admiral Farragut Academy graduates go not only to naval schools – for example, to the US Naval Academy, but also to other prestigious universities, including Boston College, UCLA, Florida State University, American University.
The Admiral Farragut Academy campus is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Famous films such as “Once Upon a Time in America” and “Ocean’s Eleven” were filmed in this city. Here the sun shines on average 361 days a year, for which this city was nicknamed “sunny”. St. Petersburg is no less famous for its beaches, interactive museum, and art.
US High School Diploma
- English
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- History
- Geography
- Engineering
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Marine biology
- Art
- Information technology
- Physical education
AP Academic / Advanced Courses
- English Literature
- Biology
- Mathematical analysis
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Public Administration
- Economy
- Microeconomics
- Statistics
Extra-curricular activities
Admiral Farragut Academy gives you the opportunity to develop after class.
Creative people can join an art club, take up acting, sing in a choir or play in an ensemble. Other clubs of interest include chess, debates, ecology, photography, theatre, yoga, mathematics, sailing, foreign languages and much more.
Sports
- swimming
- basketball
- tennis
- volleyball
- football
- athletics
- golf
- lacrosse
- rowing
- sailing
- triathlon
- scuba diving
- canoe
Preparing for Admiral Farragut Academy
Preparation for entrance exams (tests, interviews, essays)
TOEFL: individual preparation with
experts
SSAT: US School Admissions Test
Similar overseas schools
Pine Crest School
USA, Florida
Miami Day School
USA, Florida
North Broward Preparatory School
USA, Florida
St.
