Higgins brothers sparking Shipley

When the Higgins boys were younger, they often played soccer in the backyard. The games varied, but a staple competition was two-on-one keepaway.

Because Ronan was the youngest of the three, he always seemed to get trapped in the middle.

Now a freshman at Shipley, Ronan Higgins no longer is stuck in between his older brothers, Tommy and Conor, and having to chase them. Instead, the forward is a catalyst for the Gators (8-1-3) off the bench, and for the first time in his career, he is playing with Conor, a senior, in organized competition.

"It is cool to see those guys on the field together," Shipley coach Thom Schauerman said. "They are so supportive of one another. I feel like Conor wants to be a great leader for his brother."

Leadership is a trait Conor Higgins learned in his sophomore year.

Ask fellow senior captains Konrad Bulanowski, Tre Webster, and Ian Hamilton, and they will tell you the same thing. That 2012 season, one in which key players got hurt and the youngsters had to step up, was tough for the Gators.

Conor Higgins said it was during that season that they learned to "take responsibility for ourselves" as the group "took ownership of the team."

It is a levelheaded mentality that has led to great balance for the Gators. Eleven players, representing all four grades, have scored goals for Shipley this season, with Ronan Higgins and Bulanowski tied at the top with six apiece.

Who is the one so often feeding Ronan the ball?

That would be his brother, Conor.

Growing up, Conor Higgins had the opportunity to be on the same team as Tommy - a sophomore playing for Emerson College - in several sports. But because of his three-year age difference with Ronan, Conor couldn't share a field or court with his younger brother.

But No. 13 (Conor) and No. 30 (Ronan) feel they have a connection on the field, despite not playing together on an organized team until now.

Conor Higgins called himself "very fortunate" to have been able to play with both brothers, and Ronan said he would miss playing with Conor next season.

"They always inspired me and pushed me. I wanted to be like them," Ronan Higgins said. "They always helped me."

One way Tommy and Conor helped their younger brother: Not letting him get the ball so easily in those games of backyard keepaway.

"It was always tough to be the one in the middle, losing," Ronan Higgins said.

Now, instead of interrupting the passing lane to steal the ball, as he used to in the backyard, Ronan is the one trying to get in the passing lane for Conor.

Ronan is often open. And when he is, his big brother doesn't hesitate to let him have the ball.