Higgins '24 Wins A Shot For Life Challenge

Known for his clutch shooting, it should come as no surprise that recent CM graduate and basketball player Ryan Higgins ‘24 doesn’t miss very often. That finishing touch was on display at the A Shot For Life Challenge on August 3, where he showed off why he owns the title of best shooter in Massachusetts.

The Roger Williams University commit won the challenge for a second year in a row, shooting 87.2 percent from the field, beating second-place finisher Jay Jones (85.3 percent) of Cushing Academy and recent Roxbury Latin graduate Sean Perri (83.5 percent).

The annual competition serves as a fundraiser for cancer research. This year, participants raised $50,000 for the Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Curry Research Lab. Higgins alone has raised over $15,000 in two years, according to A Shot For Life.

The competition and fundraiser has a special meeting for him and his family. CM varsity basketball assistant coach Bruce Higgins ‘93, who is Ryan’s father, mentor, and competition rebounder, has been battling melanoma, giving the competition extra meaning for Ryan.

“It feels great, and means a lot to my family,” Ryan told the Boston Herald following the win. “My dad’s had cancer, and that’s what this organization is all about.”

Higgins started the shootout by making 87 straight free throws and ended it by sinking 24 consecutive three-pointers. With his father fetching rebounds and feeding him the ball, the Catholic Conference Co-MVP held off a late run by Jones to capture the title.