Nick Testa Named USA Lacrosse High School Boys' South Player of the Year

St. Andrew’s was an offensive juggernaut all spring, and Nick Testa was the gas that ran the Scots’ engine. He had a team-leading 55 goals to go with 100 assists and 29 ground balls, capping off an incredible run at St. Andrew’s.

He is the USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ South Region Attackman and Player of the Year.

The five-foot-seven attackman might not bring much size, but he makes up for it with immense skill, as he has been playing the sport since 5 years old. He has also been known for making the players around him better, which is evidenced by his impressive assist totals and ability to find open teammates.

His senior season closed an amazing four-year run with the Scots. He graduates with 188 goals, 374 assists and 415 shots in 95 games played.

While his St. Andrew’s teams were frequently among the best in the South, he only ended with one state championship, which came during a freshman season when he had 39 goals and 75 assists.

In both his junior and senior seasons, Testa’s Scots lost to Benjamin in the state championship game.

The 2026 campaign included nine contests during which he scored at least three goals. He also had at least five points in 19 games. He produced a season-high 14 points in a 21-2 win over NSU University (Fla.). He had four goals and 10 assists in the win.

He also had two five-goal games this season, one against North Broward (Fla.) and another against Ransom Everglades (Fla.).

He largely played well against good competition. He had a two-goal, two-assist effort versus Boys Latin (Md.) and three goals and five assists versus Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Pa.).

Beyond his high school career, he also garnered significant international experience by participating in last year’s World Lacrosse Men’s U20 World Championship, scoring 23 goals in seven games for Puerto Rico. His team made it to the quarterfinals after winning five out of seven contests.

Testa is committed to joining Johns Hopkins University next season, where he’ll team up with club Team 91 teammate Angus Brown.

— Justin Boggs

Boys’ All-South Team

Attackman of the Year: Nick Testa, Sr., St. Andrew’s (Fla.)

See above.

Midfielder of the Year: Baylor Vu, Sr., Ponte Vedra (Fla.)

After getting injured in his junior year and missing the entire season, Vu stepped up in a major way for Ponte Vedra (Fla.). The 5-11 midfielder, who was largely forgotten about after missing all of 2025, lifted his Sharks to a state title. Despite the lack of attention starting in 2026, Vu had an impressive season statistically, scoring 61 goals and adding 14 assists on a defensively minded squad.

Defenseman of the Year: Jake Ivancevic, Jr., Benjamin (Fla.)

Whenever high-scoring teams like St. Andrew’s (Fla.) went against Benjamin (Fla.), they would have to figure out ways of getting around big 6-3 Ivancevic. While Ivancevic takes up a long-stick midfield position, he often gets assigned to face opponents’ top offensive players.

Goalie of the Year: Gabriel James, Sr., Dallas Jesuit (Texas)

James, an Ohio State signee, played a significant role in lifting Dallas Jesuit to its first state title in four years. He stopped over two-thirds of the shots he faced, which included an impressive 16-save effort in Jesuit’s state title win over Woodlands. In the state semifinal, he made six saves and allowed only five goals. He entered his senior season with a career save percentage of over 58 percent.

Specialist of the Year: Gavin Boree, Sr., Bolles (Fla.)

Another within the state of Florida called Boree the best faceoff specialist in the state. He has set Florida’s all-time record for faceoffs in a high school career. Boree’s performance helped Bolles to a 23-0 start before the Bulldogs fell to Benjamin in the state final.

South Boys Top 10

1. Ponte Vedra (Fla.), 21-2

The Sharks won their first state championship since 2019, toppling St. Thomas Aquinas 9-8. Ponte Vedra’s season also included an impressive win over Roswell (Ga.). Baylor Vu was the Sharks’ leading scorer with 61 goals and 14 assists. Previous: 1

2. Benjamin (Fla.), 16-5

The Buccaneers completed a three-peat as state champs, toppling St. Andrew’s (Fla.) for the second consecutive year. Benjamin’s 13-11 win came more than two months after St. Andrew’s defeated the Buccaneers 13-11. Benjamin’s season turned after a series of close losses, after defeating Jupiter (Fla.) on April 2. Benjamin also defeated the state champion Dallas Jesuit (Texas). Previous: 2

3. Dallas Jesuit (Texas), 11-5

The Rangers won their fifth state championship and first in four years by defeating Woodlands 9-8. Dallas Jesuit’s path to a state title also included wins over Woodlands and Highland Park. Goalie Gabriel James heads to Ohio State after stopping over 66% of shots. Previous: 3

4. Highland Park (Texas), 18-2

The Fighting Scots’ season came to an end in the state semifinals, losing to Dallas Jesuit (Texas) 10-5, one year after defeating Dallas Jesuit in the state semifinal. Highland Park had big out-of-state wins over Torrey Pines (Calif.) and Benjamin (Fla.). The Fighting Scots lose Ben Boyer (Virginia) and Jackson Boyer (North Carolina). Previous: 4

5. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 20-4

The Scots lost for the second straight year to Benjamin in the Florida state championship. St. Andrew’s picked up impressive regular-season wins over Benjamin, Jupiter (Fla.), Boys Latin (Md.) and Ponte Vedra (Fla.). Johns Hopkins signee Nick Testa again showed his offensive firepower by scoring 52 goals and 100 assists during the season. Previous: 5

6. Roswell (Ga.), 21-1

The Hornets earned their fourth consecutive state championship and sixth overall by defeating Milton (Ga.) 17-14. Roswell’s only loss was to the eventual state champs of Florida Ponte Vedra. Jacksonville signee Kaden Parla led in points with 113, while Jackson Hardwick led in goals with 86. Previous: 6

7. Episcopal Dallas (Texas), 16-4

The Eagles’ season came to an end after losing to Woodlands 14-10 in the playoffs. ESD had appeared in back-to-back state championships. ESD had regular season wins over Dallas Jesuit, Landon (Md.) and Bullis (Md.). Josh Logan heads to Virginia next season. Previous: 7

8. Woodlands (Texas), 18-3

The Highlanders lost heartbreakingly to Dallas Jesuit (Texas) 9-8 in the state championship. Woodlands had previously defeated Dallas Jesuit in the regular season. Woodlands returns a talented attack core of Stockton Steward and Baron Sager. Previous: 8

9. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 17-4

The Raiders were just one goal shy of a state title, falling to Ponte Vedra (Fla.) 9-8 in the championship. The regular season featured a win over Benjamin (Fla.). Ohio State signee James Finch had a team-leading 51 goals. Previous: 9

10. Jupiter (Fla.), 15-4

The Warriors' season ended in the regional finals in a loss to St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.). Jupiter’s season was highlighted by a win over Benjamin (Fla.). Army signee David Druhot had a team-leading 54 goals. Previous: 10