Higbee was named team MVP and team captain for his senior season at East Lake High School. He reeled in 42 receptions as a tight end, leading the county in receptions, to total over 540 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his final season. He finished his career with over 1,100 yards receiving and 18 touchdowns. Higbee earned First -Team All-County honors as well as being a Pinellas County All-Star his senior year. He was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com after lettering all four years in football. He also earned a pair of letters on the baseball diamond at the varsity level.