The Explorers never trailed in the contest and didn't allow Montverde Academy to cut the deficit under double-digits in the second half.
Columbus scored the first six points of the game before
extending its advantage to 17-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Explorers continued to methodically grow their advantage throughout the lopsided win, extending their edge to 38-24 at the half and 58-39 at the end of the third quarter.
Cameron Boozer continued his stellar senior campaign with 25 points, 15 rebounds and six assists in the wire-to-wire win. (Eugene Alonzo)
Although both meetings between the two teams were wire-to-wire wins for Columbus, the second meeting felt much different as the Explorers left no doubt who the better team was in the lopsided result. The first meeting was closely contested throughout the second half and resulted in a two-point win for Columbus in the City of Palms Classic title game.
Along with the impressive performance from Cameron Boozer, top 25 Duke signee
Cayden Boozer chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and five assists in a well-rounded effort while top 25 junior
Jaxon Richardson threw down a number of eye-popping
dunks to finish with 23 points.
Cameron Boozer followed up his impressive showing at the Spalding
Hoophall Classic last weekend with another standout performance under the bright
lights on ESPN2 on Friday to further build his case for MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors.
Boozer also earned MVP honors at the City of Palms Classic after a decorated summer that saw him capture the gold medal along with MVP honors for team USA's U17 National team at the FIBA World Cup before winning his third consecutive Nike EYBL Peach Jam title.
The accomplished senior won MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors as a sophomore in 2023-24 and looks to become
the only two-time winner in the history of the award.
Columbus (18-3) has two games remaining in regular season action before looking to win their fourth straight FHSAA Class 7A state tournament. The Explorers will also be among the favorites to win Chipotle Nationals at the end of the season.
Defending Chipotle Nationals champion Montverde Academy drops to 13-4 on the season after suffering their second consecutive loss. Montverde has not lost two games in a row since falling to Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) and Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) back-to-back games during the 2012-13 season.
