The Eagles stifled Columbus on both ends of the court from the opening whistle, jumping out to a 25-6 lead at the end of the first quarter before stretching their advantage to 47-18 at the half and 65-37 at the end of the third period.
The overwhelming talent gap was evident throughout the contest as Montverde's execution was simply on another level in the anticipated showdown.
Cooper Flagg drives to the basket Friday night in Montverde Academy's lopsided win over Columbus (Photo: Chris Spears)
Alongside Flagg, Montverde Academy was led by a balanced offensive attack. Five-star Indiana signee
Liam McNeeley chipped in 20 points and eight rebounds, four-star Baylor signee
Robert Wright III tallied 18 points, five rebounds and four assists and five-star Georgia signee
Asa Newell went for 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in the win.
Although he struggled in many ways Friday night, reigning MaxPreps National Player of the Year
Cameron Boozer still filled the stat sheet with 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals in the loss. The Eagles forced him into eight turnovers in the contest.
The biggest difference in the box score came in the rebounding department where the Eagles took advantage of their size and imposed their will, grabbing 18 more boards than Columbus in the contest. Montverde Academy outscored Columbus 46-22 in the paint.
Columbus (2-2) looks to bounce back from back-to-back losses with a showdown against defending state champion Riviera Prep (Miami, Fla.) on Tuesday.
Montverde Academy (6-0) returns to the court tomorrow to take on Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) at 7 p.m.
Asa Newell (left, No. 14) and Flagg were a big reason why Montverde Academy dominated on the boards and in the paint against Columbus. (Photo: Chris Spears)