SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — One of the most highly-anticipated games of the high school basketball season lived up to the billing Monday at the Spalding Hoophall Classic as No. 5
Columbus (Miami, Fla.) escaped with a 70-61 victory over No. 1
Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) led by 21 points, six rebounds and four assists from four-star Michigan State signee
Jase Richardson.
In addition to Richardson's contributions, the Boozer brothers –
Cameron and
Cayden – came up big by combining for 31 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists, six steals and six blocked shots.
Columbus held a 13-10 advantage at the end of the first quarter before Paul VI surged ahead 26-25 at the half. Sophomore
Jordan Smith converted a jumper in the final minute to give the Panthers the lead.
Jase Richardson came up huge for Columbus on Monday at the Spalding Hoophall Classic, leading the Explorers to their 10th straight win and second over a highly-ranked opponent in three days. (Photo: Lonnie Webb)
Neither team led the back-and-forth affair by more than five points until Columbus went on an 8-0 run to extend its lead to eight points with two remaining in the third period. However, Paul VI responded with a 4-0 spurt to end the third quarter and cut the deficit to 44-40.
Following a pair of free throws from Jase Richardson to open the scoring in the fourth quarter, four-star Duke signee
Darren Harris connected on a pair of deep threes from the left wing to knot things up at 46-46.
Cameron Boozer responded on the other end with a fading mid-range shot from the right corner. Richardson followed with a pair of transition buckets including a dunk to extend the margin to 52-46 with 5:04 remaining in the fourth quarter.
After the powerhouse programs traded baskets to make things 56-51, three-star Notre Dame signee
Garrett Sundra of Paul VI converted on a dunk off an assist from Smith to cut the deficit to three points with 2:40 remaining.
A four-point play from Richardson with 1:30 to go gave Columbus a seven-point advantage and ultimately sealed the win for the Explorers.
Columbus (15-4) will be in the conversation for the top spot in the updated MaxPreps Top 25 tomorrow after the massive victory over the top-ranked Panthers.
The Explorers have four games remaining on the regular season schedule before beginning their quest for a third consecutive Class 7A state championship.
Paul VI (14-2) will look to bounce Wednesday back when it returns to the court against Archbishop Carroll (Washington, D.C.) in WCAC play.
Reigning MaxPreps National Player of the Year Cameron Boozer filled the stat-sheet with 14 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks in the win. (Photo: Lonnie Webb)
