"Cameron Boozer, the MaxPreps and Gatorade national player of the year as a Columbus sophomore last season, forced the overtime with a power move down the lane and a two-handed dunk that tied the score as regulation time ran out. That came after Oak Ridge junior Jalen Reece gave the Pioneers (27-4) only their second lead of the night. He penetrated into the lane, backed his defender up, and scored on a soft step-back jumper for a 56-55 lead with 1:24 to go. Jordan Tillery then made one of two free throws to make it 57-55 with 22.7 seconds remaining.
Oak Ridge saw a three-point shot that could have won the game rattle out and then fell behind when Columbus guard Randy Smith made a three on the first possession in overtime for a 60-57 lead that held up at the RP Funding Center.
The Pioneers were forced to foul and the Explorers (27-4) made 10 free throws in a row and 12 of 14 in the OT.
UCF signee Cameron Simpson kept Oak Ridge’s hopes alive with a three-point shot off the dribble and the Pioneers had a chance as a Tyler Johnson put-back attempt rolled around the rim and out."
"Columbus is ranked No. 2 nationally behind Montverde in multiple polls and is No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25 national rankings, which include only teams eligible for traditional state championships. Oak Ridge, which was a champion in 2018, is No. 10 on that list.
Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s twin brother, had 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for Columbus. The Boozer boys, sons of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, were standouts as freshmen on the Columbus team that won the 2022 championship game to spoil Dr. Phillips’ bid to win back-to-back titles.
Columbus becomes the third school to three-peat in the state’s largest classification. Miami High won three in a row twice, first in the 1954-56 seasons and again in 1989-91."
Congratulations to Coach Andrew and Coach Jorge for making history!