A pair of pre-season number one teams clash in a break from the Nike EYBL Scholastic Sunshine Classic.  The Eagles of Montverde are the top-rated team in the country while the Explorers are considered the top team in the country that plays for a state title.  While Columbus suffered a razor thin defeat last week, based on their schedule and who they have beaten, they should still be considered at the top of that group.  Too many media members will attempt to make this a personal battle between Cooper Flagg of Montverde and Cameron Boozer of Columbus for the label of Top High School Player in the Country, but there is SO MUCH more to this contest than that matchup that probably won’t take place as they won’t guard each other unless on a switch.

Montverde scored in the first three second off set play from the opening tip as Liam McNeeley scored on a layup.  After a Columbus turnover, Robert Wright scored on a baseline drive to make the score 4-0.  Columbus got on the board with a free throw from Boozer and a driving score from Jase Richardson brought them to within one, 4-3.  Montverde was quick to respond as Flagg scored inside and Asa Newell scored twice in transition, making the score 10-3 and forcing a Columbus timeout.  The Explorers of Columbus got a free throw from Cayden Boozer and after a bucket inside by Derik Queen, Cayden Boozer hit two more free throws to make the score 13-6 in favor of Montverde with just under three minutes to play.

Then, BOOM!

Montverde finished the first quarter with a 12-0 run highlighted by a dunk three-point play by Newell.  After one quarter, Montverde led 25-6.

Things didn’t get much better for Columbus in the second quarter.  Montverde extended its run with five straight points.  The teams exchanged baskets and then Columbus showed some life as Randy Smith connected on a three and Richardson slammed one home on the break to make the score 32-12 with 4:24 left in the period.  The good times didn’t last as Montverde ripped off another run, this one 10-0, five of those coming from Wright.  Now the margin was thirty, 42-12 with just under two minutes to play.  Columbus then made a 6-2 run but a three before the horn by Wright of Montverde gave them a 47-18 lead at the half.

Columbus didn’t sulk or give less of an effort in the second half.  The Explorers actually outscored Montverde 19-18 in the third quarter and played them evenly in the final period, 24-24.  Montverde still won convincingly, 89-61, but Columbus shouldn’t be dismissed from the national elite because of this contest.  After seeing Montverde up close the past two nights against two elite level teams, it is clear the Eagles are at a different level.

Montverde put four players in double figures, led by Flagg with 23 points.  He also grabbed 8 rebounds and handed out 7 assists.  McNeeley finished with 20 points, including 5-8 from deep.  Wrigth had 18 points and Newell added 13 points.

For Columbus, Cameron Boozer finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds.  Cayden Boozer added 10 points but didn’t play the final quarter due to cramps.  Smith also tossed in 10 points.