Columbus’ Caleb Gaskins is the Dade Boys’ Basketball 7A-4A Player of the Year
Caleb Gaskins played a part in the high standard of greatness established by Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the past four years at Columbus.
With the twin brothers off to college at Duke University, Gaskins knew he had to elevate his game and assume more of a leadership role this season.
Gaskins, a 6-9 five-star power forward prospect, accomplished both while leading the Explorers to a historic fifth consecutive state championship and another postseason national title.
Gaskins, a University of Miami signee, is the Miami Herald’s Miami-Dade County Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year for Classes 7A-4A.
While some wondered if Columbus’ championship run could continue without the Boozer twins, Gaskins helped the Explorers answer that question by becoming the first Dade program to win five state titles in a row and only the third in state history.
Along the way, Gaskins averaged 22.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, firmly establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the country at his position.
“It’s a great feeling. We thank those great players who played here for four years, but now this is our time,” said Gaskins after the Explorers secured the Class 7A state title following a win over Sarasota. “They paved the way for us, and we had to finish it for them.”
Gaskins didn’t just keep Columbus’ state title tradition going. He also led the Explorers to a national title at The Throne tournament. It marked the second time in four years that Columbus won the event championship.
He then kept the Explorers’ and his future college’s McDonald’s All-American traditions going with a selection to play in the prestigious annual event. Gaskins became the third Columbus player to earn the accolade, joining Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
“Everybody who’s been a part of this game I’ve looked up to and it’s a great opportunity for all of us,” Gaskins said at the event. “They paved the way for us and it’s up to us to continue the legacy.”
Gaskins will next join a Miami Hurricanes’ program, which experienced a major turnaround this past season going from a 7-win season to a second-round berth in the NCAA Tournament.
