Led by Boozer twins, Columbus delivers convincing GMAC basketball championship win
For all its success throughout its athletic program over the years, Columbus has yet to lay claim to a boys’ basketball state championship.
The Explorers appear to have all the ingredients this season.
Two of the biggest share the same last name - Boozer.
The twin tandem of Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer once again led Columbus to victory on Thursday night as it outplayed Norland for several stretches of a 61-53 victory to secure what is believed to be only the school’s second GMAC championship.
“We’re a young team and being able to win a championship game is big, and it’s great for the school and we really, really wanted to do that for them,” Columbus coach Andrew Moran said.
The Explorers (21-2) have not made it to the state final four since 2011 and are looking to begin a trend of success similar to the team it vanquished on Thursday in Norland, which has won six state titles in its program’s rich history.
Cameron and Cayden, the sons of former two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, are at the forefront of that effort.
The duo is averaging a combined 31.4 points, 16.7 rebounds and 10 assists per game this season for Columbus.
On Thursday night against the physical Vikings (13-9), Cameron Boozer barely missed a triple-double by himself as he totaled 20 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists while Cayden Boozer totaled 19 points, six assists and four steals. Garyn Bess also had 11 points.
“We have a pretty unselfish team. (Cameron) is always ready to make the right play and make the right pass,” Moran said. “He can dominate and do it all, and he’s got a great head on his shoulders and does a great job reading the game.”
Columbus’ crisp passing and ability to score on backdoor cuts to the basket helped it take an early and stay in front throughout despite Norland’s efforts to close the gap.
Marcus Allen continued his prolific season for the Vikings (13-9) as he finished with a game-high 27 points and hit three 3-pointers. Lionel Swaby and Jamal Ware each had 12 points as well for Norland.
Trailing by 12 at the half, Norland opened the second half on a 9-0 surge.
But the Explorers’ turned up their defensive pressure and turned the momentum quickly allowing them to open up a 42-32 lead by the end of the third quarter.
“Other teams are scouting us well and doing a great job so we’re doing a great job of adjusting ourselves and we executed down the stretch,” Moran said. “We talk about our foundation being our defense and making plays for each other. Obviously, when you see the ball moving, that means we’re playing pretty well.”
This story was originally published January 28, 2022 at 7:03 AM.
