Columbus’ Boozers and Richardsons spark wins over national powers at Hoophall Classic

The Christopher Columbus High School boys’ basketball team rose to the challenge this weekend at the Spalding Hoophall Classic.

Ranked No. 5 ranked in ESPN’s SCNext Top 25, the Explorers (16-4) knocked off No. 2 Long Island Lutheran Saturday and No. 3 Paul VI Monday at Blake Arena on the campus of Springfield College in front of a few thousand fans and a litany of college coaches and NBA scouts as a final tuneup ahead of what the program hopes is a long postseason run back home in Florida and perhaps the Geico Nationals.

“It gets us ready for states… We played the types of teams we’d see at nationals – hopefully we make it there – so it was definitely a challenge coming in and playing these two teams this weekend,” senior guard Jase Richardson said. “We definitely had to set an example and set the tone to get wins.”

After starting the season hovering around .500, Columbus has now won 10 straight.

“We had a lot of tough losses in the beginning, but we just grew from them and became a better team,” Cayden Boozer said.

Columbus coach Andrew Moran noticed his team’s improvement in the little things – winning loose balls, battling for rebounds, etc.

“Post City of Palms, our defense has just improved, improved, improved,” Moran said. “It’s been really good for us.”

The NBA Sons of Columbus dominated against Long Island Lutheran in their fist Hoophall game, willing the Explorers to an explosive 29-7 fourth quarter to turn a close game into an 81-62 rout. Jase Richardson, son of Jason Richardson, contributed a standout all-around performance with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Younger brother Jaxon, a sophomore added 9 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Cameron (26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 blocks) and Cayden Boozer (17 points), sons of Carlos Boozer, provided a dynamic inside-out presence. Jase Richardson and the Boozers shot a combined 24-of-35 (68.5%).

To make it all work, like it did in the first game of the weekend, stems from an uncomplicated process.

“It’s who’s open,” Jaxon Richardson said.

With Carlos Boozer and Jason Richardson sitting courtside Monday against Paul VI, the Explorers played another tight game early, taking their largest first half lead – 5 – in the first quarter before falling behind for most of the way until midway through the third. With Cameron Boozer (14 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, 4 steals) held without a field goal until midway through the third quarter, Cayden Boozer (17 points, 7 assists, 7 turnovers) orchestrated the offense. Paul VI took advantage of the Boozer twins’ miscues, a combined 10 turnovers, with 12 points off turnovers.

Cameron Boozer converted a traditional 3-point play to extend the Explorers’ lead to seven late in the third quarter and blocked a shot on the other end, but Paul VI clawed back. When Cayden Boozer tried a behind the back pass on a 3-on-1 fast break that went out of bounds, Cameron slapped the floor and yelled in disappointment. The latter made sure the next transition opportunity worked, finding Jase Richardson for a dunk on the next possession.

Jase Richardson (21 points) nailed a corner 3-pointer in front of his dad through contact, made the free-throw, and the Explorers held on from there for a 70-61 victory.

“To come here and win against two teams that have been great for years, that’s good for us,” Moran said. “We’re really happy to get these two.”

The four NBA sons rank highly in their respective classes. Cameron Boozer is the No. 2 ranked junior, Cayden No. 16 per ESPN, Jase Richardson, the No. 28 senior headed to Michigan State and Jaxon, a top-25 sophomore. Plus, 6-foot-7 senior forward Malik Abdullahi is a Princeton commit and junior sharpshooter Benny Fragela starts.

The Richardsons transferred in from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas before the season and found an immediate fit with eyes on the long term.

“We have a great group of guys that can do a lot of things,” Jase Richardson said. “Anybody can play any part on any given day.”