Columbus basketball hangs on in overtime thriller to secure first state title three-peat

One inch.

That’s about how close the Columbus Explorers came to losing their No. 1 national ranking and their chance at a third consecutive state championship.

Fortunately for Columbus, the 3-point shot at the regulation buzzer by Oak Ridge’s Jamier Jones climbed out of the basket after having gone about halfway down.

Instead of losing in four quarters, Columbus went on to win 72-67 in overtime, much to the relief of Explorers star Cameron Boozer.

“I was thinking, ‘Please miss’,” Boozer said when asked about Jones’ shot. “We got bailed out on that one – open three (from the left elbow).

“It was a hell of a game, bro.”

Indeed, it was a “hell of a game” -- in part because of Boozer, ranked the No. 2 junior in the nation by ESPN. Boozer had a game-high 24 points to go with 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and one steal. He also drew 10 fouls.

But as good as Boozer was for the Explorers (27-4), he was next-level sensational when Columbus needed him most.

Columbus, which had led almost the entire game, had blown a 16-point second-half lead.

Oak Ridge took the lead 57-55 with 21 seconds left. After inbounding the ball, Columbus called timeout with 16.7 ticks left.

The Explorers then got the ball to Boozer in the middle of the court, about 35 feet from the basket. From there, Boozer went to work, shaking his man with a spin move and finishing with a score-tying dunk.

Asked about the play in a chaotic, on-court interview environment, Boozer was a mix between confident and grateful.

“We’re down two – that means it’s winning time,” Boozer said. “We needed a bucket.

“No pressure. I was praying to God, and God saved us. No nerves there. Big-time players make big-time plays.”

Boozer is listed at 6-9 and 215 pounds, but Columbus coach Andrew Moran cautioned against typecasting him as only a frontcourt player.

“Careful you call him a ‘big man’,” Moran said good-naturedly. “He plays big for us, but he also handles the ball on the perimeter, shoots the 3, plays the pick and roll …”

Boozer was one of four Columbus players who scored in double figures. His twin brother Cayden – a 6-3 point guard and the nation’s No. 14 prospect in the Class of 2025 -- was also outstanding with 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

Jase Richardson, a senior who has signed with Michigan State, had 14 points; and Randy Smith added 11 points.

This was the first state title for Richardson, who transferred in this season from Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman.

As a sophomore, Richardson’s Bishop Gorman team lost in the state final to Liberty. In that game, Liberty’s last-second shot went in – unlike what happened to Oak Ridge (27-4).

“I was a little nervous,” Richardson said when asked about Jones’ shot on Saturday. “I was hoping. I was praying.

“But when I saw it rattle in and out, I got excited and got ready for overtime.”

Columbus never trailed in overtime as Smith hit a corner 3-pointer on the Explorers’ first possession.

Oak Ridge never drew even again, although the Pioneers had a golden opportunity with one second left. That’s when Oak Ridge’s Cameron Simpson shot a desperation 3-pointer from 40 feet, drawing a foul on Richardson, who shouldn’t have been guarding him that closely with the game virtually over.

Fortunately for Columbus – again – Simpson’s shot just missed going in off the backboard.

“I made a dumb defensive play,” Richardson admitted. “I told my coaches that.”

Had that shot gone in, Simpson would’ve needed just one free throw to tie the score and send the game – most likely – to a second overtime.

Instead, Simpson missed two of his three free throws, and that was it for Oak Ridge.

Moran, who sports a bald head, acknowledged that he couldn’t tear his hair out at Richardson’s unwise play.

“But I was sweating,” Moran said.

The sweating is now over for the Explorers, who can take their place as one of the greatest dynasties in Miami boys’ basketball history.

Among teams from the 305, only Columbus, Miami High, Norland and Northwest Christian have ever won three straight state titles.

“Our guys stepped up,” Moran said. “We spent so much time together. We worked so hard. To win in the end, makes it all better.”

Or, as Cameron Boozer said:

“We fought and got the dub (win). That’s all that matters.”