Nationally top-ranked Columbus upends Montverde Academy in a battle between the No. 1-2 teams

The Explorers cruised to a 20-point victory over the Eagles on Friday night

Columbus Explorers forward Cameron Boozer (12) dunks against De La Salle during the Section 7 Basketball Tournament at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on June 23, 2023. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

In a battle between a couple of the nation's top two high school boys basketball teams, it became clear who the best in the land was by intermission.

Columbus used a strong second half after heading into halftime with a 14-point lead, to cruise by Montverde Academy 79-59 on Friday night. The Top 25 High School On SI's No. 1-ranked Explorers improved to 18-3 on the season and are currently on a 5-game winning streak after defeating the No. 2-ranked Eagles.

Top 25 national high school boys basketball rankings (1/22/2024)

It's the second time this season that Columbus has defeated Montverde Academy, with the first meeting coming back on Dec. 23rd, a 59-57 victory by the Explorers. This time around, the win was much more decisive.

Look out below…. it’s Cam Boozer!! pic.twitter.com/hFhgIQaI0g

— CCNN Live (@CCNNLive) January 25, 2025

It would be Duke signee Cameron Boozer pacing the Explorers (18-3) with 25 points and 14 rebounds en route to the 20-point victory. Cayden Boozer, also a Duke signee, finished with 13 points on the night.

“I think we’re the best team in the country, and I think we’re capable of going all the way, " Cameron Boozer said via League Ready.

The Explorers had lost back-to-back games to Long Island Lutheran (New York) and Link Academy (Missouri) before putting together an impressive 5-game win streak. During the stretch, Columbus has defeated Riviera Prep, Coral Park, Notre Dame (California), Perry (Arizona) and now Montverde Academy.

For the Eagles (13-4), it is their second loss in a row after falling to AZ Compass Prep (Arizona) to start the week, 45-41. Montverde Academy's other two losses on the season have come against Brewster Academy (New Hampshire) and the first time around against Columbus.

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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @highschoolonsi