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Columbus (Fla.) wins City of Palms Classic with win over Montverde Academy (Fla.)

Collin-headshotby:Collin Ginnanabout 22 hours

GinnanCollin

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After a seven-point lead under one minute to go shrunk to a two-point margin, Columbus (Fla.) held off Montverde Academy (Fla.) 59-57 to win the City of Palms Classic championship.

Columbus is the first City of Palms champion from Dade County in 28 years, and it’s the first time the Explorers have won at the event.

Four-star junior small forward Jaxon Richardson led the Explorers with 18 points on the evening.

Duke signee and No. 2 overall prospect Cameron Boozer was named co-MVP of the event, according to USA Today’s Nick Wilson. He scored 14 points in the championship game, adding team-highs in rebounds (nine) and assists (four).

Columbus held a 10-point lead at the break, but Montverde battled in the second half and outscored the Explorers in both the third and fourth quarters. After stretching back to a seven-point lead with under a minute to go, Montverde’s Hudson Greer hit a three-point shot, stole the inbound pass and made a layup to cut Columbus’ lead down to two points.

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Caleb Gaskins split his free throws for the Explorers as Columbus held on for the 59-57 victory.

To get here, Columbus blasted No. 1 Grayson (Ga.) 85-48 on Thursday to advance to the semifinal game against IMG Academy (Fla.), where the Explorers pulled out a 77-71 win.

Columbus is loaded with elite talent. Cameron Boozer and his brother, Cayden Boozer, have signed with Duke. Caleb Gaskins and Jaxon Richardson are top-30 recruits in the junior class.

Montverde Academy was the nation’s No. 11 team and the No. 3 program in the state of Florida entering the night, according to the On3 Composite High School Basketball Team Ranking. Columbus is the nation’s No. 6 team and sits atop the Sunshine State.

The On3 Composite High School Basketball Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, ESPN and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.