Cameron Boozer leads fourth-quarter comeback against Bronny James and Sierra Canyon
SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts — Blake Arena was past capacity three hours prior to tipoff for one of the biggest high school games of the year featuring Bronny James and arguably the best player in high school basketball, sophomore Cameron Boozer And his twin brother. Cayden Boozer. Over 2,000 fans, college basketball coaches, and NBA scouts filled the small arena at Springfield College to witness Sierra Canyon (California), taking on Christopher Columbus (Florida). In thrilling final, the Christopher Columbus Explorers defeated the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers 47 to 46.
Cameron and Cayden were accompanied by Carlos Boozer, a former NBA player. However, LeBron James couldn’t make it to the Houston Rockets game Monday night as the Los Angeles Lakers played the Houston Rockets at their home.
It was a fierce battle right from the beginning with 10 lead changes and a 1-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. With just three minutes remaining in the game, Sierra Canyon had extended its lead to eight. Cameron Boozer took a mission from the timeout and scored seven consecutive points in the last two minutes of the game to reduce the deficit to one point. Seven seconds remained before the explorers lost their lead after Sierra Canyon’s Isaiah Elohim failed to score on the front end of a one and one. Cameron Boozer drove in the lane and was awarded the ball. Malik Abdullahi, his teammate, grabbed the ball to make an easy layup when the time expired.
“I told [Cameron] Andrew Moran, Explorers head coach, said after the game that he had just been digging deep and that he had to fight to the end.” He made the play, even though he didn’t score the winning basket. Cameron and his brother remain calm, they don’t get rattled and Cameron, so young, continues being a leader and bringing our guys together throughout this game.
Cameron Boozer scored 11 of his 18 points during the second half after two fouls in the opening half. In the win, he also had 13 rebounds and four assists. He also stole two basketballs. Cayden Boozer, who scored 11 points, seven boards, and three assists, was also a major factor. Elohim, a junior guard who scored 16 points, led Sierra Canyon.
Bronny James is continuing to have a strong senior year and had one his best games with 13 points (three 3-pointers), 8 rebounds, five steals and three assists in just 27 minutes.
Moran stated that Bronny’s is his favorite game. “I was able to see him play in Miami when he was younger.” [when LeBron James was playing for the Heat] He has shown great growth as a player and I have seen him work hard. His shot is improved and he has good range. He’s a team player who plays basketball the right way.
Although the Boozer twins, who are still sophomores, have received several offers from Duke, Miami and Florida State. The pair is early favorites for Duke because their dad was a Duke player and they have close ties with the university.
Cameron Boozer stated to Yahoo Sports that Duke was a great school and had a winning history. “We had planned to visit Duke this fall but there was a conflict with our schedule. So we’ll wait and see what happens next season.”
Bronny James’ recruitment was kept private. He only made one official visit, in early September. There are also schools like USC and Oregon that could be interested. Bronny James will not make a decision before the end of Bronny’s high school season and during April’s late sign-up period.
The Explorers will travel back to Miami and take on Sacred Heart Griffin (Illinois) at the Wally Keller Classic on January 21. Sierra Canyon (17-4 overall and 3-0 league) will be facing St. Francis on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.