Next up on the day, Sierra Canyon and Columbus had the facility absolutely packed and loaded with elite talent, as fans got their money’s worth with this matchup. It was a good showing early on for both teams, as Columbus was able to earn the early edge 14-9 behind '25 Cameron Boozer. '23 Bronny James got things going with two early threes to help Sierra Canyon. In the second quarter, Sierra Canyon got things going more offensively, outscoring Columbus 18-10 in the quarter to take a 27-24 into halftime.
Second half, it continued to be a battle but Columbus' offense struggled at times to get going, and '24 Isaiah Elohim really got things going even more with his scoring capability. Sierra Canyon was really able to attack the glass and create several more opportunities, which allowed Sierra Canyon to eventually build a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. But Columbus would never back down and cut that lead into half within a few minutes late in the fourth. This game started to get close, eventually getting down to as many as one point with 10 seconds. Sierra Canyon's Elohim had a chance to push their lead from the line but missed late and Boozer took it coast -to -coast and it eventually fell into the hands of Malik Abdullahi for the game-winner. Columbus, once down 10 in the fourth quarter, came back to win 47-46.
Stats:
Columbus: Cameron Boozer 18pts, 13rebs/ Cayden Boozer 11pts, 7rebs/ Malik Abdullah 6pts, 6rebs
SC: Isaiah Elohim 16pts/ Bronny James 13pts, 8rebs, 3asts, 5stls/ Ashton Hardaway 6pts
Standouts:
2024 Isaiah Elohim (Sierra Canyon): Elohim is a player that we have been big on for some time now, and though he is one of the top players in the country, he feels like he doesn't get always talked about as much due to others at Sierra Canyon. But in this game, he reminded everyone why because Elohim is such a physically dominating prospect that is strong through contact, creates and finishes, bullies defenders and is powerful, but also can knock down shots with his mid-range game. Elohim can just be an overwhelming player to go against with how strong he is and his understanding of how to score the ball effectively.
2025 Cameron Boozer (Columbus): The brothers were terrific but when you watch Cameron on the floor with how fluid he is, how versatile he can be, his handles, his feel and IQ, and his impact… it truly amazes you for a player that is only a sophomore. Boozer simply can do a little bit of everything and has a college-level feel already. He can hurt you in so many ways; great feel in the paint and tremendous footwork, a natural feel as a big around the basket, but has a fluid release on his outside shot. And then he is relentless on the boards. Finished with another strong double-double.
