Top Performers: Columbus vs Paul VI (VA)

Ross Van De Griek

January 15, 2024 @ 02:00 PM

The 22nd Annual Hoophall Classic wraps up with nationally ranked teams and recruits on full display Monday afternoon. The No. 5 ranked Columbus Explorers took on the No. 3 ranked Paul VI (Virginia) Panthers in a nationally televised affair.   Here we look at some of the top five performers from the game:   [player_tooltip player_id='1259620' first='Darren' last='Harris']- Paul VI (Virginia)- 2024 (Duke commit)   The 6-6 senior guard and Duke signee Harris played an instrumental part whether it was connecting from behind the arc or on the attack. He is coming off winning the MVP at the 2024 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri last week. The four-star recruit was also a key contributor on the defensive end where he was guarding mismatches as well as challenging shots around the rim. Harris also rebounded well and kicked ahead to his teammates in transition where his IQ was just simply off the charts. Harris finished with 16 points and knocked down four 3-pointers in the loss to Columbus.   [player_tooltip player_id='2197286' first='Jase' last='Richardson']- Columbus (Miami)- 2024 (Michigan State commit)   Richardson, listed at 6'4 transferred from Bishop Gorman (Nevada) to Columbus last summer has quickly emerged and has acclimated himself to his new teammates in a hurry. Offensively, Richardson made havoc whether it was scoring from beyond the arc or on the attack. Defensively, Richardson showcased his length and versatility where he guarded multiple positions whether it was on or off the ball. Richardson's speed to get to his spots also stood out where he impacted the game with his scoring off the bounce as well as the catch. Richardson finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists in the win over Paul VI (Virginia).   [player_tooltip player_id='1301714' first='Cameron' last='Boozer']- Columbus (Miami)- 2025   It was another day in the office for the 6-9 junior power forward and 5-star recruit as he finished with a double-double (14 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocked shots) in the win over Paul VI (Virginia). Those numbers came in following a 26-point and five-block performance in a win over Long Island Lutheran (New York) earlier in the tournament. Boozer is a generational-type power forward who can score across all three levels on the offensive end. Defensively, Boozer made a huge presence in the paint where he challenged shots with his length as well as continuing his improved footwork.   [player_tooltip player_id='1301715' first='Cayden' last='Boozer']- Columbus (Miami)- 2025   The 6-5 junior point guard continues to have a great feel and understanding for the game on the offensive end of the floor. He has a smooth finish on the interior as well as his release on his jump shot. Defensively, Boozer continues to make winning plays whether it's getting steals leading to transition buckets or utilizing his activity in the passing lanes. Offensively, Boozer also continued to showcase his toughness whether it was through the pick-and-roll or finishing around the rim through contact.   [player_tooltip player_id='2148767' first='Jordan' last='Smith']- Paul VI (Virginia)- 2026   The 6-3 sophomore guard continues to impress me every time he steps onto the floor. His athleticism and jump shooting are elite as well as his on-the-ball defensive mechanics. Smith plays with a high motor and brings in his competitive touch on the defensive end as he is as versatile as they come. Smith finished with a team-high 17 points and six rebounds in the loss to Columbus. Smith is very talented and is only at the beginning of what seems to be a huge upside for the sophomore guard.

The 22nd Annual Hoophall Classic wraps up with nationally ranked teams and recruits on full display Monday afternoon. The No. 5 ranked Columbus Explorers took on the No. 3 ranked Paul VI (Virginia) Panthers in a nationally televised affair.