Cayden Boozer Leads Columbus Past Brewster in Dramatic Semifinal Finish

FISHERS, Ind. — Cayden Boozer delivered a stunning last-second jumper to lead the No. 1 seed Columbus Explorers to a thrilling 47-45 victory against Brewster Academy in the semifinals of the 2025 Chipotle Nationals on Friday night.

The match, held at the Fishers High School gym, featured a tense back-and-forth battle, with both teams tied at 19 at halftime. Neither squad could establish control in the first two quarters, as they exchanged baskets with remarkable intensity.

With just under 10 seconds left in the game, Brewster’s Sebastian Wilkins knotted the score at 45 with a crucial corner 3-pointer. However, there was still time for Boozer, a Duke point guard signee, who dashed down the court before sinking a midrange jumper that clinched the win just as the buzzer sounded.

Boozer’s game-winning shot capped his night with nine points and a game-high nine rebounds. He received strong support from his twin brother, Cameron Boozer, who led the team with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks.

“We knew it would be a tough game, and I just had to focus on the shot,” Cayden Boozer said after the game. “I’m just glad I could help my team secure the win.”

Brewster Academy’s Wilkins, despite the loss, showcased his talent with 14 points and 12 rebounds, proving to be a formidable presence on the court. The Bobcats struggled against the Explorers’ strong defense, which disrupted their flow constantly.

“We fought hard, and I’m proud of our effort,” Wilkins said. “We just came up short in the end.”

The defensive strategies of both teams were a focal point, with Brewster known for its strong zone defense that often stifled Columbus’s offensive efforts. The Explorers had to work tirelessly for quality shots, leading to several empty possessions.

Junior small forward Caleb Gaskins provided a significant lift for Columbus in the second half, scoring seven rapid points that helped extend their lead to seven. However, Brewster responded fiercely, as the game remained a nail-biter until the very end.

As the final seconds dwindled, with Columbus maintaining a slim lead, Brewster’s offense ramped up. Moore’s layup following a well-fought offensive rebound briefly kept them in contention, but Columbus ultimately held on.

Columbus will advance to face Dynamic Prep in the championship game scheduled for Saturday at noon ET. Dynamic Prep, coached by former NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal, secured its place in the finals by overcoming Prolific Prep on Friday.

The matchup promises to be a contest of titans, with both teams seeking their first national championship—Columbus aiming to break through after losing in last year’s semifinals and Dynamic Prep looking for redemption. “It’s going to be an exciting game; both teams are ready to come out and compete,” Cayden Boozer stated ahead of the final showdown.

This year marks Columbus’s first appearance in the Chipotle Nationals championship game after a prior defeat to Montverde Academy last season. Facing off against Dynamic Prep, which they previously defeated in December, will surely create an exhilarating rematch.