The Columbus (Miami, FL) varsity basketball team will play a neutral playoff game against Western (Davie, FL) today at 5 PM. This game is part of the 2025 FHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament – 7A.

Columbus vs Western Game Info:

What: Florida High School Basketball
Who: Columbus (FL) vs Western (FL)
When: Monday, February 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 FHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament – 7A
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Columbus vs Western

The basketball season is heating up as two powerhouse teams, Western and Columbus, face off in a showdown that promises to deliver high stakes and intense action. With strong records on both sides, the game between these two Florida-based teams is expected to showcase some of the best talent in the region.

Team Overview

Western (24-25)
Western comes into the matchup with an impressive overall record of 19-7. Their win percentage stands at .731, showing their ability to perform both at home and away. With a solid defense and a well-rounded offense, they’ve been able to post 1,657 points while giving up 1,381. Their performance in district play is flawless, winning every district game, with a perfect 1.000 district win percentage.

Columbus (24-25)
Columbus, ranked 1st nationally in Florida, has had an even more dominant season, with a 23-3 overall record. Their win percentage of .885 is a testament to their strength and consistency across the board. With 2,024 points scored and 1,426 points allowed, their offense and defense balance out remarkably well. Columbus has been particularly dominant in league play, with an unblemished 12-2 record in non-league games and a 3-0 playoff record.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Breakdown

When it comes to scoring, Columbus has the edge, averaging 77.6 points per game compared to Western’s 63.7. Columbus is especially strong in the first quarter, where they average 22.8 points, significantly more than Western’s 16.5. However, Western has been strong in the third quarter with 18.1 points per game, showing their ability to make adjustments in the second half.

In terms of scoring consistency, Columbus outpaces Western in nearly every quarter, with a particularly impressive performance in overtime (6.0 points in OT1, compared to Western’s 11.0 in OT). Despite these differences, Western has managed to close out games with strong performances, often coming from behind to secure victories.

Team Stat Comparison

Columbus shines in several key statistical areas, including points per game (77.6 compared to Western’s 24.9), assists per game (18.3 vs. 4.9), and steals per game (6.8 vs. 3.1). These numbers indicate Columbus’s superior playmaking abilities and aggressive defense. On the other hand, Western’s solid block game (2.0 blocks per game) and reliable scoring from their standout player, Maddox Fowles, make them formidable opponents.

Player Spotlight

Western’s Key Player: Maddox Fowles
Fowles leads Western in scoring, averaging 13.8 points per game, and is also a key presence on the boards, with 10.1 rebounds per game. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a pivotal figure in Western’s quest for victory.

Columbus’s Star: Cameron Boozer
Boozer, who is averaging 22.5 points per game, 12.1 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, is a triple-threat player who dominates in nearly every aspect of the game. His leadership, paired with his ability to score, distribute, and defend, makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the state.

Head-to-Head Comparison

While both teams have strong records, Columbus has the edge in overall performance. They’ve been near perfect at home (11-0) and away (1-0), while Western has faced some challenges in neutral-site games, posting a 7-5 record. Western’s ability to defend their home court (6-1) gives them hope as they head into the game against Columbus.

Conclusion

The game between Western and Columbus promises to be an exciting one, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the court. Columbus has been dominant all season, but Western’s ability to rebound, block shots, and execute in tight situations makes them a worthy opponent. The performance of key players like Fowles and Boozer will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the outcome. As these two titans collide, basketball fans can expect a thrilling display of talent, strategy, and determination.