Lutheran East Hangs On To Win Their Second State Title In Three Years

Photo by Billy Kosco

A reigning state runner-up with an “underdog” mentality can make for a very difficult opponent. Lutheran East embraced the challenge with open arms.

In a battle that came down to the final possessions, Lutheran East was able to ice the game 67-61 to win their second championship in three seasons. While Lutheran East led for nearly the entire game, the road to victory wasn’t an easy one.

Despite multiple hot stretches, the Falcons just could not find the separation needed to make for a comfortable lead.

2023 D-3 State Championship 🏆

*End of the 1st*
Lutheran East – 9
Ottawa-Glandorf – 8

OG is hanging tough early, as they hold Lutheran East without a made FG for the final 3:50 of the quarter.

Theo Maag gets inside for the post score here. ⬇️@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/ypU4YfTJRw

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

Jesse McCulloch picks up his fourth foul with over five minutes left in the third quarter.

OG cuts the deficit to 34-27.@NEOSportsInside https://t.co/7bThNaQZ8Z pic.twitter.com/HPstwdDlNm

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

That would change in the third quarter, when four big makes from beyond-the-arc gave them a 48-37 advantage.

2023 D-3 State Championship 🏆

*End of the 3rd*
Lutheran East – 48
Ottawa Glandorf – 37

Lue knocks down four triples in the third quarter, including this one by freshman TJ Crumble to beat the buzzer! ⬇️ @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/iz5DeLH6qu

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

In the fourth quarter, Lutheran East was able to extend their lead to 14 before Ottawa-Glandorf would attempt a massive comeback stemming from a beyond-the-arc attack.

Hunter Stechschulte and Levi Unterbrink combined for 12 points down the stretch on four triples, while Colin White had three assists.

OG has been scorching from beyond-the-arc!

They continue to chip away at the deficit, trading 3’s for free throws.

65-61. pic.twitter.com/xo9AFXnJ71

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

Despite cutting the Lutheran East lead to 65-61, there just wasn’t enough time, especially with the Falcons hitting most of their late free throws.

The valiant effort would come short for the second straight year, as Lutheran East earned a 67-61 win to take home the Division III title.