Despite many changes over the past eight years, Lutheran East has been a steadying force in the state playoffs.
With just one returning player from last season and no seniors on the roster, the Falcons pieced together another impressive playoff run to win its third consecutive state title, defeating Columbus Academy, 53-49.
Chris Hill Shines Early
Chris Hill, the lone returning player on the Lutheran East roster, was a force from the very beginning.
In the first quarter alone, Hill accounted for six points, three assists, and three steals. This effort fueled the Falcons to a 14-10 lead after the first quarter.
Jason Singleton Fuels A Rally
The unquestioned leader of this talented Columbus Academy team was senior Jason Singleton.
Singleton, who finished the game as the team leader in points, rebounds, and assists, led the Vikings on an 8-2 run to take a 27-25 lead into halftime.
Division V State Championship
*Halftime*
Columbus Academy – 27
Lutheran East – 25Columbus Academy ends the half on an 8-2 run to take the lead into the break.
Jason Singleton has been impressive, tallying 15 points.
Crumble and Zeigler have six for Lue.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/Qvpr6JWDpY
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 22, 2025
Columbus Academy Responds to Adversity
Lutheran East came out of the locker room on a tear, going on a 10-0 run to take a 35-29 lead early in the third quarter.
However, Columbus Academy was not going out quietly.
The Vikings quickly responded with an 8-0 run of their own to take the lead, before Dylan Zeigler tied the game at 37 with a mid-range jumper in the closing seconds of the quarter.
A Balanced Effort Helps Bring Home The Title For Lutheran East
While Singleton was phenomenal for Columbus Academy, it was the balanced team effort that propelled Lutheran East to its third consecutive state title.
The Falcons had four players finish with double-digit points, while Hill played distributor, totaling seven assists.
TJ Crumble, a 4-star forward with numerous Division I college offers, finished with a double-double. He played an instrumental role on the offensive glass, with six of his 10 rebounds coming on offense.
Lutheran East was able to pull away down the stretch, securing a 53-49 victory over previously unbeaten Columbus Academy.
Division V State Championship
*Final Score*
Lutheran East – 53
Columbus Academy – 49Despite not having a single senior on the roster, Lutheran East has won its third consecutive state title, taking down previously unbeaten Columbus Academy!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/KwYy9a91CE
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 22, 2025
Setting Up A Potential Dynasty
If Lutheran East isn’t considered a dynasty yet, it has a chance to reach that status over the coming years.
With every player on the 2025 iteration of this team being an underclassman, Sam Liggins’ Falcons are set up for a potentially historic run of dominance.
Only time will tell, but this stretch of Lutheran East basketball may go down as one of the best in OHSAA history.
Team Leaders
Lutheran East
Points – TJ Crumble (14)
Rebounds – TJ Crumble (10)
Assists – Chris Hill (7)
Columbus Academy
Points – Jason Singleton (27)
Rebounds – Jason Singleton (9)
Assists – Jason Singleton (3)
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