Columbus Academy battles but comes up short against Lutheran East
Saturday, March 22, 2025
By Kevin Rouch
krouch@cbussports.com
Columbus Academy’s Jason Singleton (right) uses a screen from teammate Anderson Davis to head to the lane during the Vikings’ state championship game against Lutheran East at University of Dayton Arena Saturday. Photo: Kevin Rouch
The Columbus Academy Vikings (28-1) came into Saturday’s OHSAA state title game in Dayton knowing that they had a tough task against two-time defending state champion Lutheran East (26-4). The Falcons have been in the final four the last seven times that the state tournament has been held, winning the crown four times.
Lutheran East’s reputation didn’t seem to bother the Vikings. They were behind early but rallied to take a 27-25 lead to the locker room at halftime. Academy held the Falcons to just one three-pointer in the first half and shot well against a physical defense, making 10-19 field goals, including 3-5 beyond the arc.
Columbus Academy point guard Theo Falkenhain looks to attack against the pressure defense of Lutheran East during their state title game Saturday at University of Dayton Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch
In the second half, the lead went back and forth, with Lutheran East tying the game 37-37 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, the Falcons gained a slight advantage by forcing turnovers. Academy committed 10 turnovers in the second half.
Coming down the stretch, Academy trailed by one or two possessions, but couldn’t cash in on opportunities to make it closer. The Vikings had the ball down four points in the waning moments and couldn’t get a shot against the swarming Falcons’ defense as time ran out. Lutheran East came away with a 43-39 victory.
Caden Ivery (left) drives the baseline for Columbus Academy during the Vikings’ state championship game against the Lutheran East Falcons Saturday at University of Dayton Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch
Academy’s Jason Singleton led all scorers with 27 points. Caden Ivery added nine points, while Theo Falkenhain and Anderson Davis each scored six. Singleton also led the team with nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
The Vikings, who have never won a state title, end the season with a 28-1 record, their only loss coming in the final game of the year in Division V. They lose seniors Falkenhain, Davis, and M.J. Jackson out of the starting lineup, but have a lot of offense returning.
Head coach Jeff Warstler talks to his squad during a second half timeout in the Vikings’ state title match-up with Lutheran East at University of Dayton Arena Saturday. Photo: Kevin Rouch