Lutheran East 53, Columbus Academy 49
Vikings historic season ends with a close loss in the Division V title game
DAYTON, OH - Columbus Academy entered Saturday’s Division V state championship at UD Arena with a perfect undefeated record, but left Dayton with their one and only loss as the Vikings fell just short in a 53-49 defeat to Lutheran East.
Playing in their first state championship game since they were runner-ups in 1981, Columbus Academy went against a frequent flyer to UD Arena as the Falcons played in their sixth straight state tournament en route to a third straight state title.
Despite being the “new kids” on the big stage, the Vikings showed little fear or intimidation against an East team that, although has plenty of tournament experience, has zero seniors on their roster.
While the Falcons led for over 20 minutes of game time, the Vikings stayed within striking distance for the entire contest that saw eight lead changes.
Academy’s last lead was 37-35 in the final minute of the third before Lutheran East’s Dylan Zeigler jumper evened the score headed into the fourth quarter.
Both teams were held scoreless for nearly the first three minutes of the final period, until Ty Harrison hit a three pointer to give the Falcons a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the game.
The Falcons, who had mostly struggled from the field and were just 2-of-14 from beyond the arc entering the fourth, found their best offensive rhythm late while the Vikings struggled with a tenacious East defense. The Falcons made five of their last seven field goals, whereas the Vikings shot 4-of-12 from the field in the final period.
“They defended us as well as anyone has, no question” Columbus Academy head coach Jeff Warstler said after the game. “They had some quickness and the way they rebounded was a big thing. I thought they did a great job defensively, they picked it up and made execution for us difficult. They had a couple possessions where they turned it over and we immediately turned it over right back.”
