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ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – Cleveland Heights Lutheran East is one step closer to a third consecutive OHSAA boys basketball state championship after a hard-fought 76-73 victory over Minford on March 15 at the ECO Center.
The Falcons (24-4) led early, establishing a 20-14 advantage in the first quarter and maintaining a 37-31 edge at halftime. Minford fought back, cutting the deficit to 53-48 heading into the final period and outscoring Lutheran East 25-23 in the fourth. However, a last-second three-point attempt by Minford’s Myles Montgomery fell short, securing the Falcons’ win.
With the victory, Lutheran East advances to the Division V state championship game, where they will face undefeated Columbus Academy (28-0). Columbus Academy earned its spot in the final after defeating Cincinnati Summit Country Day 63-51 in a semifinal matchup at Wittenberg University.
Minford (25-2) provided a strong challenge, refusing to let Lutheran East pull away. Seniors Myles Montgomery and Bennett Kayser led Minford’s efforts, keeping their team within striking distance until the final buzzer.
Lutheran East has been a dominant force in Ohio high school basketball, previously winning back-to-back Division III state titles before the OHSAA’s restructuring into seven divisions. This marks the program’s fifth consecutive trip to the state finals.
Earlier in the tournament, Lutheran East faced off against Richmond Heights on March 8, while Minford advanced after defeating Chesapeake on March 9 at Chesapeake High School. Now, the Falcons prepare for their toughest test yet, as they aim to claim another state championship against a Columbus Academy squad that has yet to taste defeat this season.
The Division V state championship game promises to be a thrilling showdown as Lutheran East looks to cement its legacy with another title.
