CLEVELAND — Lutheran East senior Jesse McColloch is used to going to the state tournament. 

“It’s a goal we preach every year," McColloch said. 

He said he also knows what it’s like to be there. He’s made it every year, and he’s part of Lutheran East's seven year streak of making it to the state tournament, aside from the 2020 season that was cancelled due to the pandemic. 

“Just to see it all pay off and get all these accomplishments and goals that I dreamed of since I was a little kid, so it feels great," McColloch said. 

Coach Sam Liggins said it’s become a culture, but he won’t let his players get complacent. 

“You should never take things for granted," Liggins said. "Life goes on. The ball does stop bouncing one day. You gotta cherish these moments."

And just 15 minutes away, Richmond Heights is on a five year streak of making state. Head coach Quentin Rodgers is aiming for his third straight. He said the success comes down to his coaching staff and their ability to carry the culture from class to class. 

“There’s no expectation," Rogers said. "We don’t assume victories. They gotta come and play. Take every opponent serious. Take every practice serious. So we done have any layoffs or let downs.”

As for McColloch, he said he’s looking a few moves ahead and is hoping to win a third state championship to cap off his career. 

“We preach state final four," he said. "We gotta get down there and get a banner."