DAYTON, Ohio — Lutheran East closed the first half on a 11-0 run, sending the Falcons to the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III boys' basketball state championship game, with a 65-44 win over Harvest Prep.

What You Need To Know

  • Lutheran East's strong second quarter sends the Falcons to the OHSAA boys' basketball Division III championship game

  • The Falcons will try to capture the school's fourth state title Sunday against Ottawa-Glandorf

  • Freshman T.J. Crumble was the leading scorer with 23 points

The Falcons (21-5) capitalized on their size advantage, dominating points in the paint (48-18) and rebounding (38-13). Freshman T.J. Crumble had a game-high 23 points and 8 boards, while Jesse McCullough had 11 and 12 caroms. Cody Head wowed the crowd with several highlight-reel dunks and 13 points.

Lutheran East shot a sparkling 55% from the floor, converting 28 of 51 field goal attempts.

The Warriors (21-7), playing without leading scorer Nyelle Shaheed (15.9 PPG), started quickly. Brandon Roddy tallied the first 10 for Harvest Prep, and topped the team with 17, which led 17-12 early in the second quarter, before the Falcons scored 17 of the next 20 points.

Lutheran East is one win away from the school’s fourth official state title Sunday, and second in three years. The Falcons also won in 2017, and were awarded the 2005 championship when Africentric had to vacate. Up next they face Ottawa-Glandorf in the Division III championship at 5:15 p.m. Sunday. The Titans won a wild, double-overtime thriller over Africentric in the first semifinal.