Looking to win their first state title, the Vikings (24-4) take a 20-game winning streak into a rematch with Cleveland Heights Lutheran East at 1 p.m. March 21 at UD Arena. Lutheran East, whichbeat Academy 53-49 in the state final last season, defeated Cincinnati Summit Country Day 38-27 in the second semifinal March 20.
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"I'm super proud of what we were able to accomplish today," Academy coach Jeff Warstler said. "The kids did a great job following the game plan. West Muskingum is super disciplined, and they run really good stuff. They can spread you out. They can attack you. They're physical. What we did to guard a lot of the back cuts, along with forcing them to kick out on drives, really played into our hands as to what we were trying to do. I thought our man-to-man defense was exceptional."
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) dunks the ball in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) attempts to shoot the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Mitchell Zumberge (23) drives the ball to the basket against West Muskingum in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) drives the ball to the basket against West Muskingum's Noah Morrison (14) in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy head coach Jeff Warstler speaks to his players before the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
West Muskingum celebrates in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
West Muskingum's Carter Smith (24) blocks the shot of Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Ryan Coats (1) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) passes the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy fans celebrate in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy head coach Jeff Warstler watches his players in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Ari Worly (25) celebrates in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) celebrates in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) shoots the ball against West Muskingum's Kyle Porter (4) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum's Tavin Bennett (13) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum's Cade Porter (2) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) watches the ball go in the basket against West Muskingum's Carter Smith (24) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) attempts to shoot the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) celebrates in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) passes the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum's Kyle Porter (4) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Dominic Dunkle (11) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Mitchell Zumberge (23) drives the ball to the basket against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy's Mitchell Zumberge (23) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus Academy fans celebrate in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Best highlights from OHSAA boys basketball state tournament
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) dunks the ball in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Best highlights from OHSAA boys basketball state tournament
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) dunks the ball in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
2/30
Best highlights from OHSAA boys basketball state tournament
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
3/30
Best highlights from OHSAA boys basketball state tournament
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) attempts to shoot the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Mitchell Zumberge (23) drives the ball to the basket against West Muskingum in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) drives the ball to the basket against West Muskingum's Noah Morrison (14) in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy head coach Jeff Warstler speaks to his players before the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
West Muskingum celebrates in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
West Muskingum's Carter Smith (24) blocks the shot of Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) in the first half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Ryan Coats (1) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) passes the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy fans celebrate in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy head coach Jeff Warstler watches his players in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Ari Worly (25) celebrates in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) celebrates in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) shoots the ball against West Muskingum's Kyle Porter (4) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum's Tavin Bennett (13) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum's Cade Porter (2) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Charles Rubey (2) watches the ball go in the basket against West Muskingum's Carter Smith (24) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) attempts to shoot the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Best photos from 2025-26 central Ohio high school winter sports
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Best photos from 2025-26 central Ohio high school winter sports
Columbus Academy's Reinaldo Perez (55) celebrates in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) passes the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Jason Singleton (5) dribbles the ball against West Muskingum's Kyle Porter (4) in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Dominic Dunkle (11) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Mitchell Zumberge (23) drives the ball to the basket against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy's Mitchell Zumberge (23) shoots the ball against West Muskingum in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Academy vs West Muskingum in OHSAA boys basketball state semifinal
Columbus Academy fans celebrate in the second half of the OHSAA state semifinal game at University of Dayton Arena on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Competing in its first state tournament, West Muskingum (23-6) managed to keep the game close in the first half, trailing 23-16 at halftime, before Academy took control. The Vikings led by as many as 20 points (48-28) in the second half, capitalizing on their advantages in size and athleticism.
The decisive spurt was highlighted by back-to-back Singleton dunks off lob passes from Mitch Zumberge and Will Bundy.
"We thought if we could do a couple of things the way we wanted to against them, we might be able to wear on them a little bit," Warstler said. "By the time we got to the third quarter, we got some easy buckets and made them have to press into some shots that were quick, which plays into what we're trying to do. It's nice down the stretch when you can count on your composure to try to salt away clock as much as you can."
Jason Singleton's 26 points helped lead Columbus Academy to a 59-44 win over Zanesville West Muskingum in a Division V state semifinal March 20 at University of Dayton Arena.
Singleton, a Harvard signee, scored a game-high 26 points. He also had nine rebounds and three assists.
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"This means a lot," Singleton said. "A lot of these guys were here and practiced with us throughout the whole season last year and worked hard so we could make sure we were ready for this season. I've been playing with these guys like Charles (Rubey) and Will and a lot of these guys since fourth grade basketball, so it's good to be back with them."
The 6-foot-8 Zumberge and 6-5 Reinaldo Perez helped control the inside for Academy in place of 6-4 senior forward Gabe Davis-Ray, a Northwestern football signee who missed his second consecutive postseason game because of a school trip to Spain.
Perez, a highly recruited lineman in football, finished with 9 points and five rebounds. Rubey had 10 points, and Zumberge had 8 points and four rebounds.
Reinaldo Perez contributed 9 points and five rebounds in Columbus Academy's state semifinal win.
Tavin Bennett led West Muskingum with 17 points.
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"Our game plan was focused around the Singleton kid," first-year West Muskingum coach Cole Smith said. "These guys understood he's a really good player, if not the best player we've seen all year."
Senior Cade Porter, a 6-0 guard, had the task of guarding the 6-4 Singleton when the Tornadoes utilized man-to-man defense.
"I trust coach Smith and he trusts me enough to put me on him," Porter said. "[Smith] knew I was going to throw everything I had at Jason Singleton. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. I'm very thankful to have that opportunity to be here, to guard him on a stage like we had."
