Lutheran East wins fourth straight state championship

Devontey Perkins steps up as the X-factor for the Falcons

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:05pm

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Lutheran East High School's boys basketball team has won its fourth consecutive state championship, continuing its dominant run. The Falcons' success this season came despite the loss of star player T.J. Crumble, who transferred to a school in New York. Junior forward Devontey Perkins stepped up in a big way, averaging a double-double and providing a strong interior presence to complement the team's guard play. Head coach Donnie Liggins credited assistant coach Will Felder for Perkins' development, saying his work with the big man was a key factor in the Falcons' title-winning season.

Why it matters

Lutheran East's four-peat is an impressive feat, showcasing the program's sustained excellence and ability to reload even after losing key players. The emergence of Devontey Perkins as a dominant force inside was crucial, as it allowed the Falcons to maintain their high level of play despite the departure of Crumble. This championship run further cements Lutheran East's status as one of the premier small-school basketball programs in Ohio.

The details

Despite the loss of four-star recruit T.J. Crumble, who transferred to a school in New York, Lutheran East continued its dominance this season. Junior forward Devontey Perkins stepped up in a big way, averaging a double-double and providing a strong interior presence to complement the team's talented guard play. Head coach Donnie Liggins credited assistant coach Will Felder for Perkins' development, saying his work with the big man was a key factor in the Falcons' title-winning season.

  • Lutheran East has made it to the state championships in Dayton every year since the OHSAA moved its state championships there five years ago.
  • The Falcons have now won four straight state championships, with their latest title coming on March 22, 2026.

The players

Devontey Perkins

A 6-foot-7 junior forward who emerged as a dominant force inside for Lutheran East this season, averaging a double-double and earning MVP honors in the state championship game.

Donnie Liggins

The head coach of the Lutheran East Falcons, who has led the team to four consecutive state championships.

Will Felder

An assistant coach for Lutheran East who played for the Falcons in the late 2000s and has been credited with the development of Devontey Perkins.

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What they’re saying

“With T.J. leaving, I don't think a lot of people thought we would be back here, but Perkins improved a lot since last year, and we really needed him this whole season. He's been big for us.”

— Dylan Zeigler, Sophomore guard

“It's a night and day difference, especially with Coach Will coming in. We talk every day after practice, before school. We work out all the time.”

— Devontey Perkins

“His confidence and growth is really because of Coach Will. He's not up here right now, but I really want to shout him out.”

— Donnie Liggins, Head coach

What’s next

The Falcons will look to continue their dynasty next season, as they aim for a fifth straight state championship.

The takeaway

Lutheran East's ability to reload and maintain its dominance, even after losing key players, is a testament to the program's strong coaching, player development, and commitment to excellence. The emergence of Devontey Perkins as a dominant force inside has been crucial to the Falcons' continued success.