Columbus Academy boys basketball team reaches OHSAA state tournament

Vikings take 19-game winning streak into state semifinal matchup against Zanesville West Muskingum

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:04am

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The Columbus Academy boys basketball team has reached the OHSAA Division V state tournament after a remarkable turnaround from a 4-4 start to the season. Led by senior Jason Singleton, a Harvard signee, the Vikings take a 19-game winning streak into their state semifinal game against Zanesville West Muskingum. Columbus Academy is seeking its first state championship after falling to Cleveland Heights Lutheran East in last year's final.

Why it matters

Columbus Academy's run to the state tournament is a remarkable accomplishment, especially after the team's slow start to the season. The Vikings have proven their resilience and ability to overcome adversity, and their success has generated excitement within the local community. A state championship would be a historic achievement for the program.

The details

After starting the season 4-4, the Columbus Academy boys basketball team has won 19 straight games to reach the OHSAA Division V state tournament. The Vikings will face Zanesville West Muskingum (23-5) in the state semifinal on March 20. Columbus Academy (23-4) is led by senior guard Jason Singleton, a Harvard signee who averages a team-high 21.8 points per game. Sophomore forward Mitch Zumberge (9.9 points, 6.2 rebounds) and senior forward Gabe Davis-Ray (6.7 points, 6.8 rebounds) have also been key contributors. The Vikings will be without Davis-Ray for the state tournament due to a school trip, but coach Jeff Warstler is confident his team has the depth to overcome his absence.

  • Columbus Academy started the season 4-4 in December.
  • The Vikings began their 19-game winning streak on January 6 with a 35-21 victory over Whitehall.
  • Columbus Academy won the Central Buckeye League, district, and regional titles to reach the state tournament.
  • The state semifinal game against Zanesville West Muskingum will be played on March 20 at 10:45 a.m. at University of Dayton Arena.
  • If Columbus Academy wins the semifinal, they will play for the state championship on March 21 at 1 p.m. at UD Arena.

The players

Jeff Warstler

The head coach of the Columbus Academy boys basketball team, who has guided the Vikings to the state tournament after a slow start to the season.

Jason Singleton

A senior guard for Columbus Academy and a Harvard signee, who is the team's leading scorer at 21.8 points per game.

Mitch Zumberge

A sophomore forward for Columbus Academy who averages 9.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

Gabe Davis-Ray

A senior forward for Columbus Academy who averages 6.7 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds per game, but will miss the state tournament due to a school trip.

Cole Smith

The first-year head coach of the Zanesville West Muskingum boys basketball team, which is making its first-ever state tournament appearance.

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What they’re saying

“If you would have asked me at 4-4, that we would win 19 in a row and we'd be in the state [tournament], at that moment I would have been, 'Come on, we're being silly. We just have to figure out how to beat Whitehall.'”

— Jeff Warstler, Columbus Academy boys basketball coach

“At the beginning of the year, there was a big difference. There was more pressure on myself to play better, but now that the season has been rolling and we got past the regular season, I feel like that pressure has gone away a little bit. I feel like I've earned my spot.”

— Mitch Zumberge, Columbus Academy sophomore forward

“The Singleton kid obviously is our primary concern. His ability to get to the rim, his anticipation on defense and his overall athleticism is something we haven't seen yet this year. Zumberge is a threat down low on both sides of the ball with his scoring and his rebounding. Perez is also a kid that is big, athletic and can create problems around the rim.”

— Cole Smith, Zanesville West Muskingum head coach

What’s next

If Columbus Academy wins its state semifinal game against Zanesville West Muskingum, they will advance to the Division V state championship game on March 21 at 1 p.m. at University of Dayton Arena.

The takeaway

Columbus Academy's remarkable turnaround and run to the state tournament is a testament to the team's resilience, depth, and coaching. The Vikings have overcome early-season struggles and the loss of a key player to reach the brink of a historic state championship, showcasing the program's bright future.