UPDATE: The Olmsted Falls Bulldogs have secured a crucial victory, defeating the Avon Eagles 58-50 in a tightly contested Southwestern Conference showdown on January 23, 2026. This win keeps the Bulldogs firmly in the race for the conference title, demonstrating their determination and grit on the court.
In a game marked by intensity and strategic gameplay, Olmsted Falls showcased their resilience despite being undersized against Avon. The Bulldogs claimed a pivotal 12-4 turnover margin in the first half, which ultimately played a significant role in their victory. Coach Chris DeLisio emphasized the importance of fighting for rebounds, stating, “We are not necessarily huge… but I thought our guards did a really nice job on the glass.”
The Bulldogs initially took control of the game, leading 27-18 in the second quarter after executing impressive runs of 7-0 and 6-0. However, Avon responded with resilience, narrowing the gap to 27-23 at halftime. Avon’s coach, Mike Fitch, noted the physical nature of the game, saying, “(Olmsted Falls) bullied us on the boards.”
Emerging from halftime, the Bulldogs opened the third quarter with a commanding 9-0 run, establishing a lead they maintained throughout the game. Olmsted Falls’ leading scorer, Chris Tenn, contributed 20 points, praising his team’s defensive tenacity and ball movement. Tenn’s performance reflects his growth, as Coach DeLisio remarked, “(Tenn) has really allowed the game to slow down for him at the varsity level.”
Supporting Tenn in the offensive effort were teammates Mason Cerovac with 13 points and Keegan Smith who added 10 points. The Eagles struggled offensively, with All-Ohio forward Joey Ziegler leading Avon with 18 points, including a late push with 13 points in the final quarter. Fitch acknowledged missed opportunities, stating, “When you miss something and (Olmsted Falls) hits something, there is a big run.”
This victory marks Olmsted Falls’ second consecutive win, improving their record to 9-5 and 7-2 in the Southwestern Conference, where they currently sit in second place behind Berea-Midpark (8-1 SWC). DeLisio expressed the team’s focus, saying, “You have to try and go 1-0 every night.”
Looking ahead, Olmsted Falls will prepare for a challenging rematch against Berea-Midpark on February 6, after facing Amherst on January 30. The Bulldogs previously lost to the Comets 64-59 in December. Meanwhile, Avon, now on a three-game losing streak, drops to 9-5 overall and 4-5 in conference play. The Eagles will aim to bounce back on the road against Gilmour on January 27.
As the Southwestern Conference race heats up, the Bulldogs’ momentum could prove crucial in their pursuit of a championship title. Fans are eager to see how both teams will adjust in their upcoming matches, making this a pivotal moment in the season.