UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs triumphed over the Avon Eagles with a score of 58-50 on January 23, 2026, solidifying their pursuit of the Southwestern Conference (SWC) title. This victory marks their second consecutive win, pushing their record to 9-5 overall and 7-2 in the SWC.
The game, held at Olmsted Falls’ home court, showcased the Bulldogs’ resilience despite being undersized. Coach Chris DeLisio emphasized their strategy, stating, “We have to fight and scrap in the paint. We are not going to outjump people necessarily.” The Bulldogs achieved a crucial 12-4 turnover margin in the first half, outpacing the Eagles in this critical area.
Olmsted Falls made a strong statement early on, leading 27-18 in the second quarter after pivotal runs of 7-0 and 6-0. Avon fought back, narrowing the gap to 27-23 by halftime. Coach Mike Fitch of Avon remarked, “They bullied us on the boards,” highlighting the physical nature of the game.
Coming out of halftime, the Bulldogs surged with a commanding 9-0 run, maintaining control for the remainder of the match. Key player Christopher Tenn led the Bulldogs with 20 points, demonstrating his growth on the court. “It felt pretty good,” Tenn said. “I liked that we were physical on defense.”
Alongside Tenn, teammates Mason Cerovac and Keegan Smith contributed 13 and 10 points respectively, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort. Avon’s standout, Joey Ziegler, an All-Ohio forward, scored 18 points but faced challenges in the first three quarters. Ziegler sparked a late rally with 13 points in the final quarter but could not close the gap.
Avon, now reeling from three consecutive losses, stands at 9-5 overall and 4-5 in the SWC. Coach Fitch expressed pride in his team’s fighting spirit despite the setbacks. “When you miss something and Olmsted Falls hits something, there is a big run,” he noted, emphasizing the impact of missed opportunities.
Looking ahead, Olmsted Falls prepares for a rematch against Berea-Midpark on February 6, after facing Amherst on January 30. DeLisio acknowledged the competitive nature of the SWC, stating, “You enjoy it for 24 hours and when you wake up the next day, you think, ‘Oh my gosh, we have another tough one.’”
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Olmsted Falls is poised to make a strong push for the conference title as they continue their campaign. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the Bulldogs aim to maintain their momentum in the weeks ahead.
