If you walk into the high school gym on a Tuesday night in January, the first thing you’ll notice isn’t the scoreboard. It’s the noise. In a town like Olmsted Falls, basketball isn't just a winter distraction or a way to kill time before baseball season. It is a community ritual. Honestly, if you aren't wearing navy and gold, you’re basically an outsider.
Olmsted Falls boys basketball has spent decades carving out a reputation in the Southwestern Conference (SWC) for being the team nobody wants to play. Why? Because they’re annoying. Not in a bad way, but in that "they-will-never-stop-running-their-motion-offense" kind of way. It’s a blue-collar style that mirrors the town itself—a small, suburban enclave about 20 miles outside of Cleveland that still clings to its "hometown" feel.
But things feel a little different this year. After some recent years of rebuilding and navigating the ups and downs of a tough SWC schedule, the 2025-26 Bulldogs are looking like a group that finally found its rhythm. They aren't just playing; they're winning the "Bulldog Way."
The Culture of the Bulldog Way
What does that actually mean? People throw around "culture" like it’s a buzzword, but in the Falls, it’s a specific philosophy. Head Coach Chris DeLisio, an Olmsted Falls grad himself (Class of 1995), has been the architect of this for over a decade. He’s been on the staff since 1999. Think about that. Most coaches move on after a few years or get burned out. DeLisio stayed.
He took over for Pat Donahue and basically doubled down on a system built on selfless commitment. You’ve probably seen teams with one superstar who takes 30 shots. That isn't this team. The Bulldog offense is built on "BLOB" and "SLOB" (baseline out-of-bounds and sideline out-of-bounds) execution and a relentless motion that wears defenders down. It’s about being "different on purpose."
Last year, the team made some serious noise, finishing 19-7 and holding a 9-5 conference record. They even dropped down to Division II recently, which has changed the landscape for their postseason hopes. As of early 2026, the Bulldogs are sitting at a solid 7-1 record after a gritty 41-38 nail-biter win over American Heritage. That kind of defensive slugfest is exactly where this program thrives.
Key Names to Watch in 2026
If you’re heading to a game, you need to know who is carrying the load. It starts with the seniors.
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Logan Connelly is the engine. As a senior point guard and small forward standing 6'0", he’s the guy who usually has the ball when the game is on the line. He’s got that senior composure you just can't coach. Alongside him is Jake Pasiak, another senior who provides the size at 6'2". These guys have been through the 4-22 season of a couple of years ago. They remember the struggle, and you can see that grit in how they play defense.
Then you have the underclassmen stepping up. Mason Cerovac, a 6'3" junior, brings some much-needed bulk to the paint. In a conference where teams like Elyria and Berea-Midpark bring high-flying athleticism, having a guy like Cerovac to anchor the middle is huge.
The roster this year is tight—only about 12 players on the varsity squad.
- Logan Connelly (Sr.) – The primary ball-handler.
- Jake Pasiak (Sr.) – Reliable scoring and veteran leadership.
- Mason Cerovac (Jr.) – The physical presence inside.
- Caleb Crane (So.) – A young guard showing high potential.
- Emmitt Rosol – Part of a long lineage of Rosols to come through the program.
It’s a mix of experience and "let's see what these sophomores can do." It’s working.
Rivalries and the SWC Grind
Let’s be real: the Southwestern Conference is a gauntlet. It’s not just about winning; it’s about surviving. The rivalry with North Olmsted is the one everyone circles on the calendar. It’s the "Backyard Brawl," and even when one team is having an "off" year, that game is always a sell-out.
This season, the Bulldogs have already been tested. They recently handled Midview with a dominant 60-29 victory. Holding a conference opponent under 30 points is almost unheard of in modern high school ball, but that’s the Olmsted Falls specialty. They force you into long possessions, they don't gamble on steals, and they rebound as a unit.
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The conference standings are currently a logjam. Elyria and Berea-Midpark are always in the mix, and Avon Lake provides a different kind of challenge with their perimeter shooting. To win the SWC, the Bulldogs have to win on the road, which has historically been their Achilles' heel. But this 7-1 start suggests they’ve figured out how to pack their defense in the equipment bag.
Why the Recent Shift to Division II Matters
For years, Olmsted Falls was one of the smaller schools in Division I. They were often the "underdog" simply because of enrollment numbers. However, the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) reclassification has placed them in Division II for the current cycle.
This is a game-changer.
Instead of potentially running into a powerhouse like St. Edward or Ignatius early in the playoffs, the Bulldogs are now competing against schools that are more their size. It opens a legitimate window for a deep tournament run. We saw the girls' program make a historic Final Four run a couple of years back, and the boys' team is hungry for that same level of "Dayton-bound" excitement.
The school’s athletic department has leaned into this. They’ve focused on "The Bulldog Way"—being safe, respectful, and responsible, but mostly, being a team that represents the town’s work ethic.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents
If you’re looking to get involved or just want to follow the team more closely, there are a few things you should do.
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First, don't just show up at tip-off. The JV games are where you see the next wave of talent developing under the same system. The consistency from the freshman level (who have been dominant lately, including wins over Avon and Berea-Midpark) up to varsity is why this program doesn't "rebuild," it "reloads."
Second, check out the Olmsted Falls Basketball Association. They run the developmental leagues for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. If you want to see why these high schoolers are so disciplined, go watch a Saturday morning 5th-grade practice. They’re learning the same motion offense and defensive stances they'll use five years from now.
Finally, keep an eye on the schedule for the "Senior Night" and the North Olmsted home game. Those tickets go fast. You can usually find updates and streaming links through the Lorain County Sports Network or the school’s own "Spotlight" newspaper updates.
The 2025-26 season is proving that the Bulldogs aren't just a tough out—they're a contender. By sticking to a philosophy that prizes the "we" over the "me," Olmsted Falls has reminded the SWC that you don't need a roster of five-star recruits to be a powerhouse. You just need five guys who trust each other and a coach who has been there for twenty-five years.
Next steps for Bulldog fans: Check the OHSAA brackets in February to see where the Bulldogs land in the Division II postseason draw. Given their current 7-1 trajectory, they are likely looking at a high seed and home-court advantage for the opening rounds. Also, make sure to follow the OFHS athletics Twitter for real-time score updates during the Friday night SWC doubleheaders.