by It was a back-and-forth thriller in Dayton on Friday night in the Division II girl’s semifinal, one that stretched into overtime and ended with the painful reality that someone had to go home as Olmsted Falls Fell to Hoban in overtime by a score of 60-58.
Normally this would be a game recap about Archbishop Hoban’s overtime win and their trip to the state championship; but that’s not the story I want to tell. I started covering Olmsted Falls girls’ basketball this season from the first tip-off against Brush and from that moment on I was hooked. Any chance I had I was in the gym watching this team play.
It didn’t take long to realize this group wasn’t interested in participation trophies. They were chasing something bigger.
Somewhere along the way, this stopped feeling like coverage and started feeling like a front-row seat to something special.
Olmsted Falls didn’t get the fairytale ending they were hoping for. Hoban stood in their way while pursuing their own dreams, and they earned their spot in the state championship game. Down the stretch, even though it often felt like Olmsted Falls was controlling the game, Hoban never went away. They battled for rebounds, found a few easy baskets late in the fourth quarter, and forced overtime. In the extra period it was more of the same — back and forth the whole way — but Hoban managed to get one more basket to drop than the Bulldogs.
Right now, I know it hurts. I’ve been there. My high school team lost in the state championship game so I understand the sting of coming so close. That’s part of why this team resonates with me so much. Every time they stepped on the floor, they reminded me of my own team; they’ve played together for years. They defend at an elite level. They’re well coached, disciplined, fundamentally sound, and capable of lighting up the scoreboard on any given night. That combination is the recipe for a special team — even if tonight didn’t end the way they wanted.
But this group is about far more than wins and losses. There was only one team I would drive more than three hours to watch play tonight. Not because they’re on a great run. Not because they were in a state semifinal. But because of the way Olmsted Falls plays the game.
The fact that I’m so proud of this team is irrelevant. After all, I’m just some guy with a camera writing a few articles, but everyone is proud of them. Their parents, teachers, administrators, classmates, the media who covered them, and the entire Olmsted Falls community. I know this because I listen and I see it. I hear the administration talking at the games with such positivity. I hear the parents talking to one another. I watched the stands fill to capacity at a huge gym tonight with a roaring student section, and I see the community supporting these girls in so many ways.
But just like that, it was over. After a game for the ages that felt like it went in slow motion, everything moved incredibly fast as soon as the final buzzer sounded. Another game was already beginning on the same court. The teams shook hands, and the Bulldogs headed to the locker room. Over the next few days the loss will sting, but eventually reflection will take its place. Getting to the state tournament isn’t easy, and it isn’t common. One day, they’ll wake up and realize just how special these moments really were.
To the seniors — Jesse Simon, Avery DeLisio, Carli Nagy, and Alexis Flowers — thank you for letting me be part of your final basketball journey during the 2025–2026 season. Covering your games this year gave me so much to cheer for and brought back memories I hadn’t thought about in years. It has truly been an honor to watch the four of you compete.
Alexis, you owned the paint. Watching you battle inside and clean up everything around the rim was something special.
Carli, some of the threes you knocked down this year were unbelievable, and you always seemed to do it with a smile on your face.
Avery, you’re an incredible athlete, but what stood out most to me was your willingness to sacrifice your body and take charge after charge. My coach used to preach that constantly, so watching someone embrace it with the enthusiasm you did was always fun to see.
And Jesse — you are one of the best basketball players in the state of Ohio. What you’ve accomplished during your career at Olmsted Falls is remarkable, and it has been incredible to witness it from the baseline this season.
To the rest of the team — your talent is obvious and I think you know it. This program doesn’t need to rebuild as you are incredibly talented with an insanely bright future as Lady Bulldogs still to come.
Congratulations to the Olmsted Falls Lady Bulldogs on an incredible season. Seniors, thank you for the memories and good luck in whatever comes next. And to the rest of this team — the work isn’t finished. The standard has been set, the experience has been earned, and the belief is already there. The road back starts now.
I’ll see you next season.
