St. Edward's Bench Provides Boost in Regional Semifinal Push

Eagles' senior trio leads the way, but balanced scoring from reserves proves key in latest playoff win.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The St. Edward High School boys basketball team is making a deep playoff run, reaching the OHSAA Division I regional semifinals. While the Eagles' senior trio of Bryan Vlosich, J.T. Kelsheimer and Zymir Knox have led the way, the team has also gotten key contributions from its bench players, who scored 30 points in their latest district final victory over Mentor. Coach Eric Flannery believes the depth and balance of his squad gives them a big advantage heading into the regional semifinals against Cleveland Heights.

Why it matters

St. Edward has reached the Sweet 16 in each of the last three seasons, but has yet to advance further. This year's senior-led squad is determined to break through and reach the state final four, making their playoff run all the more significant. The team's ability to get production from its reserves in addition to its star players could be the difference in reaching that elusive goal.

The details

In Saturday's 87-68 district final win over Mentor, five St. Edward players scored in double figures, led by Kelsheimer's 16 points. But the team also got 30 points from its bench, a testament to the depth Flannery has built. Sophomore guard Carson Link and juniors Ian Murray and Mike Williams have stepped up to complement the senior trio, with players like Kaleb Gettis and Dustin Hess providing energy and defense off the bench. The Eagles believe this balanced attack will be crucial against the up-tempo style of Cleveland Heights in the regional semifinals.

  • St. Edward has won 12 of its last 14 games heading into the regional semifinals.
  • The Eagles lost to St. Ignatius in early January, but avenged that defeat with a 72-59 win in the rematch.
  • St. Edward also picked up a key victory over defending Division V state champion Lutheran East during its late-season surge.

The players

Eric Flannery

The head coach of the St. Edward High School boys basketball team, who has guided the Eagles to three Sweet 16 appearances in the last four seasons.

Bryan Vlosich

One of St. Edward's senior leaders, along with J.T. Kelsheimer and Zymir Knox.

J.T. Kelsheimer

A senior guard for St. Edward who scored a team-high 16 points in the district final win, while also dishing out 8 assists.

Zymir Knox

The third member of St. Edward's senior trio, who believes the team's deep bench is a major strength.

Carson Link

A sophomore guard who has provided valuable minutes for the Eagles this season.

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What they’re saying

“We have the best bench in the state. If they're not playing, they're still engaged in the game. It's about energy. We need them to give us energy and we give them energy back.”

— Zymir Knox, St. Edward Senior (cleveland.com)

“We gradually became better as a team. I think that kind of got our confidence up more.”

— Mike Williams, St. Edward Junior Forward (cleveland.com)

“Anyone can step up at any given moment. That's when we are at our best.”

— J.T. Kelsheimer, St. Edward Senior Guard (cleveland.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.