When you talk about Chelsea High School basketball, you’ve gotta be specific because there is a tale of two very different cities—and two very different seasons—playing out right now. If you're in Michigan watching the Bulldogs, the vibe is electric and winning. If you're down in Alabama tracking the Hornets, it’s been a bit of a gritty, uphill climb.
Honestly, that’s the beauty of high school hoops. It’s never just about the score. It’s about the Tuesday nights in January when the gym is humid, the student section is screaming, and some kid you’ve known since kindergarten suddenly can’t miss from the corner.
The Chelsea Bulldogs are on a Tear in Michigan
Up in Washtenaw County, things are looking pretty bright for the Chelsea Bulldogs. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Moundros, this program has built a culture that basically expects to be in the conversation for a deep playoff run every single year.
Last year they finished 17-9, which is solid, but 2026 feels different. They’ve already put up some dominant performances. Remember that 72-47 blowout against Battle Creek Harper Creek back in December? That wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. They followed it up by holding South Lyon to just 23 points. Twenty-three! You don't see defense like that often in the modern game where everyone wants to be Steph Curry.
The Michigan Roster Breakdown
The Bulldogs have a senior-heavy group this year, which is usually the secret sauce for a deep run in the MHSAA tournament.
- Braxson Allen (Sr.): He’s the engine. Whether he’s at PG or SG, he handles the pressure like a pro.
- Wyatt Sisler (Sr.): A pure shooter who provides that veteran spacing they need.
- Josh Stephens (So.): Keep an eye on this kid. He’s 6'3", 215 lbs, and only a sophomore. He’s the physical presence that makes the Bulldogs tough to match up with in the paint.
The SEC White division is no joke, though. With Ypsilanti Lincoln and Adrian breathing down their necks, every conference game feels like a regional final.
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What’s Going on With Chelsea Basketball in Alabama?
Now, let’s talk about the Chelsea Hornets down in Alabama. It’s been a rougher go for Coach Nicholas Baumbaugh’s squad. As of mid-January 2026, they’re sitting at a 5-13 record.
Does that mean they’re bad? No. It means the 6A Area 8 region is a total meat grinder. When you're playing teams like Spain Park and Helena regularly, your record is going to take some hits. Coach Baumbaugh has been at the helm since 2014, and he’s seen the highs and the lows. He’s a "process" guy. He’s more interested in turning these boys into men than just chasing a trophy, though he’d certainly like more of the latter.
The Hornets have some height, though. Sean Johnson, a 6'7" junior power forward, is a legitimate rim protector. If they can get the guard play from guys like Brandon Griffith (a 6'4" senior PG) to stay consistent under pressure, they might just surprise someone in the area tournament. High school basketball is famous for "second seasons." You struggle in December to be dangerous in February.
The Red Devils are Quietly Dominating Massachusetts
Wait, there’s more. We can’t forget the Chelsea High Red Devils out of Massachusetts. If you want a "worst to first" story, this is it. Last season, they were 6-14. Not great.
But 2026? They are 9-1.
They just came off a huge 66-56 win over Lynn English, a team they hadn't beaten in seven tries. That's the kind of win that changes a program's DNA. They are currently on a four-game road winning streak, averaging nearly 65 points a game. In the Greater Boston League, that kind of offensive production is lethal.
Why the Red Devils are different this year:
- Experience: Most of the kids who took the lumps last year are back and stronger.
- Road Grit: Winning four straight on the road in January is hard. Period.
- The Lynn Classical Hurdle: They did just hit a snag with a loss to Lynn Classical (46-67), which shows they still have work to do before they can claim the top spot in the region.
Chelsea High School Basketball: What Most People Get Wrong
People look at MaxPreps or a local scoreboard and think they know the whole story. They don't.
They don't see Wyatt Matusik or Mitchell Rezler diving for a loose ball in a 20-point game. They don't see the 6:00 a.m. practices in Alabama where Coach Baumbaugh is teaching his players about respect and work ethic as much as he's teaching the pick-and-roll.
The biggest misconception is that a sub-.500 record means a "down year." In Alabama 6A basketball, a "down year" is often just a result of a brutal schedule. Conversely, the "success" in Michigan isn't just luck; it's a decade of coaching stability under Moundros.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Players
If you're following Chelsea High School basketball—regardless of which state you're in—here is how to actually support the program and get the most out of the season:
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- Check the local schedules: For the Michigan Bulldogs, the upcoming games against Jackson and Skyline will decide the SEC White standings. Get there early; those games sell out.
- Watch the sophomores: In all three "Chelsea" locations, the Class of 2028 and 2027 are the ones carrying the torch. Don't just watch the seniors.
- Support the JV and Freshman teams: Success at the varsity level is a lagging indicator. If you want to know if the Michigan Bulldogs will be good in 2028, go watch the JV game at 5:30 p.m.
- Look past the record: Especially for the Alabama Hornets. Their strength of schedule is high. If they can steal a win in the area tournament, they’re right back in the hunt for a state playoff berth.
High school hoops is about the community. Whether it's the Bulldogs, the Hornets, or the Red Devils, the name on the front of the jersey represents a town that shows up. The 2026 season is halfway over, but the most important minutes are still yet to be played.
To keep up with the latest scores, your best bet is to follow the team-specific Hudl pages or MaxPreps feeds, which are usually updated within hours of the final buzzer. Pay attention to the point differentials—it tells you a lot more about a team's potential than a simple Win/Loss column ever could.