By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Josh Jakacki

22nd season

279-183 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Bob Lieberth, varsity assistant; Jake Lieberth, junior varsity and varsity assistant; Matthew Dente, varsity volunteer; Mason Jakacki, middle school coach; David Mayle, middle school coach.

2021-22 Record: 1-22 overall.

Returning Lettermen (12): Josh Eyerman, sr.; Nate Walker, jr.; Charlie Schweickert, jr.; Ty Fannin, jr.; Issac Yarnell, jr.; Jimmy Peters, jr.; Josh Delaney, jr.; Augie Schweickert, soph.; James Durham, soph.; Bryce Geil, soph.; Steven Lincoln, soph.; Dekota Johnson, soph.

Lettermen Lost (4): Louie Blasiole, Aidan Gutglueck, Jake Rowe, Seth Walker.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Crestwood’s focus will be on playing with pace to create easy scoring opportunities when they emerge. Above all else, though, the Red Devils plan to place a priority on unselfishness, while making smart decisions with the basketball.

“Our players continue to gain experience,” said veteran head coach Josh Jakacki, whose Red Devils from a year ago were one of the youngest in the area.

Next up on the checklist for the Devils is learning how to win the close games.

Furthermore, Jackacki said, his group needs to “take care of the basketball and limit second-chance opportunities.”

GUARDS

Sophomore Dekota Johnson returns as the Red Devils’ leading scorer. Last year, he averaged 12.4 points per game and 3.1 assists per game.

“He had a nice freshman year, and he has worked hard on his game this off-season,” Jakacki said. “We are excited for his sophomore year.”

Also returning in the backcourt are Ty Fannin, Augie Schweickert, Josh Eyerman and James Durham.

Fannin is a quick guard, who has steadily improved over the last couple of seasons.

“He thrives on defense and plays hard,” Jakacki said.

Schweickert averaged 4.5 points per game a year ago and came on strong at the end of the season.

“He showed he was ready for bigger minutes,” Jakacki said.

According to Jakacki, Eyerman has showed “good improvement and has provided very good leadership” as the team’s only returning senior.

Durham is playing with more confidence and has improved the quickness of his shot release. He has length, which should create to a lot of defensive deflections.

FORWARDS

The front court is led by Charlie Schweickert, who has really improved his ball-handling to combine with his ability to hit from long distance.

“He is poised for a big year,” Jakacki said.

Yarnell and Peters are two players that have shown improvement. Both are hard working and physical and have the opportunity to earn quality minutes.

Walker and Lincoln also will fill time in the frontcourt for the Devils.

“Nathan is athletic for his size and competes well. Steven plays hard and is very coachable,” Jakacki said.

CENTERS

In the middle for Crewstwood will be Josh Delaney.

“He contributed at the end of the year and has good length. He has the ability to score around the basket and step out on the perimeter,” Jakacki said.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL

“We return on senior and have everyone back. They work hard, remain coachable and want to see success collectively,” Jakacki said.

TEAM MOTTO

#Together

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Eyerman is the team’s only senior, and he has stepped forward to the leadership role that requires.

“I appreciate his dedication to his teammates and the program,” Jakacki said. “He is someone that will be successful in all endeavors due to being a trusting, honest and all-around great person.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Lack of overall size and rebounding, according to Jakacki.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Jakacki said he believes the Chagrin Valley Conference title will go through Kirtland, Berkshire and Cardinal.