By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Josh Jakacki

23rd year

305-200 career record

THE TEAM

League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

Coaching Staff: Bob Lieberth, assistant; Jake Lieberth, JV; David Mayle, assistant; Mason Jakacki, middle school.

2023-24 Record: 19-4 overall, 10-0 Chagrin Valley Conference.

Returning Lettermen (10): Dekota Johnson, sr.; Augie Schweickert, sr.; James Durham, sr.; Bryce Giel, sr.; Steven Lincoln, sr.; Jake Eyerman, jr.; Angelo DiNardo, jr.; Joel Custer, jr.; Kyle Shelhamer, jr.; Brody Durham, soph.

Lettermen Lost (5): Charlie Schweickert, Ty Finnin, Josh Delaney, Nate Walker, Jimmy Peters.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Red Devils return as much talent as anyone in the county.

They have scoring and playmaking abilities, along with the ability to lock down on defense to create turnovers for transition opportunities.

The group loses only one starter off last year’s league-undefeated championship team, but veteran head coach Josh Jakacki has his team focused on working hard, improving and remaining humble.

“We have worked hard since last season and implemented some new schemes we think fit the talent we have,” Jakacki said. “We want to space the floor offensively and get downhill, and to utilize our post presence to allow us to have some in-and-out action that we haven’t had in awhile.”

GUARDS

Johnson is the reigning CVC Player of the Year after averaging 20.4 points per game last season and earning All-District and All-Ohio honors. He can shoot from distance, get to the basket and make plays through passing. He eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone last year.

“Dekota has added 20 pounds of muscle and won’t be pushed off his spots as easily,” Jakacki said. “We are excited to see what his senior year looks like. We feel he has a chance to be one of the better guards in Northeast Ohio.”

As good as Johnson is at scoring, Schweickert returns as an elite defender who can guard all over the court.

“Augie is a quick guard, who has steadily improved. He thrives on the defensive end and plays hard. He is a key cog for us on both ends of the floor.”

Brody Durham (Second Team All-CVC) emerged as a freshman phenom last season and averaged 11.5 points and 6 assists per game.

“He is primed for a big sophomore campaign. He improved throughout the season and had a great off-season. He defends and makes great decisions with the ball. He is only going to get better.”

James Durham (Second Team All-CVC) is playing with confidence and worked hard to quicken the release of his shot, according to Jakacki.

“He has a long, wiry frame that creates a lot of deflections and averaged almost two blocked shots per game last year. He has added more of an offensive arsenal around the basket.”

Custer will be a key player off the bench for the Devils.

FORWARDS

Lincoln is a strong two-way player, who shoots well from the perimeter and can be a disruptive defender. He was named Honorable Mention All-CVC last season and hit 35 3-pointers.

“He has really improved his ball-handling skills and is poised for a big year.”

Giel adds some physical toughness to the team.

“He is improving daily and his confidence is growing. He will be a solid contributor for us.”

Two juniors add depth in DiNardo and Eyerman.

DiNardo brings athleticism for his size and has a very productive summer, according to Jakacki.

“Jake is a physical forward, who has nice strength. He has emerged as a scorer and his vision is very good.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jake Eyerman, jr.; Angelo DiNardo, jr.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Rebounding consistently will be a concern, as well as consistent offense from our post players.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Crestwood has enough talent to work toward a possible CVC championship repeat, but Jakacki said he believes Berkshire, Kirtland and Wickliffe will all be challengers.