By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The basketball train that is currently barreling through Crestwood is now moving at high speeds.

That wasn’t always the case, though.

At one point, the train was stuck at the depot.

That was back in 2021-22.

In that season, the Red Devils’ boys basketball team struggled through their 23-game season with just one win and were without a victory in league play.

That was Dekota Johnson’s freshman season.

“It sucked not to win, but I promise you that we still had a lot of fun,” he said. “Obviously, winning would have made things a lot more fun, but we were out there working hard, and I was playing with my friends. We knew we were working hard for future seasons.

“I remember we talked about getting on the train. We knew we could do something special together, but we all had to be on board together.”

The train’s conductor has been head coach Josh Jakacki, but he is quick to relinquish his authority status to best friend and assistant coach Bob Lieberth — and even his players at times — to cultivate a collaborative effort with anyone who has invested into the program’s success.

Or, put another way, those who are on the train.

Once on board, like the Polar Express, your ticket is punched for a belief in something special that awaits.

In 2021-22, a belief is what kept the Devils tirelessly working.

Remember, trains start slow and need some distance to get up to speed.

In 2022-23, Crestwood lifted its win total to five.

Crestwood guard Dekota Johnson soars in for a third-quarter transition layup.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

Still working. Still believing.

Last year, in 2023-24, is when the program picked up steam.

Nineteen wins.

Champions of the Chagrin Valley Conference’s Valley Division.

Johnson, now a 6-foot-1 senior, has been the centerpiece of the program’s transformation.

An elite-level guard, who fell in love with the game during his formative youth-playing days when he learned to enjoy the work and the process.

“Dekota has been a key card from the moment he stepped onto the floor as a freshman,” Jakacki said. “He scored over 20 points in his first game, and he has not stopped scoring since. He and his teammates have a great bond, and I truly believe it is that bond that allows them to share in the team success.”

Johnson currently ranks as Crestwood’s third all-time leading scorer with 1,325 points, and he can score at every level on the floor.

On Dec. 6, he became the career leader in 3-pointers made and currently has 210.

“Dekota has the ability to stretch the floor from deep, yet crafty enough to get into the lane and score at the basket,” Jakacki said. “He understands angles and how he wants to get to his spots on the floor. He also has gotten much stronger and has shown the ability to get to the basket more easily.”

Red Devils senior Dekota Johnson (right) transitions up the court during the first quarter.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

While his offense is special, it is not all about scoring with Johnson.

He has elevated his defensive presence and he is currently one of the area’s leaders in steals, and he is one charge away from breaking the career record of 43.

“I admire his dedication to his craft, and I know that our younger players pay attention, as well,” Jakacki said. “You don’t put yourself in the conversation to be considered one of the school’s all-time greatest players without putting in the work that he’s put in. Personally, he is a joy to coach, and I am blessed to have gotten the opportunity to be his coach.”

Even with all of the individual success and helping lead the team to new heights, Johnson is not content.

There are expectations that exist for this season, but the team’s maturity allows them to understand that what they want to accomplish by February can’t be celebrated without the microscopic focus required in December.

That’s how a train keeps barreling forward.

Johnson was one of the first passengers and continues to enjoy the ride.