By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Josh Jakacki

23rd season

286-196 career record

THE TEAM

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

   • 2022-23 Record: 5-17 overall; 1-9 Chagrin Valley Conference.

   • Returning Lettermen (8): Dekota Johnson, jr.; Charlie Schweickert, sr.; ty Fannin, sr.; Augie Schweickert, jr.; James Durham, jr.; Jimmy Peters, sr.; Josh Delaney, sr.

   • Lettermen Lost (1): Josh Eyerman.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Red Devils return virtually the same team from a year ago, with only Josh Eyerman graduating off the team.

Even still, the Devils are still young across the roster.

“We have a very young, but very skilled group of players,” veteran coach Josh Jakacki said. “We feel we have solid depth and will look to play with a lot of pace this year, while mixing it up defensively.

“The kids play both ends of the game really hard and have had a very solid off-season. The team worked hard on skills and continues to work in the weight room.”

All of that has Jakacki excited for the potential that sits in front of this year’s team.

GUARDS

Dekota Johnson, a First Team All-CVC player last season, led the team in scoring and was second in Portage County with his 20.9 points per game average. He also averaged 2.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.

“He has improved his scoring last season,” Jakacki said. “He is quick and plays hard. He is poised for a huge year … he has gained weight and explosiveness.”

Johnson set a school record 79 3-pointers last year.

Charlie Schweicekrt returns after a solid season a year ago. He averaged 12.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2022-23. He also buried 77 3-pointers.

“He plays hard and is gritty, is a solid shooter and has a huge off-season.”

Fannin (6.2 points, 4.5 rebounds per game) played “in huge spots last year and is not afraid of a big moment,” according to Jakacki, who also said that Fannin is “stronger, more physical and is poised for a larger role and responsibility.”

Augie Schweickert and Steve Lincoln provide depth to the group. Schweickert averaged 3.9 points per game last year. Both players are versatile, with Lincoln also providing good shooting and has improved his ball-handling.

FORWARDS

Durham and Peters (7.8 rebounds per game) are two players that Jakacki feels are prepared to take a step forward to larger roles this season.

“James had a good off-season and is expected to make big contributions. “Jimmy is a huge post presence for us, is a solid athlete, has very good hands and is a great rebounder.”

PROMISING NEWCOMERS

Brody Durham, fresh.; Jake Eyerman, soph.; Nate Walker, sr.; Josh Delaney, sr.; Bryce Giel, jr.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are still very young,” Jakacki said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“We want to compete for a CVC title. “We are excited about the team and look forward to a very competitive league race. We are really looking to grow this young group and compete.”