By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Andrew Mertz, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Coaching Staff: Bryan Mackenzie, JV; Charlie Schweickert, freshman; Walt Bailey, assistant.

2024-25 Record: 18-5 overall, 7-1 Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

Returning Lettermen (4): Angelo Dinardo, sr.; Joel Custer, sr.; Colton Mayle, soph.; Michael Kalista, soph.

Lettermen Lost (7): Brody Durham, Augie Schweickert, Dekota Johnson, James Durham, Bryce Giel, Steven Lincoln, Jake Eyerman.

League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Tempo and confidence are the top two characteristics that first-year head coach Andrew Mertz wants his Red Devils to play with offensively.

“We want to be an aggressive, high-octane offense built around movement, spacing and getting a lot of quality shots,” Mertz said.

Defensively, the team’s foundation will be built on “relentless, in your face” man-to-man pressure.

However, Mertz said that he plans to have his team ready to show a variety of looks.

“We want to fly around, contest everything and make opponents uncomfortable for four quarters.”

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We can stay healthy, our young guys grow up fast, and we continue to improve every day. If we keep our energy and focus consistent, this group has a chance to surprise people.”

GUARDS

The Devils’ backcourt is led by seniors Joel Custer and Kyle Shelhamer.

Both players have experience and can shoot, while also creating off the dribble.

Shelhamer missed all of last year with a leg injury, but has “worked hard to get back into form,” according to Mertz.

Support in the backcourt comes from a talented group of sophomores: Colton Mayle, Michael Kalista, Jackson Mertz and Jack Patton.

“All of them bring skill, basketball IQ and potential,” Mertz said. “They will need to mature quickly, but this group has the talent to develop into a strong core.”

In the backcourt, only Custer is a returning letterman, with the starting duo of Brody Durham (transfer) and Augie Schweickert (graduated) now gone.

FORWARDS

The second-most leading scorer in school history, Dekota Johnson (1,673 points) is a void that will need to be filled following his graduation.

Along with the graduation of James Durham, who was a top scorer and leading rebounder.

The group that will work to step into those absences includes Wyatt Januska, Evan Rhodes and Hayden Schlund.

Mertz said that Januska has been a “pleasant surprise” on the court following his standout senior football season.

“His athleticism and physicality have allowed him to make an immediate impact, and he’ll play a major role for us this year.”

Rhodes and Schlund both bring toughness and will contribute with strong defense and rebounding.

CENTERS

Angelo Dinardo anchors the team’s inside presence.

“His strength and size will be key on the boards and around the rim.”

Carter Jones is the backup and continues to make strides in improvement.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Colton Mayle, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are young. We replace nearly all of our minutes and scoring from last season, which means this group will be learning on the fly. Maturity, consistency and handling adversity will be critical early in the year.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“The league is strong again this season, with Kirtland, Berkshire, among others, who will compete for the title, Every night will be a battle, but our group is up for the challenge.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite being young and inexperienced, the Devils’ have adopted a “No Expectations” motto for the season.

“We are focused on growth, hard work and proving that we can compete with anyone,” Mertz said.