By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

T.J. Henderson

4th year

28-42 career record

THE TEAM

League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

Coaching Staff: Tom Henderson, assistant; Ashley Foulkes, JV.

2023-24 Record: 14-11 overall; 6-3 Chagrin Valley Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Hannah Ward, sr.; Maddie Dustman, sr.; Abby Guyette, sr.; Becca Brady, jr.; Grace Harper, soph.; Liv Martini, soph.; Piper Seibold, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Lilly O’Bryant.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Crestwood’s versatility takes a leap forward this year, especially offensively.

“We have the ability to score at all three levels this season,” Henderson said.

The team’s top returning scorers are Hannah Ward (14.6 ppg) and Becca Brady, while Guyette returns as point guard after missing all but five games last year with an injury.

“We will look to play fast and share the ball, but we need to stay healthy and come together as a team. If we can trust each other and play our roles, we will have a ton of success.”

GUARDS

Ward enters the season with 827 career points and Henderson said his senior leader has put in a ton of work in the off-season. She hit 47 3-pointers last year.

Guyette is a settling factor to the team on both ends of the floor. On offense, she helps keep the offense moving and is a disruptive defender, who averaged eight steals per game last season before being injured.

Brady is poised to have a “breakout season on the offensive end,” according to Henderson.

Martini emerged as a defensive force last year with 109 steals and has worked to refine her offense.

Siebold brings energy and hustle on defense, while Made Grace Gonczy is described as “super skilled” by Henderson, who feels that she will have the opportunity to help in multiple scenarios.

FORWARDS

Dustman is another player returning to the lineup after missing last year with an injury.

“She is versatile and will be a big factor for us on the glass. We will lean on her to handle pressure situations.”

Lilly Stoots is a selfless player, who is willing to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful.

Alyssa Łuczywo “has the ability to change games,” according to Henderson.

“With her size, she is able to protect the paint and change shots. She’s a great teammate and is always pushing positivity.”

Harper was the team’s leading rebounder last year (6.1 per game) and will be another key player this season.

Ava Lincoln, a freshman, can run the floor and hit from the outside.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Becca Brady, jr.; Liv Martini, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“With so many different options, we have never had the ability to bring so many athletes off the bench and change the way our team can play. We will have to manage the athletes and use them all in different situations to help us be successful and win.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Henderson said he feels that his team is ready to contend for the CVC title, but also looks at Kirtland as a challenging team.