By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

T.J. Henderson

2nd year

14-31 career record

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Tom Henderson, assistant and freshmen; Ashley Folks, JV.

   • 2022-23 Record: 4-19 overall; 1-7 Chagrin Valley Conference.

   • Returning Letterwinners (4): Lilly O’Bryant, sr.; Hannah Ward, jr.; Maddie Dustman, jr.; Abby Guyette, jr.

   • Letterwinners Lost (2): Elaine Guyette, Kelsey Downs.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Trust is a key word that third-year coach T.J. Henderson associates with his team and their potential for success this season.

“We can be successful if we come together as a team and trust each other to compete with everyone we face,” Henderson said.

Offensively, Crestwood will spread the floor to create attacking opportunities and space for its shooters.

“We want to be aggressive and play fast. We have multiple experienced players that will allow for great ball movement and all-around team offense.”

GUARDS

The position is highlighted by the trio of Ward, Guyettte and Brady.

Ward averaged 11.0 points and 3.5 steals per game last season, while also leading all players in Portage County with 47 blocked shots.

“She is focused on developing all aspects of her game. She has increased her ability to handle the ball and pass, while being a great shooter (35 made 3s last year).”

Guyette is described as the team’s “floor general.”

“She looks to pass the ball around to the open shooters. She is the ultimate competitor and loves to play defense.”

Brady, who lettered last year as a freshman, returns after working hard during the off-season to become a more well-rounded player.

“With a year of experience, we expect her to be more aggressive and to score.”

Freshman Liv Martini and senior Kaitlyn Huffman add depth.

“Liv is new to basketball, but extremely athletic and has incredible speed. Kaitlyn is aggressive and works hard on both sides of the ball.”

FORWARDS

Dustman brings athleticism to the post, but can also spread the floor and handle the basketball.

“She will be a key contributor on the glass and also creating matchup issues for other teams. She has the ability to make plays in space and play physical inside.”

Dustman led the team in rebounding last year at 6.4 per game.

O’Bryant is a post player that will provide rebounding and defense.

Another senior, Lainey Thomas, is new to the team. Henderson expects her to use her athleticism to run the floor and create chaos on defense.

Freshman Grace Harper is a talented newcomer and has size and a great touch around the basket.

“She will be able to help spread the floor and grab rebounds.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Hannah Ward, jr.; Becca Brady, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are still young, with most of our varsity experience belonging to our junior class. We are going to compete, but we will have to see if the added year of experience and younger skill-sets will allow us to win games and compete for a league title.

“The group is very coachable and they are hungry to take the next step as a team and win games. They are going to play hard for 32 minutes and from end line to end line. We have players that can take over games and role players that have the ability to score and make a major difference in a game.”