By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: T.J. Henderson, 5th year, 47-48 career record.
• Coaching Staff: Tom Henderson, Ashley Foulkes.
• 2024-25 Record: 18-7 overall record; 8-0 Chagrin Valley Conference.
• Returning Letterwinners (5): Becca Brady, Liv Martini, Piper Seibold, Madie Grace Gonczy, Ava Lincoln.
• Letterwinners Lost (5): Hannah Ward, Maddie Dustman, Abby Guyette, Alyssa Luczywo, Lilly Stoots.
• League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

The Red Devils’ Grace Harper keeps her balance and stays in bound to secure possession for Crestwood.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

Everything will start on defense for the Devils this season.

“We need to create turnovers, get easy buckets in transition and rely on our athleticism and skills to set the tone,” head coach TJ Henderson said.

“If we can lock in on defense and crash the boards, we’ll be able to push the pace, run our offense and find open shots that we can knock down.”

Henderson wants his team to understand the power of playing “smart and aggressive” defense, which can control the game in their favor.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We have a ton of kids who have put in serious work this off-season and it really shows. Combine that with the girls returning with varsity experience, and we’re in a great position to mix things up and do some exciting things on the court.

“Our shooting has taken a big step forward, and we have multiple players who can attack off the bounce. We’re going to use our speed and quickness to push the tempo, play in the open court and find our shooters for great looks. This group is confident, motivated and ready to make things happen.”

GUARDS

The core rotation will include five girls, with Becca Brady leading the way as the top statistical returner. She was named Second Team All-CVC and connected on 58 3-pointers last season.

“She continued to grow her game in the off-season to score at all three levels. She has the ability to throw a ton of points at a team quickly, but always looks to involve her teammates.

Liv Martini is a defensive phenom and is described by Henderson as an “ultimate competitor.”

“She has worked hard to improve on her weaknesses, but still continues to be a top-level defender.”

Juniors Madie Grace Gonzi, Piper Seibold and Jackie Blasiole all add depth for the Devils.

“Madie has worked to build her confidence by making over 15,000 shots over the past two summers. She is an amazing defender and offensive threat.

“Piper continues to get better. She will be a major part for us, specializing in motor and defensive ability.

“Jackie is an amazing athlete, and she has put in a ton of off-season work. She is coming off an injury and getting back up to speed, but she has the ability to defend anyone on the floor and can knock down major shots.”

FORWARDS

The frontcourt is more inexperienced than the backcourt, without a returning starter this season.

Sophomore Ava Lincoln (5-foot-11) and freshman Reese Harper (5-foot-10) are the starters.

Lincoln totaled 101 rebounds last year and earned Honorable Mention All-CVC.

“Ava was a big role player for us last year, and she can have a breakout season this year. She has been working in the gym since last year ended. She has a nose for the ball and has shown an ability to take over games.”

Harper has impressed early with signs of potential to make a difference.

“What Reese lacks in experience, she makes up for in motor. She is continually fighting for every rebound and looking to win the 50-50 balls. She has a great touch around the rim and can shoot the ball as well.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Liv Martini, jr.; Ava Lincoln, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our biggest challenges this year will be a lack of varsity experience and overall numbers, but this team is ready to rise to the occasion. We will ask our girls to play big minutes and stay smart to avoid foul trouble, but experience comes with time and every practice is an opportunity to simulate game situations and grow.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Henderson points to Rootstown and Chagrin Falls as the front-runners in the CVC.

DID YOU KNOW?

Junior Liv Martini is 31 steals shy of breaking the all-time steals record for the school. Martini started her basketball career as a freshman.