Although the Crestwood Red Devils boys’ basketball team has yet to tip-off their season, the expectations have already been set at a high bar. After capturing the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title last year, Crestwood returns wanting more.
“The expectations are to continue to compete and grind, continue to get better and represent our brand,” said Coach Josh Jakacki. “From a goal standpoint, we are looking to make a nice push into the depth of the state tournament. Last year we had an abrupt ending, it left a sour taste in our mouth. The kids have really put a lot of serious time in and have committed themselves to doing some things that were uncomfortable to get themselves in the position to hopefully be able to do that this year.”
Although the Red Devils graduated an impactful senior class from last year’s squad, including long-distance sniper Charlie Schweickert and Ty Fannin, they return with a wealth of experience, including four of their starting five.
According to Jakacki, with so much experience returning, Crestwood is not seeking to make drastic changes to its style of play. While there may be some new wrinkles incorporated throughout the season, it will be a Red Devils’ squad that still seeks to push the pace. In addition to playing up-tempo, Crestwood’s offensive spacing will keep defenses on their toes as almost every Red Devil can shoot it from beyond the arc.
The Red Devils return their leading scorer from last season, senior guard Dekota Johnson, who joined the 1,000-point scoring club last season and is once again primed to lead the Red Devils’ offense after averaging 20.4 points, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and earning the CVC Valley Division Player of the Year award last season.
“I think everyone knows that he is our dude but everyone knowing he is our dude comes with a special set of circumstances that he has been able to perform admirably,” Jakacki said of the 6-foot-1 guard. “He is going to be our closer, someone who we are certainly going to look at in big spots to make plays for us.”
Also returning in the backcourt is senior guard Augie Schweickert, who averaged 3.3 points, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals last season.
“He is tough as nails and one of the best defenders that we have coached. He understands our system and understands on both ends. He plays within himself, leaving it all out on the court,” Jakacki added of the 5-foot-9 senior.
Crestwood will rely on returning senior post player James Durham to again anchor the front court and continue to expand his offensive game.
“He can do a lot of things for us,” Jakacki said of the 6-foot-4 senior. “He is a very adept passer. He is a long and lanky shot blocker and does a good job now of scoring the ball in the post and can step out on the perimeter and shoot.”
The final returning starter from last year will be sophomore guard Brody Durham, who averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 assists and 2.2 steals per game last year.
“Brody is a high-level guard who has been in a lot basketball situations throughout the course of his basketball career and is a kid who has the ability to score from deep and understands our system,” Jakacki said of the 6-foot-1 sophomore. “One of his best attributes is his willingness to defend.”
The newcomer to the starting five will be senior forward Steven Lincoln, who will add more shooting to an already proficient shooting starting line-up.
“I am very much looking forward to his opportunity to replace Charlie,” Jakacki noted of the 5-foot-10 senior. “He has put in a ton of work as much as anyone and is ready to shine.”
In addition to an experienced starting give, the Red Devils’ depth will once again be a strength with senior guard Bryce Giel serving as the sixth man and junior forward Jake Eyerman and post player Angelo Dinardo also primed to come off of the bench and contribute valuable minutes.
In addition to defending its CVC Valley Division banner, Jakacki said that the Red Devils understand that they have their work cut out for them for a deep playoff run as they now compete in a strong Ohio High School Athletic Association Division V bracket that fields powerhouses such as the three-time D-IV state champion Richmond Heights, last year’s D-III state champion Lutheran East, LaBrae and Canton Central Catholic.
