After a rebuilding 2024-25 campaign, Cuyahoga Heights head coach Al Martin enters his 21st season with optimism that his young Red Wolves will take the next step forward this winter.
Martin, who owns an impressive 334-134 career record, returns three starters and one additional varsity contributor from a team that finished 6-16 overall and 2-10 in the Chagrin Valley Conference.
“We have a group of girls who are working hard to get better every day,” Martin said. “They are good teammates and hold themselves accountable. We will get better as the season progresses.”
Cuyahoga Heights remains a young team, with only two seniors and two juniors, and limited varsity experience among them. That inexperience, coupled with a lack of size, presents a challenge that Martin and his squad are embracing.
“We are still very young,” Martin said. “We have two seniors and two juniors, and only one of them has played much varsity basketball. We do not have a lot of size. We will need to play good defense and commit to blocking out to have a chance for success.”
Still, Martin sees plenty of potential in a group he describes as competitive, coachable, and motivated.
“We have some very competitive girls who are willing to be coached,” he said. “We will push them to get better each day.”
Sophomore Brooklynn Domzalski headlines the returning group after a breakout season that earned her first-team all-district and second-team All-CVC honors. She averaged 13.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, showing her versatility as both a scorer and rebounder.
“Brooklynn is a scorer who can shoot the 3, get to the rim, and draw fouls,” Martin said. “Brooklynn is one of our best rebounders.”
Joining her in the backcourt is fellow sophomore Alexis Unger, who returns after earning honorable mention all-district and All-CVC recognition. She averaged 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while connecting on 31 percent of her three-point attempts.
“Alexis is a talented sophomore who can shoot the basketball and finish around the rim,” Martin said. “She is a good leader and competes really hard.”
Junior Amari Rodriguez also returns after gaining experience in the post last season.
“Amari gained valuable experience on the floor last year,” Martin said. “She is an excellent team defender and always gives 100 percent effort.”
Sophomore Addie Deka steps into a larger role this winter after contributing off the bench a season ago.
“Addie is smart and competitive,” Martin said. “She has great awareness on defense and is developing as an offensive player.”
Senior Mari Hopkins brings toughness and energy to the wing.
“Mari is physically tough, rebounds the ball on both ends of the floor, and reacts very quickly to the basketball,” Martin noted.
Other contributors expected to help include seniors Reilly Conte, juniors Olivia Kucia, and several sophomores—Caleigh Rusch, Sophia Meklemburg, Paige Stoltz, Savannah Mandich, and Lorielle Hodges.
“Reilly has been battling through some injuries the past few years,” Martin said. “She uses her length well on both ends of the floor and has the potential to help us this year. Olivia is athletic and tough. She is still learning the game but has shown excellent instincts and competitiveness. Caleigh has length and the ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter. Sophia is smart and competitive and is improving as a ball handler. “Paige is a streaky shooter and an improved ball handler. Savannah is a much more confident player this year. She is physically tough and competitive. Lorielle can drive the ball to the basket and defend multiple positions.”
With a focus on daily improvement and defensive discipline, Martin hopes to see steady progress from his team as the year unfolds.
“We would like to improve on the development we made last year,” he said. “We have to play really hard and smart to have a chance to compete.”
Despite their youth, the Red Wolves’ combination of effort, energy, and commitment could make them a tough matchup as the season progresses—and a team poised to grow into a strong contender in the seasons ahead.
