The Harvey Red Raiders enter the 2025–26 girls basketball season with energy, experience, and a senior-driven focus on finishing strong.
After going 9–15 overall and 4–8 in the Chagrin Valley Conference last winter, eighth-year head coach Jerimie Acree believes his veteran team is ready to take the next step.
“The staff and I love the team’s energy and focus thus far,” Acree said. “The core of our team is seniors who are committed to leaving a stamp and legacy on improving our program.”
That experienced core includes four returning starters and six other varsity returners, a group that Acree says plays with confidence and connection.
“This group is fast, fearless, and connected,” he said. “Every time we step on the court, we’ll speed up the tempo, give every opponent our best, all while staying connected, win, lose, or draw.”
Size has always been a challenge for Harvey, but Acree and his staff plan to turn that into an advantage.
“As always, we lack size, but we look to make our weakness a strength by playing small ball and dictating to our opponents the style of play on any given night,” he said.
The Red Raiders will rely heavily on their senior leadership.
Point guard and team MVP Haleigh Lewis returns after an impressive junior season in which she averaged 11.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.5 steals per game on her way to first-team All-CVC honors.
“Coming off a first-team all-conference season, she continues to prove why she’s one of the most complete players in the league,” Acree said. “Haleigh impacts every possession, leading with effort, energy, and consistency.”
Fellow senior guard Dede Crawford also returns after earning All-CVC honorable mention honors last year.
“She’s the definition of a team-first player,” Acree said. “Her 4.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game don’t tell the whole story—it’s her hustle, defense, and consistency that make her invaluable.”
Senior forward Jayla Holloway, another returning starter, will once again anchor the frontcourt after averaging 5.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals last season.
“She leads by example in everything she does—on and off the court,” Acree said. “As our team captain, she sets the standard for effort and attitude. She’s the heartbeat of our team.”
The Red Raiders also welcome back senior forward Bri Taylor, who missed time last season.
“Our staff is ecstatic to have Bri back this season,” Acree said. “Her length and athleticism make her a force on the defensive end, and her activity on both the offensive and defensive glass will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
Junior guard Jaz Tavares Miller rounds out the projected starting five. She averaged 1.7 points and 3.1 rebounds last season and will play an even bigger role this winter.
“Jaz is the X factor for us this season,” Acree said. “The more confident and successful she becomes, the more dangerous our team will be. She’s worked hard in the offseason to improve her perimeter shooting, and I’m excited to see her compete.”
Several underclassmen are expected to contribute as well.
Sophomore guard Kilah Snyder, who knocked down 14 three-pointers last season, provides perimeter scoring.
“Kilah is a pure catch-and-shoot scorer; it runs in the family,” Acree said. “The challenge for Ki this season is to play fast and confident, and she’s got the green light to shoot whenever she’s open.”
Sophomore point guard Kim Aguayo brings energy and scoring potential.
“Kim is such a great kid,” Acree said. “Her energy is contagious and lifts everyone around her. She has tremendous upside on the basketball court and brings a true scorer’s mentality every time she touches the ball.”
Senior forward De’Jeira Germany adds athleticism and versatility to the lineup.
“Confidence is key for De’Jeira,” Acree said. “She’s a naturally gifted athlete and a true Swiss Army knife on the basketball court. Her length and athleticism make a major impact on the defensive end.”
Sophomore center LiMary Diaz and junior center NeeNee Rowell will provide depth in the post.
“LiMary is just a ray of sunshine. She’s always positive, sound academically, and improving every time she steps on the court,” Acree said. “NeeNee is the true definition of perseverance. The fact that she has overcome health issues and worked her way back to our basketball family means the world to us. When she’s 100 percent, she does a great job protecting the paint and rebounding the basketball.”
The Red Raiders have set their goals high for the coming season.
“We have four goals this season: contend for a CVC championship, have a team GPA of 3.3 or higher, achieve 100 percent retention, and reach double-digit wins,” Acree said.
For Harvey, staying healthy and turning defense into offense will be crucial.
“The injury bug hit us pretty hard last year, so staying healthy this season is a major component to our success—creating turnovers and converting turnovers and deflections into points,” Acree said.
With senior leadership, speed, and togetherness driving them, the Red Raiders are poised to take a major step forward in 2025–26.
