Marist Boys Basketball Wins First State Championship in School History
CHICAGO — The 2025–26 Marist Boys Basketball team capped off a historic 33–5 season by defeating ESCC rival and nationally ranked Benet Academy, 44–28, to claim the IHSA 4A State Championship.
This victory marks the first basketball state title in Marist High School history, for either the boys or girls program.
Marist controlled the game from the start, holding the lead for 28 minutes and 29 seconds, while Benet led for just 9 minutes and 7 seconds. The RedHawks delivered a dominant defensive performance, shutting out the Redwings completely in the second quarter and allowing only three points in the fourth.
Key Performers
Charles “Chuck” Barnes Jr. ’26 led the RedHawks with 13 points, continuing his standout postseason performance. Stephen Brown ’26 added eight points and seven rebounds, playing a critical role on both ends of the floor.
A Season to Remember
The RedHawks’ championship run was highlighted by several historic milestones:
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Centralia Holiday Tournament Champions (2025)
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IHSA Sectional Champions — First since 1981
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IHSA Super-Sectional Champions — First in program history
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IHSA 4A State Champions — First in school history
Individual Honors
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Charles “Chuck” Barnes Jr. ’26
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1st Team Illinois All-State
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1st Team Chicago All-City
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Chicago Sun-Times All-Area
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ESCC All-Conference
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Marist single-season record holder for most points scored
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Anthony “Adoni” Vassilakis
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Four-year varsity player
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1,000+ career points at Marist
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ESCC All-Conference (also 2023–24 and 2024–25)
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Special Mention Illinois All-State
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