Charles Barnes Jr., a senior transfer at Marist High School in Illinois, has cemented his name into the state’s basketball lore after guiding the team to its first ever state championship.
The 6‑foot‑5 forward posted a career‑high average of 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game, shooting an efficient 59% from the field, 41% from three‑point range and 74% from the free‑throw line.
A Scholar‑Athlete on the Rise
Barnes, who carries a 4.2 GPA, has said that obtaining a master’s degree is as important to him as any championship trophy, signaling a long‑term view that blends academics with athletics.
In a boost for the program, UNC Greensboro announced the hiring of former UAB and Stanford coach Jerod Haase on March 18, a move that could shape Barnes’ collegiate trajectory.
The milestone marks more than a personal triumph; it reflects a broader resurgence for Marist, a school that had never before captured a state title, and it underscores the growing competitiveness of basketball in the Southwest region.