Benet guard Jayden Wright’s starring role in the Class 4A state championship game last year placed him in the spotlight.
But the Eastern Illinois recruit took on an even heavier part in his senior season.
“I have so much respect for that kid,” Benet senior center Colin Stack said. “He’s honestly become a leader that I never thought he would ever become.
“Me and him together have taken such a leadership role, and I feel like he’s done such a phenomenal job of it.”
Indeed, the 5-foot-10 Wright, the 2025-26 Naperville Sun Boys Basketball Player of the Year, became the sole point guard this season and led the Redwings (36-2) to 33 straight wins on their way back to the state championship game, where they lost to Marist on March 14. He averaged 13.1 points, 5.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds.
Wright was the MVP of the prestigious Pontiac Holiday Tournament, which Benet won for the first time; the East Suburban Catholic Conference player of the year; and a Class 4A all-state first-team selection by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.
“He had an unbelievable year,” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. “He accomplished so much individually, but also he was a big leader of our team. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Two years ago, Wright was known primarily for his distance shooting, but his passing ability and toughness have become noteworthy too. He was usually the smallest player on the floor but always willing to take hits for his team, which often required him to take ice baths after games.
Heidkamp isn’t one to overly hype his players. But his admiration for Wright was evident after Benet’s victory over Rockford Auburn in the NIU Supersectional even as he acknowledged Warren junior point guard Jaxson Davis, who is widely regarded as the best player in Illinois.
“No disrespect to Jaxson Davis — he’s Mr. Basketball — but for my team, my point guard is sitting right next to me,” Heidkamp said. “I wouldn’t trade him for any guard.
“I don’t mean to be so effusive in my praise. It’s just how I feel about it. We don’t worry about statistics. There’s a lot more to it than just what’s on a stat sheet.”
Such as helping senior shooting guard Ethan MacDermot, a transfer from Australia, adjust to a new school in a new country.
“He taught me so many different things, it was phenomenal,” MacDermot said. “He just creates the whole game. I don’t understand it. But he’s a great point guard. He’s awesome, and he’s a great person off the court as well. He’s one of my best mates.”
Wright feels the same way about the Redwings.
“Words can’t even describe how I feel about this team,” he said. “The bond that we made off the court, not just on the court but as friends, it was a really close group.
“It’s kind of just hitting me now that I’m never going to be able to play with this group or put on the Benet jersey again. That’s the worst part of it, but I’m really proud of this group.”
It is a group that set the school record for wins this season. During Wright’s three-year varsity career, Benet went 96-14, making him and Stack the winningest players in program history. They also were the first two to play in two state championship games and helped the Redwings win their first state title last season.
Standing outside the locker room after his final game, Wright wasn’t prepared to think about his legacy.
“I did some pretty good things while I was here, but it was never about any stats or awards for me,” he said. “It was just playing the right way, having fun and making memories. It was a blast.”
Wright said he has always had a blast playing basketball and always will.
“It was just a joy to wear this jersey and represent the school,” he said. “This chapter closing is pretty sad because it was a really good chapter of my life. I kind of became the man and the player that I am largely because of these four years at Benet.
“I’ve always had big dreams and goals. But I don’t know if I could have imagined all of this happening, all the memories I’ve made and the people I’ve met. I’ll never forget this.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
