Benet found an extra gear in the state playoffs last season. Senior Colin Stack says the Redwings had a chip on their shoulder, and a quick look at the Illinois High School Association record books shows one of the reasons why.
The Redwings lost state title games in 2023, 2016 and 2014 under coach Gene Heidkamp. And in 115 state tournaments before last season, a private school won the big-school state title just twice: St. Joseph (1999) and Mount Carmel (1985).
History made a Benet win seem unlikely, but the deep and talented Redwings finally brought a state championship back to Lisle.
“Obviously, it was a great feeling to bring one home,” Stack said. “We want to win another one. We can do that this year if we play the way we are able and keep that chip on our shoulder.”
Stack, a 7-0 North Dakota State recruit and Jayden Wright, a guard signed with EIU, lead the attack for the Redwings, and this year’s team is just as deep and talented as last season’s.
Edward Stasys, a 6-8 junior who had a crucial blocked shot late in the title game against Warren last season, was one of the breakout stars of the summer.
“He can guard multiple positions and he has one of the highest motors of any kid I’ve been around,” Heidkamp said. “That includes some really good players. He can affect the game in so many ways.”
Ethan MacDermot, a 6-3 guard from Australia, moved to the area at the beginning of the summer.
“He has fit in well with the guys,” Heidkamp said. “They are still figuring out how to play together. What his potential is remains to be seen, but he’s been very good so far.”
Six-foot-four junior Perry Tchiegne also made major strides over the summer for Benet.
“We might be better defensively this season, but offensively we have to find a way to make the pieces fit,” Heidkamp said. “There is a lot of work to do.”
Wright and Stack are as experienced as any high school players in the state.
“We need [Wright] to have a big year if we are going to have the team we want to have,” Heidkamp said. “He’s a clutch player. In the big games, he delivers. Nothing fazes him.”
Wright and Stack are closing in on a combined 1,500 points and 700 rebounds with a whole season still left to play. They are already Benet legends after winning a state title and should play at an even higher level this year.
“Colin just improves all the time,” Heidkamp said. “His offensive game continues to get better and better. He’s a presence defensively, especially in rotation. He’s a great off-the-ball shot blocker, and he’s rebounding at a high level.”
“The game has slowed down for me,” Wright said. “We’ve played in basically every single game you can play in at the high school level. Having that experience is going to help me be a lot calmer in those situations. I can lead more and set an example.”
The Redwings open at No. 2 in the preseason Super 25, but could easily have earned the top spot. There isn’t much separating No. 1 DePaul Prep and Benet in the preseason.
The Rams knocked off the Redwings in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament title game last season. Like many high school players over the years, Stack has developed a strong connection with Pontiac.
“I want to win it this year,” Stack said. “It is so competitive with all those good teams together for three days, and it’s really special.”
@michaelsobriensports Benet, the defending Class 4A state champs, opens the season at No. 2 in the Super 25. Guard Jayden Wright and 7-0 center Colin Stack return to lead the Redwings. #ihsa #basketball #benet ♬ original sound – michaelsobriensports