Lincoln-Way East’s Jaymon Hornsby fits the mold of a classic dual-threat player.
The senior point guard maintains a sharp sense of how to blend his own opportunities without losing sight of wanting to set up his teammates for those big baskets as well.
“The coach told me at halftime he believed in me and it was on me to go out there and do it for the team,” Hornsby said, referring to Luke Yaklich, who’s in his first year as the Griffins’ head coach.
“Come that third quarter, I was looking to hit my teammates and make open shots and just play tough, stick-to-it defense.”
Hornsby then took over Friday night, scoring 15 of his career-high 23 points during the second half of a 69-58 victory over host Andrew in a SouthWest Suburban Conference opener in Tinley Park.
Converting on a host of passes from Hornsby, junior forward Aaron Stauffacher stepped up and made five 3-pointers and scored 17 points for Lincoln-Way East (2-2, 1-0).
Lincoln-Way East’s Jaymon Hornsby (11) shoots a 3-pointer against Andrew during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Tinley Park on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Junior forward Ryan Dinnon had 19 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots for Andrew (3-3, 0-1). Junior guards Malik Mahmoud and Justin Freeman added 19 and 11 points, respectively.
The 6-foot Hornsby, meanwhile, scored or assisted on 14 points of a 21-7 burst by the Griffins at the start of the third quarter that wiped out a four-point halftime deficit.
“He did a great job as a senior leader in making sure that we got our paint touches and that the ball was where it needed to be,” Yaklich said of Hornsby. “He can get downhill.
“When he plays on balance at the end of his drives, he’s really tough to guard because he can score over the top when he gets in the paint.”
Lincoln-Way East’s Jaymon Hornsby (11) puts up a shot against Andrew during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Tinley Park on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Hornsby, a two-year starter, also recorded six assists, four rebounds and two steals.
“He really gets our offense going and gets our guys open touches,” Stauffacher said. “He gets his, but when the defense collapses to stop his drives, he’s great at making plays and kicking it out.”
Hornsby showed an electric burst off the dribble and the ability to break down Andrew in the open floor. His creativity with the ball is only further enhanced by a rapidly improved outside shot.
His first basket was a 3-pointer. He also knocked down a shot from distance to punctuate that crucial run in the third quarter and produced seven of the Griffins’ nine points.
Lincoln-Way East’s Jaymon Hornsby (11) drives to the basket against Andrew during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Tinley Park on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
“Every time I hit a three, that just uplifts the whole team,” Hornsby said. “It gets my motor building and I just want to keep going for the whole team.
“Hitting those threes boosts my confidence for the rest of the game, knowing I can do it. I have the support system and a great coach behind me.”
Hornsby also played running back in football. The two sports play off each other, giving him a swagger. He also brings a distinctive style of handling the ball to impact the game.
“Football makes me tough and keeps me in condition for basketball,” Hornsby said. “Coach Rob Zvonar, he’s like coach ‘Yak’ — he keeps me in a tough mental state.
“He always pushed me to go harder, and now the same thing carries over to basketball.”
Lincoln-Way East’s Jaymon Hornsby (11) dribbles past Andrew’s Malik Mahmoud (3) during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Tinley Park on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Studious and quiet off the field, Hornsby took up fishing three years ago at the invitation of a couple of friends. He loves the quiet and contemplative nature of fishing.
His father played baseball at a comparable age, but basketball has always been big for Hornsby. He has scholarship offers from NCAA Division III programs North Park, Benedictine and Carthage.
Point guards, naturally, are never fully satisfied by their performance.
“It’s never a perfect game and that’s what I love about it,” Hornsby said. “I love getting better every day and the obstacles that go with it. It teaches you life lessons.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
