Marist’s Charles Barnes experienced not only a reunion but a revitalization Friday night.
The senior forward, a transfer from De La Salle, went up against two former teammates for the Meteors who also transferred in the offseason and are now playing for Perspectives-Leadership.
“I wanted a new start, fresh opportunities and better chances,” Barnes said. “Going up against a couple of my teammates just added something, and I’ve stepped into a more veteran role.
“Now, I’m trying to help our young juniors develop.”
Barnes, meanwhile, has developed into a force. He had 14 points, four rebounds and three steals for the host RedHawks in a 69-47 win in the Marist Thanksgiving Tournament championship game.
Senior forward Stephen Brown added 14 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots for Marist (3-0) in Chicago. Senior forward Ryan Lawlor came through with 13 points off the bench.
Marist’s Charles Barnes (14) gets past Perspectives-Leadership’s Xavier Porter (12) during the Marist Thanksgiving Tournament championship game in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
South Side basketball culture is an intricate circle of connections. Barnes, Brown and senior point guard TJ Tate previously played AAU together, underscoring their immediate ease and comfort.
It made the potentially complicated late transfer of Barnes more fluid and natural.
“Chuck is just a great guy,” said Brown, an NC State football recruit. “We connected right away as soon as we started playing travel ball together. We always have chemistry on the court.
“I know where he’s going to be and he knows where I am. Really, he’s my best friend.”
Marist’s Charles Barnes (14) dribbles as Perspectives-Leadership’s Tristan Howard (11) defends during the Marist Thanksgiving Tournament final in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
Barnes played a big part in Friday’s win, which was the 100th career for coach Brian Hynes in his fifth full season.
Tate, the conductor of Marist’s attack, confirmed that the past has eased Barnes’ transition to a program with an already-strong nucleus.
“Chuck is a very good player,” Tate said. “He’s really competitive and he plays hard every possession. I knew he could shoot it, but he’s really great at attacking the rim.
“He also plays good defense and is a good rim protector. He really leaves everything out there.”
Marist’s Karson Thomas (4) finishes off a layup against Perspectives-Leadership during the Marist Thanksgiving Tournament championship game in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
The 6-foot-4 Barnes started all three years he played at De La Salle. He has the size and range to play comfortably on the wing and the length to be a presence on the low block.
He made a 3-pointer and also showed the ability to generate shots at the rim Friday.
“At first, I was more of a defensive guy and a catch-and-shoot scorer,” Barnes said. “Now, I feel like I can do a little bit of everything — put the ball on the floor, finish, pull up or get to the line.”
As a natural left-hander, Barnes is also crafty and elegant with the ball.
“I see myself as a three-level scorer who’s working to become a true two-way player,” he said. “Guarding the other team’s best guy and being active on the floor.
“My best quality is my IQ. I feel like I’m smart with the ball and smart without it.”
Marist’s Charles Barnes (14) puts up a shot against Perspectives-Leadership during the Marist Thanksgiving Tournament championship game in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
His father, also named Charles, was a high school standout at Young who played at Illinois State. The younger Barnes watched his father play in pickup games and adult leagues.
For Marist, Barnes’ versatility as a lockdown defender allows Brown the freedom to roam on the weak side. And Barnes is making sure to not reinvent the wheel for the RedHawks,
“Coach Hynes has been great and he’s helped me blend in with the team,” he said. “I’ve been accepted here and I feel like I can be my true self because this team is so cohesive.”
All the while, Barnes will do it playing in the East Suburban Catholic Conference after toiling in the tough Catholic League Blue.
“I’m just trying to show up in big moments and show these guys as a senior I can be someone they can rely on,” he said. “We have great chemistry. I really feel the love from the team.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/charles-barnes-marist-de-la-salle-ihsa-boys-basketball/
