With a new season comes new opportunities, and Antioch’s Mark Render is making the most of his.

The 6-foot-1 senior guard has quickly become the Sequoits’ go-to scorer, a much different role than he had in the previous two seasons.

“We lost a lot of veteran players, so I came in with the mindset that I needed to make things happen this year and fill as many holes as I could,” Render said. “I definitely feel like my game has expanded.”

Render averaged 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists over four games in the season-opening St. Viator Thanksgiving Classic and then scored a career-high 27 points in the Sequoits’ 57-55 win over Zion-Benton on Dec. 2.

Antioch coach Sean Connor is particularly impressed that Render is scoring at that level with a fairly low-volume shooting load. For instance, Render shot 46% from 3-point range at St. Viator.

“He’s become incredibly efficient in how he chooses to score and when we need him to score,” Connor said. “He’s making great reads this year in taking what the defense gives him and knowing what we need from each possession.”

Antioch’s Mark Render (2) drives against North Chicago during a Northern Lake County Conference game in Antioch on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Michael Schmidt / News-Sun)

Render is wisely exploiting defensive matchups. That often involves driving to the basket. He made 10 of 14 free throws against Zion-Benton.

“Free throws come from me having the mentality that I’m going to get downhill,” Render said. “I did a lot of work in the summer to make my handle better, working on my first step, working on balance and playing off two feet when you get in the lane, and being ready to see where the defensive help is.”

Render was the only non-senior starter for the Sequoits (1-5) last season and was not among the top scoring options in a much different offense. He averaged 10.0 points and focused on other ways to contribute.

“It was up to me to help stretch the floor, give the team a spark, play good defense,” he said.

Antioch’s Mark Render (2) shoots a free throw during a Northern Lake County Conference game against North Chicago in Antioch on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Michael Schmidt / News-Sun)

Render hasn’t stopped doing those things even as Antioch’s No. 1 option. He has longed for that responsibility since he was promoted to the varsity team midway through his sophomore season.

“He’s really evolved as a leader on this team,” Connor said. “He’s a passionate, high-energy guy on the court who we know we can go to in big moments.”

Render has embraced the idea of bringing along younger players like sophomore guard Logan Lennon and freshman guard Miles Mirabella.

“It’s an awesome feeling having guys around me who help me make all of the work I’ve put in over the years pay off and for the coaches to be able to trust me and put me in position to succeed,” Render said.

He has done enough already to get looks from college coaches, largely from Division III and juco programs.

“It is a little stressful not knowing how things will turn out,” Render said. “But I’ve been playing for a long time and put in a lot of work to get to this point. I’m looking for an opportunity, no matter what division or level. The goal is to play this sport I love so much for as long as I can.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/basketball-antioch-mark-render/