When talk turns to his best skill, Oak Forest’s Aiden Barnett doesn’t need any prodding.

The 5-foot-10 senior guard brings a certain ability to the basketball table that tends to be in high demand. Regardless of where he’s at on the court, the result comes across as pure and sweet.

“All of my coaches throughout my career have always loved my shot,” Barnett said with a knowing nod. “They always helped me with it, and they told me to just shoot it every time.

“That has always carried over every year.”

Barnett carried the scoring load Friday night, making back-to-back 3-pointers and finishing with 14 points for the Bengals in a 56-37 win over host Richards in a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Oak Lawn.

Junior forward Enoch Olukolade added 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots for Oak Forest (11-6, 5-1).

Oak Forest’s Aiden Barnett (1) looks to pass the ball against Richards during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)

Senior guard Travon Gourdine scored 12 points for Richards (10-6, 4-2), while senior center Jordan Shaw had 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots.

Oak Forest trailed by as many as seven points in the first half, but Barnett’s 3-pointers during the third quarter sparked a 13-0 burst that broke the game open.

“I think Aiden is one of the best shooters in the state,” Oak Forest coach Tyshaun Cobbs said.
“He doesn’t always get the recognition that he deserves.

“He’s our shooting specialist — that’s what he does. He’d been in a bit of a slump recently. (Friday night) when we needed them, those shots went in.”

Oak Forest’s Gary Manso (0) battles to get up a shot from a crowd underneath against Richards during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)

Senior guard Gary Manso, who chipped in with six points, four assists and two steals, called Barnett’s outside game the key to diversifying the attack.

“His shooting really got us going,” Manso said of Barnett. “When he’s shooting the ball like that, it just opens up everything for the other guards. We’re going to keep giving him the ball every time.”

Despite his recent shooting funk, Barnett never lost his confidence.

”It’s really about the coaching staff and everybody around me telling me to keep shooting,” he said. “They always have confidence in me, and showing that just gives me the same confidence.”

Oak Forest’s Aiden Barnett (1) drives to the basket as Richards’ Messiah Horton (10) defends during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)

Barnett is relatively small for someone who primarily plays off the ball. Both of his 3-pointers originated off screens that allowed him to catch and shoot with total freedom.

“I like getting the ball off those screens because it opens so much of what I’m able to do,” Barnett said. “If the first look is not there, I can drag the ball, get to the rim or create free throws.”

As a matter of fact, Barnett shot 6 of 7 from the free-throw line.

His game is built off poise, control and reading the game.

“He’s like the glue of our team,” Cobbs said. “He’s nonchalant, even keel and you can’t ever speed him up. He plays slow motion most of the time.

“That quality is why he’s a great senior leader. He’s really loved in the locker room by the guys.”

Oak Forest’s Aiden Barnett (1) and Richards’ Travon Gourdine (4) and Sameer Childs (1) fight for the ball during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Oak Lawn on Frida, Jan. 16, 2026. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)

After being used last season as an offensive catalyst off the bench, Barnett has flourished this winter as a primary option.

“My game has evolved a lot and I’m able to take a lot more shots,” he said. “Last season, I was just pretty a catch-and-shoot player. I’m doing more off the dribble and getting to the midrange.”

Every player fits his personality to the moment and the spotlight. Quiet and self-effacing off the court, Barnett visualizes success and then does everything in his control to make it happen.

His favorite activity off the court is playing NBA 2K.

“I don’t really talk a lot,” Barnett said. “I try to stay humble as much as I can. I never get a big head or anything. I prefer to see things and do everything possible to make it happen on the court.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/aiden-barnett-oak-forest-richards-ihsa-boys-basketball/