Jeff Wilder began the season as a starter for Oak Lawn, but he has had to adjust to coming off the bench the last few weeks.
While the junior guard definitely felt some disappointment, he has been able to put that behind him and dedicate himself to his new job.
“I’ve had my ups and downs this season,” Wilder said. “I had to mentally get myself locked back in and back in the flow of my game. When I’m coming off the bench, I kind of have a different approach.
“I just know that I want to come in and play an even bigger role, really giving it my all in the minutes that I get out there to make the biggest impact I can while I’m in the game.”
Wilder was ready to provide a big spark Friday night.
He scored nine points, including five crucial ones in the fourth quarter that ignited a huge rally for the visiting Spartans, who fought back for a 53-47 South Suburban Red win over crosstown rival Richards.
Oak Lawn’s Jeff Wilder (1) looks to pass away from a leaping Reginald Johnson against Richards during a South Suburban Red game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown)
Omar Saleh led Oak Lawn (18-6, 8-2) with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Marc Harvey finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Jack Dempsey scored 10 points and Ben Delberto chipped in seven. Karmoni Polk provided seven rebounds and was huge defensively down the stretch.
Jordan Shaw ended up with 12 points and 11 rebounds for Richards (12-10, 6-4). Messiah Horton scored 11 points, while Travon Gourdine added 10 points.
The Bulldogs led by 13 late in the third quarter, but Wilder started a frantic comeback in the fourth with five points in 40 seconds. He buried a 3-pointer then converted a layup after the Spartans came up with a steal.
That cut the Richards lead to 46-42.
Oak Lawn’s Jeff Wilder (1) shoots from the corner against Richards during a South Suburban Red game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown)
“It was a big spark in momentum,” Wilder said. “It feels great to do this for my team. In my heart, it means a lot to me to step up for my teammates.
“I know they need me — and to do it against Richards, it feels great.”
Saleh knew Wilder would be ready to come through when the Spartans needed him.
“Jeff is a one-of-a-kind shooter,” Saleh said. “I trust him shooting, no matter what. When I see that ball flying out of his hands, I’m confident it’s going in and when it goes in, it’s always a big impact for us.”
Oak Lawn’s Jeff Wilder (1) stretches out as he keeps the ball away from Richards’ Sammy Childs (1) during a South Suburban Red game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown)
Oak Lawn coach Jason Rhodes credited Wilder for dealing with the role change and staying energized.
“I think one of my jobs as a coach is to help steer players in the right direction when they get a little off course,” Rhodes said. “Me and him had a productive conversation a couple weeks ago and I told him, ‘If you want to start, you have to fight a little bit and earn it back.’
“He didn’t start this game, but he was ready coming off the bench and did some really good things for us.”
The Spartans outscored the Bulldogs 11-0 over the final 4:49 to pull out the win and take control atop the South Suburban Red standings as they search for their fifth straight conference title.
Oak Lawn’s Jeff Wilder does a reverse layup against Richards during a South Suburban Red game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown)
A 3-pointer from Delberto with 2:19 to go put Oak Lawn ahead for good.
“Our comeback was really rooted in the history of the rivalry,” Saleh said. “It’s always the biggest game of the season for us. Whoever runs this town is whoever wins it.
“We knew we had to win this game, no matter what. It doesn’t matter how we started, it’s how we finished. We fought to the end, baby.”
Wilder certainly kept battling. After delivering some heroics against the crosstown rival, he has a whole new outlook for the rest of the season.
“This gives me a big confidence boost,” he said. “I feel a lot better and more energized about myself.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/30/jeff-wilder-oak-lawn-richards-basketball/
