Yorkville Christian Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: Grit, Growth, and a Bright Future Ahead
The 2024-2025 winter basketball season at Yorkville Christian was a showcase of talent, tenacity, and team-first mentality. Under the guidance of Athletic Director and Head Coach Aaron Sovern, the Yorkville Christian Mustangs wrapped up the year with a 21-12 record, advancing to the IHSA Regional Final and solidifying themselves as a program on the rise in Illinois high school basketball.
Fueled by a balanced roster that featured veteran leadership and emerging stars, the Mustangs delivered one of the most competitive and exciting campaigns in recent memory.
Stars That Shined Bright
The Mustangs' season was defined by the performances of several standout players, each of whom left a significant mark on both ends of the floor.
Leading the charge was Jayden Riley, a Class of 2026 All-State point guard, who established himself as arguably the best at his position in the state. Riley averaged 23 points and 8 assists per game, showing not only scoring ability but also elite court vision and command of the game.
“Jayden became the best point guard in Illinois,” Coach Sovern proudly noted. “His growth and consistency were crucial to our success this year.”
Backing him up was an explosive supporting cast. Tray Alford, a Class of 2027 All-Area guard, contributed 15 points per game, demonstrating poise well beyond his years. Senior guard Zach Marini, also an All-Area selection, added 14 points per game, proving to be a reliable scorer in high-pressure situations.
Captain Brady Sovern, a senior who shot 41% from beyond the arc, was more than just a sharpshooter — he was a symbol of perseverance. After suffering a torn ACL in April 2024, he rehabbed tirelessly to return to the court and start all 33 games of the season.
“He was an inspiration to the entire team,” said Coach Sovern. “His leadership and resilience set the tone for everyone.”
Adding strength in the paint was Noah Aguado, a senior who posted a powerful 11 points and 11 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Jordan Purvis, a rising sophomore, made a big splash with 8 points per game and 80 three-pointers made, proving he will be a name to watch for seasons to come.
The Season in Review
The Mustangs’ 21-12 record is a strong reflection of both talent and teamwork. The squad fought hard through a competitive schedule and came just short in the IHSA Regional Final, capping off a season that combined high expectations with meaningful growth.
Though Coach Sovern didn’t identify a single defining moment, the progression of the team — particularly the way players like Riley stepped into dominant roles — told a story of a group learning to win together.
The team battled through adversity, most notably Brady Sovern’s comeback from injury, which set the emotional tone early. His presence inspired the team to fight through challenges and stay focused throughout the ups and downs of the season.
A Senior Class That Left Its Mark
Every successful team needs experienced leadership, and Yorkville Christian was fortunate to have a senior class filled with character and commitment.
Brady Sovern, Zach Marini, Noah Aguado, Sam, and Jaylen each brought a unique blend of performance and personality to the locker room. Captains Brady and Zach were daily examples of what it means to lead — through work ethic, attitude, and consistency.
“They brought leadership and energy every day to practice,” said Coach Sovern. “They showed the younger guys how to prepare and compete.”
This leadership helped establish a standard and culture that will benefit the program for years to come.
Rising Stars and the Road Ahead
Looking forward, Coach Sovern is excited about the future — and with good reason.
The Mustangs will return key players like Jayden Riley and Tray Alford, both of whom have already proven they can produce at a high level. Riley’s evolution into an elite point guard, combined with Alford’s scoring ability and Purvis’s sharpshooting, gives Yorkville a dangerous trio that can stretch defenses and control games.
“We’ve got a great group returning,” Sovern said. “The foundation is strong, and the future is very bright.”
With the returning core and an influx of developing underclassmen, Yorkville Christian has its sights set high for next season — aiming not just to replicate this year’s success, but to push further into the postseason.
What’s Next: Offseason Priorities
While the foundation is set, the team isn’t resting on past achievements. Coach Sovern has his eyes on key areas for offseason development, particularly refining offensive execution, building team chemistry, and continuing to improve physical conditioning.
For a program that prides itself on hard work and discipline, the offseason is seen not as a break, but as an opportunity.
“Improvement never stops,” Sovern emphasized. “Whether it’s in the weight room, at skills camp, or during film sessions — we’re going to keep building.”
A Culture of Character
What truly stands out about this year’s team is more than the stats or the wins. It’s the culture of resilience, leadership, and character that permeated the program.
From Brady’s incredible return from injury to the development of young players stepping into big roles, this season was defined by grit and growth. The players didn’t just show up — they battled, supported one another, and elevated the name of Yorkville Christian Basketball.
Where to Follow the Mustangs
Full stats and player performances from the 2024-2025 season can be found on MaxPreps, providing a detailed breakdown of just how impactful this roster was.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 winter season marked a memorable chapter for the Yorkville Christian Boys Basketball Team. With a blend of senior leadership, rising talent, and a no-quit mentality, they overcame challenges and made a statement — one that echoed not just through scoreboards, but through the character they displayed every step of the way.
As the next generation prepares to take the reins, they do so standing on the shoulders of a class that gave everything — and a program that’s ready to rise even higher.
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