Big Dipper: Saturday Top Performers

I was lucky enough to be a part of the large crowd that made it inside to the Big Dipper Tournament at Rich Township on Saturday night. The first game was the host the school Rich Township v #1 in the state Kenwood Academy. The second game had all the South Suburban flavor with Hillcrest looking to upset Homewood Flossmoor.    Rich Township 87  Kenwood 84   Rich Township    [player_tooltip player_id='2621194' first='Jayden' last='Williams'] 2026    21 points (5 for 5 from three)   Jayden made some big shots for Rich when they needed them the most. Williams helped dig Rich out of an early hole in the first quarter to keep the game close. In the third quarter it was more of the same as he came off screens to hit two from the corner with defenders all in his grill. Jayden has been playing well as of late.    [player_tooltip player_id='1766460' first='Al' last='Brooks'] 2025   19 pts 10 rebs 4 asst and 4 blks    Brooks was the energy guy and stat stuffer for the Raptors. His length was a factor on defense causing steals, blocking shots, and disrupting shots. On offense he attacked in transition getting layups and dunks when he was all alone. Against a set defense he used his handle and arm length to stretch around guys for tough finishes.    [player_tooltip player_id='1845352' first='Jamson' last='Coulter'] 2026    26 pts 3rebs 3 assist    Coulter was the heart and soul of the team taking all the biggest shots and possessions when looked upon. Jamson went 4 for 7 from three a part of his game that has improved since the beginning of the season. The rest of the way Coulter played bully ball and got to the free-throw line pretty often in this one.   [player_tooltip player_id='1766465' first='Ikee' last='Brooks'] 2025   6 pts 4 assists    Ikee was the glue of this victory. Quick decisions to the basket scoring layups and finding guys in the corner for threes. Brooks was the most focused we've seen all season. He is finding his place with this squad and will continue to prove doubters wrong.    Kenwood    [player_tooltip player_id='2125612' first='Devin' last='Cleveland'] 2027   32 points 5 stls    The super sophomore had a big night getting buckets. Devin mixed it up off the dribble and shooting from deep. He made a highlight play with his smooth crossover, dropping a defender, and nailing the shot. Cleveland went 3 for 6 from three while getting to the free-throw line 11 times. He did what he could to keep the Broncos in the game but it just wasn't enough this night.    [player_tooltip player_id='1385290' first='Amari' last='Edwards'] 2025   21 pts 5 stls    Edwards continues to open eyes for many in these big games. He has a knack for making big shots when least expected. Amari is tough to keep out of the lane as he's a good mix of skill and heart. At 5'10 he is stronger when in the lane with taller players. He knows how to keep them on their heels and get fouled while in the art of scoring. A skill you don't see many guards use as often. Edwards is starting to get some buzz amongst coaches for how composed he plays in big games.     [player_tooltip player_id='2321397' first='TJ' last='Seals'] 2025   16 pts 7 rebs   Seals has been the biggest key in most of Kenwood's key wins this season. He was almost out of the game with an ankle injury from the night before but he's a tough competitor and nobody expected him to miss this game. TJ scored some buckets early in this game to help get the Broncos an early lead. As he played more he picked up some bad fouls which forced him to sit some. When he returned he came in and did more of the dirty work on the inside and the glass. Who knows if Seals played more the outcome of this game could have been different.     [player_tooltip player_id='1385283' first='Aleks' last='Alston'] 2025   9 pts 8rebs 7 assists.    Alston filled up the stat sheet being a stretch forward and big facilitator from the perimeter. He did his best to keep Brooks out on him near the perimeter. Which helps the guards win their matchups attacking the rim. Aleks has figured out that he can be more effective when he's doing more than shooting deep threes. Still one of the top uncommitted seniors.    Homewood Flossmoor 71 Hillcrest 45   Homewood Flossmoor   [player_tooltip player_id='1774274' first='Jayden' last='Tyler'] 2025   27 pts 5 rebs 4 assist    Tyler was a blur most of the game. Putting pressure on the Hillcrest guards attacking the rim and scoring quite often. He shot it well from three connecting on five 3s in the game. He has built some momentum for the title game tomorrow night.    [player_tooltip player_id='1766505' first='Aiden' last='Derose'] 2025   19 pts 5 rebs   Derose is another unsigned player who goes under the radar because of how stacked his team is. He's an excellent shooter that can score from all three levels of play. He did his damage early from the corner. He has a smooth shot that looks like he never misses. If he shoots in the championship game like he did tonight the Vikings will be two-time champions.    Hillcrest    [player_tooltip player_id='2323269' first='Max' last='Carmicle'] 2026   The junior big man continues to impress me with his motor and coordination around the basket. Max was the only bright spot in the game for the Hawks. He was tough on the glass and made some really strong plays out of the post. He showed good composure when he got touches and made the smaller team pay when getting one-on-one coverage. I like Carmicle's upside as a traditional post.

I was lucky enough to be a part of the large crowd that made it inside to the Big Dipper Tournament at Rich Township on Saturday night. The first game was the host the school Rich Township v #1 in the state Kenwood Academy. The second game had all the South Suburban flavor with Hillcrest looking to upset Homewood Flossmoor.