Breakout Performances Ignite The Big Dipper’s Opening Morning

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Big Dipper Tournament tipped off the season at Rich Township with a strong opening slate featuring competitive matchups and an early look at several up-and-coming prospects across the state. The morning session on day one delivered statement performances, emerging underclassmen, and a few tight finishes. Here's a breakdown of the action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rich Township 71, St. Rita 47</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The host school made an early statement as Rich Township controlled the game from start to finish behind defensive pressure and balanced guard play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 guard&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3187105' first='Kavon' last='Ammons']</strong>&nbsp;set the tone early using his physicality and on-ball defense to disrupt St. Rita's young backcourt. The Raptors forced turnovers in bunches and turned them into easy transition opportunities building a comfortable lead that never wavered.&nbsp; Off the bench 2027 guard&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2416198' first='TJ' last='Eaton']</strong>&nbsp;provided a major spark knocking down three triples to push Rich into double figures. Eaton led all scorers with 13 points, while Ammons added 11 points and consistently impacted the game defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For St. Rita sophomore&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531964' first='Angelo' last='Adams']</strong>&nbsp;led the way with 11 points, but the Mustangs struggled to find rhythm against Rich's constant pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kenwood 54, United Christian Academy 51</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one came down to the final minutes as Kenwood edged out a tough United Christian Academy squad in a tightly contested battle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kenwood leaned on its junior guard duo of&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2864914' first='Osiris' last='Bell']</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323622' first='Damari' last='Stephens']</strong>. Bell consistently broke down defenders off the dribble getting to the rim and drawing contact while Stephens made his presence felt in the second half after sitting much of the first due to foul trouble. Stephens' aggressive approach late proved crucial as the Broncos found just enough offense to pull ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>United Christian Academy played inspired basketball behind senior&nbsp;<strong>Vincent Allen</strong> a 6'6 left-handed forward who showcased versatility scoring out of the post, off face-ups, and attacking downhill. Allen finished with a strong 22 points and 10 rebounds.<br>2027 guard&nbsp;<strong>Donaven O'Neil Jr.</strong>&nbsp;was also impressive showing creativity and poise as a scorer finishing with 15 points and three assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UCA briefly took a one-point lead late in the fourth, but a timely steal by Bell sealed the game for Kenwood. Bell led all scorers with 22 point, while Stephens added 15 in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thornwood 58, Phillips 49</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore standouts&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2877539' first='Lester' last='Watson']</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young']</strong>&nbsp;powered Thornwood past a gritty Phillips team in a game that featured promising underclassmen on both sides.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watson's ability to play effectively off the ball stood out as he knocked down five three-pointers finding open space against Phillips' aggressive and chaotic defensive scheme.&nbsp; Young complemented him with strong perimeter defense and shifty ball-handling while forcing turnovers that led to transition buckets.&nbsp; Watson led all scorers with 19 points while Young added 17 in the Thunderbirds' victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Phillips freshman&nbsp;<strong>Ryan Whitt</strong>&nbsp;emerged as a bright spot. The 6'5 post player showed toughness around the rim scoring through contact and controlling the glass. Whitt didn't shy away from physical play and even stepped out to knock down a three finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lincoln Park 69, Thornton 48</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An up-tempo contest from start to finish Lincoln Park's experience proved to be the difference as the Lions pulled away with balanced scoring and efficient execution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five Lincoln Park players reached double figures led by senior&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2734375' first='Jaylen' last='Dickerson']</strong> who finished with 14 points. Dickerson did his damage attacking the lane converting floaters and tough finishes in traffic. Senior&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105399' first='Ahmad' last='Lee']</strong>&nbsp;also played a key role using his vision and shot-making ability to keep the offense flowing. Lee added 12 points and consistently made the right reads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thornton found positives in its young backcourt. Freshman&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2947687' first='Dakari' last='Nesbitt']</strong>&nbsp;showed scoring instincts and playmaking ability finishing with 10 points off a mix of drives and jumpers. Sophomore&nbsp;<strong>DeAndre Higgs</strong>&nbsp;highlighted his improved shooting touch going 3-5 from deep and leading the Wildcats with 13 points.&nbsp; This is an important development for his long-term prospect profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->