Rich Township Dominates Early to Defeat Rising Thornwood Squad

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thursday night featured a highly anticipated South Suburban matchup as Rich Township hosted a young and up-and-coming Thornwood squad. From the opening tip the Raptors set the tone with their defensive pressure and physicality which ultimately proved to be the difference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rich Township jumped out early forcing rushed shots and turnovers that led to easy scoring opportunities in transition. Class of 2027 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2323672' first='Amari' last='Winters'] got the Raptors going offensively pouring in seven points in the first six minutes while attacking the basket and finishing through contact. Defensively 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='3187105' first='Kavon' last='Ammons'] made his presence felt immediately. His on-ball pressure and toughness caused multiple deflections, igniting fast-break chances, and helping Rich Township establish control. By halftime the Raptors had built a double-digit lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thornwood showed flashes of why they're considered a rising program in the second half. Class of 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young'] began to find lanes to the baske, using his quickness and feel to spark several mini runs. Senior Jordan Jones also stepped up knocking down tough jump shots and finishing through contact to keep the Thunderbirds within striking distance. Despite Thornwood's efforts Rich Township maintained its composure and pulled away late securing a 55–43 victory. The win gives the Raptors momentum as they prepare to head into next week's loaded Big Dipper Holiday Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scoring Leaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rich Township</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2323672' first='Amari' last='Winters'] (2027): 15 points<br>[player_tooltip player_id='3187105' first='Kavon' last='Ammons'] (2026): 13 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thornwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan Jones (2026): 12 points<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young'] (2028): 11 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->