Rich Township Making a Statement

The Rich Township Raptors (26-8) are on a remarkable run right now, showcasing their talent across the board. Coming into the season with high expectations, their first month of play was a bit rocky, finishing 4-4 in their first eight games. However, three of those losses came against out-of-state opponents: Summit Academy North (MI), Duncanville (TX), and Vashon (MO). The other loss was against in-state DePaul Prep, a top contender gunning for their third consecutive 3A title.   Now, the Raptors are headed to Champaign with a chance at the 4A Championship, and in the last three weeks, they've secured some thrilling upset victories. They started with a dramatic overtime comeback against Marist, followed by a strong performance against Homewood-Flossmoor, and then another hard-fought overtime win against Kenwood.   Let's dive into the starting five and key role players, each contributing with a unique skill set that, when combined, makes them a cohesive and dangerous unit on the court—especially when the stakes are highest.    Brooks is a pass-first point guard who keeps his eyes up and looks to set up his teammates at every opportunity. He has a strong drive-and-dump game, using his quickness and ball-handling to break down defenses and create open looks for others. His court vision allows him to make smart reads, whether in transition or half-court sets. A true team player, Brooks plays with an unselfish mindset, always looking to keep the offense flowing. His ability to control the tempo and make the right decisions makes him a reliable floor leader who elevates those around him.     Williams is a versatile and athletic wing who should see a rise in the rankings. His length gives him an advantage on both ends, allowing him to finish over defenders and disrupt plays defensively. He uses his size well, backing down smaller guards and overpowering weaker defenders on drives. His mid-range touch adds another layer to his scoring, making him a threat at multiple levels. Williams is also a capable playmaker, both on and off the ball, with the ability to pass effectively off the dribble. With his combination of size, skill, and versatility, he's a player to watch.     Coulter is a strong, skilled guard who thrives as both a scorer and playmaker. He attacks the rim with confidence, absorbing contact and finishing with either hand. His touch around the basket, IQ for reverse layups, and ability to hang in the air make him tough to defend. Beyond his inside game, he's a reliable three-point shooter who can stretch the floor. Ranked #8 in his class, Coulter's combination of toughness, skill, and versatility makes him a constant threat.     Brooks is a high-energy forward whose motor never stops. His hustle and passion fuel his team, setting the tone with relentless effort on the boards. A skilled big, he can handle the ball and operate effectively inside, using creativity and touch to finish around the rim. His competitive mindset and physicality make him a constant presence on both ends, always ready to battle.     Turner is a powerful, physical power forward in the paint on both ends of the floor. He dominates the boards, using his strength to secure rebounds and establish position inside. In the post, he can power through defenders, while also displaying a soft touch from the free-throw line area. Additionally, Turner has shown the ability to take defenders off the dribble from the elbow, adding another layer to his offensive game. His presence in the paint and versatile skill set make him a consistent impact player.    Role players making a significant impact during this playoff run are 2026, 6'1” guard Kavon Ammons and 2027, 6'1” shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2532333' first='Jordan' last='Johnson']. Both have stepped up with meaningful minutes off the bench, providing energy and a boost to the team. Ammons and Johnson bring hustle, athleticism, and strong defensive play, while also contributing helpful scoring. Their ability to make an impact in various aspects of the game has been crucial to the team's success.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Playoff Outcomes As 3-Seed</h2>   Regional Semifinals: W vs. (14) Andrew 59-41   Regional Finals: W vs. (7) Lincoln-Way East 74-67   Sectional Semifinals: W vs. (2) Marist 86-85   Sectional Finals: W vs. (1) Homewood-Flossmoor 77-64   Super Sectionals: W vs. (1) Kenwood (Hinsdale Sectional) 70-65   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Matchup</h2>   Rich takes on (2) Warren Township, from the Waukegan Sectional, at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Friday March 14 at 7:45pm in the State Semifinals.

The Rich Township Raptors (26-8) are on a remarkable run right now, showcasing their talent across the board. Coming into the season with high expectations, their first month of play was a bit rocky, finishing 4-4 in their first eight games. However, three of those losses came against out-of-state opponents: Summit Academy North (MI), Duncanville (TX), and Vashon (MO). The other loss was against in-state DePaul Prep, a top contender gunning for their third consecutive 3A title.