The Rich Township Raptors basketball team won their first Big Dipper Basketball Tournament Championship since 2003, on December 30th.  The tournament began in 1973 and this year celebrated its 51st Anniversary.  With this win, the Raptors Basketball team is truly making a name for itself as one of the best teams in Illinois.   

Every year, the tournament brings out many of the area’s best schools and this year was no exception.  Among the sixteen teams competing this year were Homewood Flossmoor, Bremen, Tinley Park, and Kenwood Academy.

Superintendent Johnnie Thomas said, in regards to the Dipper, “This tournament is more than a celebration of basketball—it’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and the timeless love of the game. 

FAC Junior, Jayden Muhammed, said of the tournament, “It was packed every day and the energy was great.  There was some incredible basketball being played this year.”  

Most Valuable Athlete of the Big Dipper was awarded to Rich Township’s very own, Al Brooks Jr. 

Additionally, Coach Lou Adams was also awarded the Outstanding Coach Award. 

Coach Adams added about the team’s victory: “This was an incredible journey for our team. The players believed in each other and worked hard every step of the way. To bring this championship home after so many years is truly special. I couldn’t be prouder of these young men.”

This championship was a huge win for the basketball program in Rich Township.  What a great time to be a Raptor!