The Rich Township High School Boys Basketball team capped off a remarkable season last weekend by taking 4th place at the IHSA Class 4A State Finals, marking the Raptors' return to statewide prominence. The Raptors faced Warren (Gurnee) in the semifinal, falling 66-49, before battling in an overtime thriller against Evanston in the third-place game, narrowly losing 73-70.
This season was nothing short of historic as the Raptors put Rich Township back on the basketball map, achieving milestones not seen in decades. The team won the prestigious Big Dipper Tournament for the first time in 21 years, shared the Southland Athletic Conference Championship with Kankakee, and brought home the Regional title — the first since 2019, when Rich Central earned it prior to consolidation.
The Raptors continued their dominant run, capturing the Sectional title for the first time since 1997 (Rich Central), and went on to win the Super Sectional for the first time since 1986 (Rich Central), securing their spot in the IHSA Class 4A State Final Four.
Individual accolades also rolled in. Senior guard Al Brooks, Jr. earned First Team All-State honors, while Brooks, Jr., Jamson Coulter, and Jayden Williams all secured All-Conference and South Suburban All-Area selections.
Head Coach Lou Adams, now in his third year at the helm, has quickly revitalized the program, bringing a winning culture to Rich Township that mirrors the success he previously built at Chicago (Orr).
“We’re incredibly proud of this group,” said Coach Adams. “They’ve set a new standard for Rich Township basketball, and I know this is just the beginning.”
The Rich Township community rallied behind the Raptors throughout their historic playoff run, and the team’s accomplishments this season have reignited school pride and excitement for the future.