Senior guard Samar Bures considers himself to be, without a doubt, the leader for Rich Township.
Although sophomore guard Jamson Coulter is one of the state’s top recruits in the 2026 class, Bures made sure his younger teammate got that message before his high school career began.
“When I first came here, he told me, ‘This is my team,’” Coulter said. “So, he’s going to keep me in check. Then when he leaves, it’ll be my team. I respect that 100%. He’s definitely earned that.”
Bures, a consistent producer and floor general for the Raptors, delivered another big performance Monday night, scoring 21 points as visiting Rich Township rolled to a 97-64 win over Oak Forest.
Coulter scored 18 points for the Raptors (19-7), while Jayden Williams added 12 and Victor Brown contributed 11. Avery Hearn finished with eight points and 10 rebounds.
Amari Brownlee-Davis led Oak Forest (11-14) with 18 points. Deshawn Nolan picked up 13 points and Je’Sean Shannon chipped in with nine.
Bures showcased his smooth and efficient game, making all seven of his shots from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers, and going 5 of 6 at the free-throw line.
“Once you see an opportunity, just take it,” Bures said. “Never hesitate. That’s how you’re going to get better. I just had to step up this year because I’m a senior.
“I had to lead my team to all the victories and always lift them up when it’s time.”
And about that conversation with Coulter?
“Sometimes, you’ve just got to let people know how it is,” Bures said. “If you want to have good relationships, you’ve got to talk to people about certain things.
“I just let him know that as long as we’re both doing our part, we’re good.”
It’s been quite a journey as a Raptor for Bures, whose freshman year was the first year of Rich Township’s athletic program, a season that was altered due to the pandemic.
The boys basketball program has had three head coaches during Bures’ time in Cornelius Crossley, Jamere Dismukes — who left for Homewood-Flossmoor before he even coached a game — and current coach, Lou Adams, who took over last season.
The changes led to a plethora of Bures’ original teammates transferring. That never crossed his mind.
“I was never going to be the type of kid to want to go to another program,” he said. “I always wanted to stay where I’m at. Now we’ve been doing great, and I’m just happy to be with this team.”
Bures has seen the Raptors grow into a force to be reckoned with.
“The grinding and building the program, it’s what I was looking forward to when I came in as a freshman,” he said. “It’s succeeding to get to where I’m at now. It’s all a grind.
“Some of the goals I wanted to see happen are happening now.”
Bures heated up for 13 points in the second half Monday as the Raptors pulled away after Oak Forest closed within 39-29 early in the third quarter.
Adams sees Bures being overlooked. But maybe not for long.
“I think he’s going to get his just due,” Adams said. “(HF’s) Gianni (Cobb) is out there playing great ball. Bloom and Thornton have got great teams, so it’s hard.
“But I told Samar, ‘Anything you’re supposed to get, you’re going to get it. Just keep working hard and you’ll see.’”
Coulter doesn’t think Bures is too concerned.
“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care what people think about him,” Coulter said. “Every day after practice, he stays around getting shots up. He’s in the gym 24/7. He’s not really worrying about what anyone says.
“He’s in his own world, doing what he’s got to do.”
