Rich Township’s Jayden Williams did something at the Big Dipper that is pretty much unheard of for a high school athlete. The junior guard asked to be put on the bench.
Williams was one of three typical starters who acted as reserves in Thursday’s first-round game as the Raptors’ coaching staff elected to give some other guys more playing time heading into playing four games in four days.
Before Friday’s second round, Williams told his coaches he would prefer to stay in that role.
“I came off the bench in the first round and I was more comfortable versus starting,” Williams said. “I had nothing to worry about. Just come in and do my job.
“When I’m on the bench, I’m seeing what’s happening in the game. I like to look at the game first then react. That’s easier for me.”
The change has worked beautifully for Williams. He immediately sparked host Rich Township on Sunday night, pouring in 18 points to help the Raptors top Homewood-Flossmoor 81-67 in the 51st Big Dipper championship game.
Jamson Coulter scored 30 points to lead Rich Township (7-4). Tournament MVP Al Brooks Jr. finished with 12 points and 15 rebounds, while Nyshawn Turner chipped in seven points.
It’s the first time the Big Dipper host has won the tournament since Rich South captured the 1993 championship. Rich Central was the last district school to be champion in 2003.
Jayden Tyler scored 24 points and Arden Eaves added 18 for H-F (13-2). Darrius Hawkins contributed 11 points and Kyle Polk pulled down nine rebounds.
Williams provided the jolt Rich Township needed after a slow start. The Raptors trailed 17-11 after one quarter, but Williams knocked down a trio of 3-pointers in the second quarter to fire up a sold-out crowd and help the Raptors take a 37-30 halftime lead.
“That’s what I want to do,” Williams said. “When I come in, the defense has to change. It makes it easier for Jamson to get his buckets and I get mine after that.”
Williams also scored 21 points off the bench Saturday in the Raptors’ 87-84 semifinal upset of previously undefeated Kenwood.
Rich Township assistant coach Mark Lester, who led the team with head coach Lou Adams dealing with health issues, said Williams is perfect for the role.
“We’ve had an issue this season getting off to slow starts, so him coming off the bench calms the waters and allows us to settle in,” Lester said. “Having that firepower off the bench is huge.”
Williams is having a breakout season after he was slowed by knee injuries each of the last two years.
He had surgery in the spring 2023 and returned in time for the start of his sophomore season but never quite felt ready.
“It was very tough because it was my first year of varsity,” he said. “I wasn’t used to speed and I couldn’t really guard anybody because I couldn’t move well with my knee.
“It feels amazing now. I love being healthy.”
H-F made a run in the fourth quarter to pull within 60-57, but Coulter answered with a 3-pointer and a 3-point play and the celebration was on.
Coulter is thrilled to see Williams healthy and thriving. He said Sunday was just the start.
“It feels amazing just to have my brother with me,” Coulter said. “We feed off each other. When he gets going, I get going. When I get going, he gets going. Then Al gets going. When all three of us get going … dang, I just checked the numbers … that’s (60 points) between us (Sunday).
“We’re going to win state. I’m telling you. I’m a man of my word and I promise I’m not going to let this team down.”
