Brooks brothers lead Rich past Niles North

Al Brooks Jr. grabs the headlines. He’s the most exciting player in the area, a gifted 6-7 athlete with a long wingspan and the ability to soar through the air. He handles the ball well and scores in a variety of ways.

But there’s another Brooks on Rich’s promising team this season: Al’s twin brother, Ikee. The two transferred from Hansberry and have turned the Raptors into state-championship contenders.

Ikee is 6-1 and more of a normal athlete than his high-flying brother. But he has grown into his role as a point guard, the connector of all of Rich’s pieces.

‘‘It was tough on him early because he hasn’t seen this type of competition,’’ Raptors coach Lou Adams said. ‘‘But he’s a senior point guard, and he’s getting the job done for us right now.’’

Rich beat Niles North 73-61 on Sunday at Malcolm X College. It was a high-level matchup between two teams with a legitimate chance to advance to the state finals in Champaign.

Jamson Coulter had 19 points and eight rebounds, Al Brooks 18 points and nine rebounds and Ikee Brooks 16 points to lead the Raptors.

‘‘The Dipper was our turn-up stage,’’ Ikee Brooks said. ‘‘Ever since then, we are keeping things rolling.’’

Rich’s streak of victories against Kenwood, Homewood-Flossmoor and Niles North is the most impressive run by any team in the area this season.

‘‘When the train starts moving, there isn’t any slowing down,’’ Coulter said. ‘‘We’ve been staying together and playing as a whole. I love this team.’’

The Raptors (8-4) led 36-33 at halftime and threatened to pull away a few times in the second half, but Niles North kept responding. Two free throws by Reid Olson cut Rich’s lead to 55-54 with 4:59 left.

Coulter, however, responded with a dynamic drive to the hoop for a basket before Kavon Ammons converted a three-point play for the Raptors. The Vikings never got closer than three from then on.

‘‘We had a tough spell early where we were playing some very good teams on the road and not sleeping in our own beds,’’ Adams said. ‘‘But we are pretty good right now.’’

Hunter Gawron led Niles North (12-4) with 21 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Senior guard Yaris Irby added 16 points.

Waukegan tops Young in OT

Waukegan and Young are more works in progress than Rich and Niles North, but both have improved steadily throughout the season. The Bulldogs shot 5-for-6 from the free-throw line in overtime to seal a 61-59 victory at Malcolm X College.

The Dolphins had a chance to win on their last possession but missed a three-pointer.

Junior Jaali Love led Waukegan (11-3) with 18 points and nine rebounds. Xavi Granville added 18 points and Carson Newsome 12 for the Bulldogs.

Junior Marquis Clark’s three-pointer tied the score near the end of regulation, and he finished with 20 points for Young (10-6). Senior Antonio Munoz added 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.