The Illinois Raptors Basketball Program, now in its 17th year, began with a simple vision and a relentless drive to build something greater for young athletes.

In 2008, Coach Briant Mills was serving as head coach for a 6th-grade boys’ traveling basketball team. That season, he led his squad—originally considered a “B” team—to an impressive 25–17 record. Refusing to let his players settle for anything less than their best, Coach Mills instilled a standard of excellence that became the foundation of what would later become the Illinois Raptors.

“We never allowed ourselves to be defined as second best. Excellence was the only standard.”

After seven years coaching within that program, Coach Mills made the bold decision to branch out and form his own organization. With five children in Plainfield schools, and word quickly spreading through the community, requests poured in to create opportunities for more age groups. What started as a single 6th-grade team soon grew into something far bigger.

March 16, 2008: The Beginning

The Illinois Raptors officially launched with tryouts that drew 150 athletes—far exceeding expectations. That first season, the program fielded teams across multiple divisions, including 4th through 8th grade boys, 7th and 8th grade girls, high school JV boys, and Varsity boys and girls.

The results spoke for themselves: Raptors teams collected five 1st-place finishes, seven 2nd-place finishes, and multiple 3rd-place finishes in their inaugural year.

From those humble beginnings, the Raptors evolved from a single age-level team into a respected program offering opportunities for athletes from 4th through 12th grade. By bringing together talented volunteer coaches who shared his vision, Coach Mills created more than just a basketball club—he built a family, a culture, and a movement.

Today, the Illinois Raptors are known throughout the Midwest for their competitive spirit, player development, and commitment to preparing young athletes for success on and off the court. What began with one determined coach and a group of boys who refused to be defined as “second best” has become a thriving organization that continues to grow, inspire, and achieve.