Rockford, Illinois: Opening Day Observations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops was in attendance in Rockford, IL this past weekend for the Opening Day of action at the New Balance P32 League. This was one of the stops for some of the teams in the P32 League this weekend. What were some Observations we picked up? Read more inside right here on your #1 source for basketball coverage all year long. <strong><em>SUBSCRIBE today and use the passcode "Swanny30" at checkout to save 30% off your first billing cycle. </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Best Performance of the Day</em></strong>: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2839147,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-02-22-6720AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-02-22-6720AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2839147" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2126474' first='Kamar' last='Thomas']</em></strong> - [program_tooltip program_id='2075485' first='Gain' last='Elite'] 16U (MN)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas was great in an overtime win in which he dropped 39 points for his squad. Kamar connected on 5 three-pointers today. He really showed good body control attacking the basket at times. He surely plays the game with a good deal of confidence. Kamar plays the game very active on both ends of the court. He got to the foul line at a good clip today. Kamar has a long and slender frame. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Walter and Ivey Lead Hoop Habits</em></strong>: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2126450' first='Gavin' last='Walter']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140716' first='Xaviahn' last='Ivey']</strong> both helped Hoop Habits 16U defeat Gateway Basketball Knights in overtime. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walter is a very deceptive athlete who came up big time after time today for Hoop Habits. Gavin really plays the game well off the bounce. He was able to make some heady decisions all day long with his shot selection and ball-handling skills. Gavin finished with 24 points and 6 three-pointers in the win today. He dropped the game winner in overtime to secure the victory for Hoop Habits. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2839142,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-02-48-2530AM-1.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-02-48-2530AM-1.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2839142" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ivey is a crafty point guard with good quickness. He was able to touch the paint and get the ball into the gaps all day long. Xaviahn takes pride in being a good on the ball defender. He showcased a nice mid-range game but certainly could step-out and knockdown the 3-ball. Ivey finished with 16 points in the win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[program_tooltip program_id='2075485' first='Gain' last='Elite'] 17U Duo Standout</em></strong>: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2839103,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-09-25-7810AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-09-25-7810AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2839103" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560839' first='Xavier' last='Frelix']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2510330' first='Sam' last='C Rupnow']</strong> both made a strong impression on me this weekend with their play on the hardwood. Frelix a combo guard was able to knockdown some shots from 3-point range when he wasn't setting up his teammates along the way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2839104,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-09-06-1250AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/eZy-Watermark_14-04-2025_08-09-06-1250AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2839104" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rupnow who attends Liberty Classical (Maplewood) is a crafty guard who can change speeds and directions at times with the ball in his hands. Sam plays the game with some grit and toughness. He was able to knockdown some perimeter jumpers and 3-pointers along the way today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New Balance P32 League is just starting out. Stay tune right here to Prep Hoops for more coverage from other programs in the event. <strong><em>SUBSCRIBE</em></strong> today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->