5 Best: Rockford Christian vs Rockford Lutheran

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Rockford Lutheran vs Rockford Christian was one of the most fun games I saw.&nbsp; Same could be said for this year's edition of the rivalry!&nbsp; Both teams were flying up and down the floor trading shot for shot in the first half.&nbsp; I haven't seen a game that fast with quality basketball all year.&nbsp; Rockford Christian jumped out big at one point.&nbsp; Rockford Lutheran steadily got back in the game cutting it to four, but it wasn't enough as Rockford Christian won 70-64.&nbsp; We look at the best players in this contest in <strong>5 Best: Rockford Christian vs Rockford Lutheran</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1553123' first='Christian' last='Cummings'] (Rockford Christian – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is always great when the player you pick a particular game for shows out.&nbsp; That is exactly what this junior combo guard did.&nbsp; The 6'0” guard had it all working!&nbsp; Early in the contest he sliced the defense up getting in the lane for scores at the rack finishing with toughness against taller defenders.&nbsp; Also snuck in on the offensive glass for a pair of put backs.&nbsp; Then it was the three ball that he got going as he hit a trio of them in a row to give his team all the momentum.&nbsp; On both his jumper and free throw it is almost like he is leaning back while shooting it.&nbsp; Worked on the three ball, but he struggled at the line.&nbsp; Such a shifty ball handler that was juking defenders all over the floor.&nbsp; Solid passer that at times can get a bit out of control with it.&nbsp; Good defender that came up with several steals.&nbsp; He had 33 points including 23 in the first half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Daugherty (Rockford Christian – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daugherty was excellent in this one.&nbsp; He is more of the pure point guard with Cummings next to him in a scoring role.&nbsp; Liked the feel and decision making he displayed in the half court.&nbsp; Drive and kick along with getting it up the floor in transition.&nbsp; Active hands on the defensive end quickly turning steals into points.&nbsp; Pretty good jump shooter that hit a pair of threes along with a step back two en route to 17 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaden Williams (Rockford Christian – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams was the third quality guard for Rockford Christian.&nbsp; Gave his team a spark in the first half with his shooting as Williams drained a trio from deep for 9 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541240' first='Vontez' last='Dent'] (Rockford Lutheran – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Best we have seen Dent play.&nbsp; He has slimmed down, improved his perimeter skill set, and the athleticism is really coming along.&nbsp; The wing was smooth with the rock when attacking especially on the baseline along with several euro steps.&nbsp; Posted up for a high/low and-1 conversion.&nbsp; Shot it well hitting a couple of threes including one where he shot faked/side stepped/drained shot.&nbsp; High level rebounder at 6'4” that easily had double digit rebounds in this one.&nbsp; Plays with a good motor on the glass.&nbsp; Also saw some flashes as a passer we hadn't seen with a couple nice reads.&nbsp; He had 26 points before fouling out late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2245711' first='Marquis' last='Haynes'] (Rockford Lutheran – 2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haynes was a new name on our radar.&nbsp; The senior guard was at his best getting to the rack.&nbsp; Smooth handles through traffic for acrobatic layups and getting to the line.&nbsp; He had 16 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->