The boys Area Stars outlasted the NIC-10 Stars 110-107 in the Rising Stars basketball game
Hononegah and South Beloit seniors put in high school basketball uniforms one last time at the Rock Valley College Physical Education Center on Saturday night April 12, 2025.
Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL - Hononegah and South Beloit were represented in the Rising Stars basketball game. Hononegah had standout seniors Brayden Olson and Carter Freedlund. South Beloit’s All-State senior Ross Robertson put on the SOBOs red and black one last time.
The game is the best and brightest basketball players from the area and in the NIC-10.
The crowd was treated to some great basketball Saturday night and saw many talented hoops players. Both sides saw some incredibly athletic plays. The shot makers took and made many shots, and the game ended in a 110 -107 Area Stars victory over the NIC-10 Rising Stars squad.
The game's MVP was Rockford Christian's Elijah Dougherty, who led all scorers with 30 points. South Beloit’s Ross Robertson had quite the stat-filled sheet with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks to help lead his team to the victory. Speaking with Robertson before the game, he mentioned that “he knew everyone on the floor tonight either playing them in the regular season or during summer ball” (South Beloit plays in the Rockford East summer league). Ross mentioned that he honestly didn’t think about this being the last time he would be wearing the SOBOs jersey.
Hononegah seniors Brayden Olson had seven points, and fellow Hononegah Indian Carter Freedlund had six points and nine rebounds.
The Rising Stars game is a mixture of emotions for the players, their families, and their friends. It's another chance to play basketball in front of a friendly crowd and the last chance they put on their school's basketball jersey. Many, many of the players had coaches in attendance cheering their former players on.
The girls' game ended 95-82 with the Area Girls defeating the NIC-10 girls. Elaina Rager from Pecatonica was named game MVP after scoring 22 points.
Thanks to the Rock Valley College staff for putting on a great event celebrating basketball and the young men and women who have given us so many memories.
