ROCKFORD – A team from Rockford Park District’s Jr. NBA Basketball leagues headed to NBA 3v3 National Basketball Championships in Dallas next month.

Th 12 Rockford Rim Rockford will represent the park district April 13, at the Gaylor Texan Resort. The team is one of five participating in the Rockford Park District’s program in partnership with the Jr. NBA and  defeated nine teams in the Jr. NBA 3v3 qualifying tournaments in Aurora, Illinois earlier this season.

The national championships will consist of 96 teams in eight divisions of boys and girls. All players will receive free lodging, meals, uniforms, shooting shirts, and will meet NBA and WNBA legends at the welcome reception event.

“These young men competed against some of the best athletes in the Midwest, and also showed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the tournaments. One of our goals at the Rockford Park District is to identify recreational trends, and 3v3 basketball is a growing trend for our youth. It’s a fast-paced game that can be played on a half-court, with only six players needed. Jr. NBA will ensure these kids have an experience they will never forget,” said Lamont Jones, Rockford Park District Youth Sports Manager.

The Rim Rockers are: Champ Parker, Ellis, Damareay Davis, Kennedy; Sterling Hoarde, Flinn; Christian Cummings, Eisenhower; Milli’on Riley, Lutheran; coach Herbert Parker, Jr., and team mom Quatecia Jones.

Rockford Park District’s Jr. NBA program, runs from October  to December at UW Health Sports Factory. It teaches boys and girls in grades kindergarten through fifth grade fundamental skills and core values of the game to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience while emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and team spirit.