Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

The Elks Hoop Shoot, funded by the Elks National Foundation, is a free throw contest for children ages 8 to 13. Age group is determined by the contestant’s age as of April 1, 2023. For more information, contact the Lodge #2883 Elks Hoop Shoot Director, James Skelton (931-628-3798) or visit elks.org/hoopshoot.

Youth ages 8-13 advance through local contests (starting with the Lodge contest), Districts, States, and Regionals to the National Finals in Chicago. Six National Champions will have their names and photos displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

Gritty kids=determined hard workers. Gritty kids become gritty adults with strong work ethics and goal-setting skills. It’s free! The Elks cover travel costs through each level for those advancing from the local lodge contest. The Hoop Shoot can offer similar life lessons as other sports programs. But what other program offers kids the chance to be in the Hall of Fame?

Youth ages 8-13 are invited to compete in three age groups, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13, with girls and boys competing separately. Participants can only compete at one Lodge contest per year. Then, they must compete—and win—at each level along the way before stamping a ticket to the National Finals.

The season kicks off with a community-hosted contest on November 19th. Registration starts at 11:00 a.m. at the Lewis County Middle School Gym. Winners advance to the district contest where six Lodge winners advance to compete with other participants from nearby Lodge communities. State district winners will travel and meet other participants from their home state for the regional contest. State winners hit the road again as regional semi-finalists— competing against winners from multiple states. Regional winners become the 72 national finalists who compete on the national stage in April in Chicago. Six finalists become National Champions and are commemorated in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame! ([email protected] | elks.org/hoopshoot 2022).

The Elks want to get as many kids as possible involved this year so contact Hoop Shoot Director James Skelton (931-628-3798) for more information and to register your child for this opportunity!