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CHICAGO, May 2, 2025 ~ Chicago, IL- On April 26, 2025, the Wintrust Arena was filled with excitement as the nation's top 72 youth free-throw makers gathered to compete in the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals. The event featured six divisions, with boys and girls in each of three age groups vying for the national title. While only six champions were crowned, every participant left with a sense of accomplishment and the importance of practice and perseverance.
After a total of 1,513 made free throws, Carrigan Price from Pennsylvania and Paxton Plourd from Alabama emerged as champions in the 8-9-year-old division. In a shoot-off, Price made 24 out of 25 shots while Plourd made a perfect score of 25 out of 25.
In the 10-11-year-old division, Jacinta Patel from Illinois took home the title with a score of 23 out of 25 shots. Cole Cavenee from Nebraska also had an impressive performance, making 24 out of 25 shots to become the champion in the boys' division.
The competition was fierce in the oldest age group (12-13-year-olds), but Grace Wilhelm from Alaska and Cooper Thompson from Oklahoma stood out as they both scored an impressive 23 out of 25 shots. In a shoot-off, Thompson secured his victory by making all five shots.
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All six champions will have their names displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., as well as being invited to visit as guests of the Elks. The Hoop Shoot weekend was not just about competition but also about building friendships and camaraderie among participants from different parts of the country. They even got to attend a Chicago Cubs game and swap trading cards during their time together.
Funded by the Elks National Foundation for over half a century, the Hoop Shoot has been providing opportunities for young athletes to showcase their skills and determination. Talmai-Aguirre Nickerson, a former Hoop Shoot National Finalist from 1998-2002, shared her experience saying, "I went to Nationals four times, and every time it was an amazing experience. It teaches a lot of life experience, like having a good attitude." Her daughter, Braylyn Nickerson, represented New Mexico in the 8-9-year-old girls' division.
Despite the intense competition, all participants showed sportsmanship and support for each other. Fans from across the country also showed their support for the young athletes. Nicole Dauphinee, mother of Jerry who represented Maine in the 8-9-year-old boys' division, expressed her gratitude for the local Lodge's support saying, "The Hoop Shoot provides a cool opportunity to represent your community with pride."
The complete results of this year's Hoop Shoot can be found on elks.org/hoopshoot. The next tournament will kick off in the fall in local communities nationwide. For more information about the Elks Hoop Shoot and its impact on young athletes, please contact Abbey Knupp at 773/755-4864 or visit elks.org/hoopshoot.
After a total of 1,513 made free throws, Carrigan Price from Pennsylvania and Paxton Plourd from Alabama emerged as champions in the 8-9-year-old division. In a shoot-off, Price made 24 out of 25 shots while Plourd made a perfect score of 25 out of 25.
In the 10-11-year-old division, Jacinta Patel from Illinois took home the title with a score of 23 out of 25 shots. Cole Cavenee from Nebraska also had an impressive performance, making 24 out of 25 shots to become the champion in the boys' division.
The competition was fierce in the oldest age group (12-13-year-olds), but Grace Wilhelm from Alaska and Cooper Thompson from Oklahoma stood out as they both scored an impressive 23 out of 25 shots. In a shoot-off, Thompson secured his victory by making all five shots.
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All six champions will have their names displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., as well as being invited to visit as guests of the Elks. The Hoop Shoot weekend was not just about competition but also about building friendships and camaraderie among participants from different parts of the country. They even got to attend a Chicago Cubs game and swap trading cards during their time together.
Funded by the Elks National Foundation for over half a century, the Hoop Shoot has been providing opportunities for young athletes to showcase their skills and determination. Talmai-Aguirre Nickerson, a former Hoop Shoot National Finalist from 1998-2002, shared her experience saying, "I went to Nationals four times, and every time it was an amazing experience. It teaches a lot of life experience, like having a good attitude." Her daughter, Braylyn Nickerson, represented New Mexico in the 8-9-year-old girls' division.
Despite the intense competition, all participants showed sportsmanship and support for each other. Fans from across the country also showed their support for the young athletes. Nicole Dauphinee, mother of Jerry who represented Maine in the 8-9-year-old boys' division, expressed her gratitude for the local Lodge's support saying, "The Hoop Shoot provides a cool opportunity to represent your community with pride."
The complete results of this year's Hoop Shoot can be found on elks.org/hoopshoot. The next tournament will kick off in the fall in local communities nationwide. For more information about the Elks Hoop Shoot and its impact on young athletes, please contact Abbey Knupp at 773/755-4864 or visit elks.org/hoopshoot.
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