PIERRE, S.D. – Boys and girls ages 8-13 are invited to compete in a free-throw contest on Sunday, Dec. 3 at Georgia Morse Middle School (GMMS). This annual, no-cost community event consists of 25 free throws per contestant with the winner advancing to the Elks State Hoop Shoot at GMMS on Feb. 3.
The gym opens at 4:30 p.m. CT for registration. The boys’ contests will begin at 5:05 p.m. Registration for the girls closes at 5:45 p.m. CT with the girls’ competition tentatively scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
There are six divisions: 8-9 year-old boys; 8-9 year-old girls; 10-11 year-old boys; 10-11 year-old girls; 12-13 year-old boys; and 12-13 year-old girls. A participant’s division is determined by his/her age on April 1, 2024.
Last year, Ellen Hart, Quinn Scheifelbein, Skylar Harter, Jett Yackley, Tripp Lindekugel, and Hudson Hackett won their divisions.
The lodge contest is the first step in advancing the April national championships in Chicago. The winners of the contest among winners from all South Dakota lodges on February 3 will compete at the regionals in Rapid City in March against the Montana and North Dakota state winners.
The Hoop Shoot is a signature kids program sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, which is a 141-year old, national fraternal organization. For more information about the Hoop Shoot or Elks Lodge No. 1953, please visit @PierreSDElks on Facebook.
