Elks Hoop Shoot Set For December 9

The Effingham Elks Lodge #1016 will be holding its 46th Annual "Hoop Shoot" Saturday Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. at Effingham High School. This is the 15th year the "Hoop Shoot" will be held at Effingham High School. Doors will open at 10 a.m.

The Elks "Hoop Shoot" is conducted by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and is the nation's largest co-ed sports competition and the only noncommercial event on a national basis.

In 2016, over three million youngsters from all 50 states participated from local contests to National Finals where six champions were named. Ages 8-13, competed in the local levels for a chance to advance through district, regional and state competition. Seventy-two youngsters emerged from regional champion competition to participate in the National Finals held in April 21-23 2017 in Chicago.

Remember,  All children -- ages 8 through 13 are eligible to participate in the "Hoop Shoot" even if they are members of an I.E.S.A. team.

Age categories are 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, for both boys and girls. Age group 8-9 shoot from four feet in front of the free throw line. Age is as of April 1, 2018. Age 8-9 boy's division - the junior size or girls' basketball will be used.

Each contestant has 25 shots at the hoop. The boy and girl in each age group with the best scores advance through four tiers of competition to qualify -- Local, District, State, Regional and Finals for the National Finals in Chicago in April 21 of 2018. From this final group, one boy and one girl emerge as the National Champion in each of the three categories. (Six winners in all) The winners receive trophies and their names are inscribed on a special plaque in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

All area schools will receive this information about the local "Elks Hoop Shoot"

In addition to this, the Doris Zerrusen award for the best girl free throw shooter on the local level, has been presented for 25 years. There will be a Taylor Worman 11th year award for the best boy free throw shooter on the local level. Each National winner will hand out Doris and Taylor's awards.

For further information, Contact Chairman Lawrence Cane at (217-343-3531) or the Elks Lodge 217-342-3636.