Elks Hoop Shoot Winners Announced

There were 70 participants from the area schools. (30 girls and 40 boys)Three boys and three girls, ages 8-13 years old, won first round competition in the Elks’ “Hoop Shoot” free throw contest held at Effingham High School Saturday, December 14 and have been named the local Effingham Elks “Hoop Shoot” champions. There were 70 participants from the area schools. (30 girls and 40 boys)

Trophies were awarded to the first and second place winners in each age categories: 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13.

The six champions will now advance to the East Central District Hoop Shoot Contest. The Robinson Elks Lodge #1188 will be hosting the District "Hoop Shoot" contest at noon Saturday January 4 at Lincoln Trail College. Registration and check-in promptly at noon. Participants will not be allowed any practice shots prior to the 1 p.m. beginning. The Lincoln Trail College is located on Route 1 the East of Robinson. 

FIRST PLACE WINNERS

12-13 year olds

Boys -- James Bullock  (Neoga), made 23 of 25. Son of Barry and Jan Bullcok. Winner of the Taylor Worman award.

Girls -- Stacie Vonderheide (Stewardson-Strasburg), made 19 of 25. Daughter of Brock and Jamie Vonderheide

10-11 year olds

Boys -- Jenner Pals (Effingham), made 18 of 25. Son of Jered and Mindy Pals

Girls -- Kelsey Niemerg (Teutopolis), made 20 of 25. Daughter of Darin and Lisa Niemerg. Winner of Doris (Carie) Zerrusen award

8-9 year olds

Boys -- Adyn Heuerman (Sigel St. Michael), made 19 of 25. Son of Troy and Kim Heuerman

Girls -- Grace Martin (Teutopolis), made 14 of 25. Daughter of Bill and Mirdanda Martin

SECOND PLACE

12-13 year olds

Boys -- Carter Hoene (Teutopolis), made 21 of 25, shootoff 5 of 5. Son of Jamie and Crystal Hoene.

Girls -- Lexi Seabaugh (Brownstown), made 16 of 25, shootoff 5 of 5. Daughter of Nick and Michele Seabaugh.

10-11 year olds

Boys -- Malik Coy (Neoga), made 16 of 25. Son of Bryan Cyo.

Girls -- Kendra Hayes (Stewardson-Strasburg)

8-9 year olds

Boys -- Kale Goeckner (Teutopolis), made 17 of 25. Son of Troy and Susan Goeckner

Girls -- Edie Wittenbrog (Stewardson-Strasburg), made 13 of 25, shootoff 3 of 5, 3 of 5, 3 of 5. Daughter of Barry and Courtney Wittenberg.

The 28th Annual Doris (Carrie) Zerrusen plaque was given to Kelsey Niemerg, Teutopolis Grade School for making the most free throws of the 30 girl participants by making 20 of 25 free throws at the local Elks “Hoop Shoot.  The 14th Annual Taylor Worman Plaque was given to James Bullock Neoga, for making the most free throws of the 40 boy’s participants by making 23 out of 25 free throws at the local Elks “Hoop Shoot”. These two, Doris (Carrie) Zerrusen and Taylor Worman were past National Champions of the Elks Hoop Shoot. Doris in 1982 & Taylor in 2001 and 2004.

The winners in each age group from the eight local lodge contest will be combined at the District Shoot at Lincoln Trail College to determine the individuals to represent the East Central District at the State Contest February 21-23 in Decatur.

The state winners go to the Regional Shoop Shoot at Iowa City, Iowa on March 7. The Regional winners go to the National Hoop Shoot held in Chicago, IL on April 25.