Magnificent seven hoop shooters move on to Elks districts in Keene

Volunteers and participants pose for a picture at the conclusion of the Local Lodge Hoop Shoot in Rochester. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Seven young and talented free throw shooters will be moving on to the Elks districts in Keene next month after winning spots during Saturday's Hoop Shoot in Rochester.

The Rochester Elks #1393 and Dover Elks #184 conducted their annual Lodge Hoop Shoot at the the Rochester Recreation Center Gymnasium.

Directing the event this year for Rochester was Lodge Esteemed Loyal Knight, Deanna Souza. In attendance for the Dover Elks were the following members: Exalted Ruler Allison Babel, Past Exalted Ruler Josh Virgin and Past Exalted Ruler Ron Perreault.

More than 20 volunteers showed up to run the event. Donations of around $140 were made by the members for refreshments and trophies. Results of the contest were as follows:

Leo Cardinal 12-13 Boys Age Group Score 19/25 1st Place Winner

Joshua Abreu 8-9 Boys Age Group Score 14/25 1st Place Winner

Dana Ricker 8-9 Boys Age Group Score 13/25 2nd Place Winner

Boyd Partridge 8-9 Boys Age Group Score 4/25

Deacon Smith 8-9 Boys Age Group Score 0/25

Allison Bastien 12-13 Girls Age Group Score 14/25 1st Place Winner

Natalie Smith 12-13 Girls Age Group Score 9/25 2nd Place Winner

Winners of this contest will move on to the District Contest to be held in Keene Jan. 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the Keene State College, Spaulding Gymnasium, Wyman Way.

Winners from that contest will move on to the state contest and then to the regionals. Finals will be held in Chicago, Ill. The Elks Hoop Shoot Program has been in existence for more than50 years. Any boy or girl ages 8 to 13 can participate. National Winners have their names inscribed and pictures posted at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Mass.

For more info about this program and the Elks, visit: www.elks.org