Ball overcomes sprained wrist to earn an Elks Hoop Shoot title
WILLIAMSPORT — It takes more than a sprained wrist to keep Springfield Middle School seventh-grader Lincoln Ball from making foul shot after foul shot.
Ball won the 12-13 boys title by making 21 of his 25 foul shots during the Elks Hoop Shoot, held on Saturday morning at Williamsport High.
“I was surprised to win the title because I have not had much of a chance to practice lately,” Ball said. “I have a sprained right wrist. I usually do good on free throws and I was on. It was a lot of fun.”
Ball is the son of Bill Ball, who was a starter for Hagerstown Junior College in December 1981 when the Hawks upset NJCAA No. 1-ranked CCAC-Pittsburgh.
Braden Kolb of Northern Middle was second in the boys 12-13 division, making 17 shots.
Heather Barnes, an eighth grader at Smithsburg Middle, was the winner of the 12-13 girls title, sinking 19 shots. Kyriah Stubbs of Northern finished second with 13.
“I have been spending a lot of time practicing,” Barnes said. “My shooting was on today. I was glad to be the winner. I am excited and it is a good feeling.”
Chris Hose of Clear Spring Elementary was the winner of the 10-11 boys title, making 22 shots — the best performance of the day. Evan Row of Boonsboro Middle finished second with 20.
“I am always practicing in my backyard,” Hose said. “I was making a lot of shots today. I was excited when I made all of my shots. It felt good.”
Everly Harsh of Rockland Woods Elementary won the 10-11 girls title, sinking 13 shots. Jayna Shifflette of Hickory Elementary finished second with 12.
“I was feeling good when I was shooting,” Harsh said. “I practice my shooting every day.”
Eli Sterling of Williamsport Elementary won the 8-9 boys title, making 19 shots. Matthew Koeneke of Eastern Elementary was second with 17.
“It feels good to win the title,” Sterling said. “I have been practicing hard. I play basketball for the YMCA. I was a little excited today.”
Gabrielle Medley of Potomac Heights Elementary was the winner of the 8-9 girls title, draining 16 shots. Skylar Smith of Hancock Elementary was second with 15.
“It was fun today,” Medley said. “It felt great to win.”
Joe Lingg and his son, Kyle, were co-chairmans for the event.
“We had 115 school champions that were eligible to compete,” Kyle Lingg said. “Only a few of them didn’t show up today. ... I thought it was great to see all of the kids participating, competing and having fun. It gives players the opportunity to showcase their basketball skills in a fun and competitive environment. This event aligns with the Elks mission to help support the youth in the community.”
