The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks West Central Regional Hoop Shoot Semifinals was held in Denver March 13- 15. Cañon City Elks Lodge No. 610 had two Participants in the Regional Semifinals this year, Sydney Baxter in the 10-11-year-old Division and Jerika Moore in the 12-13-year-old Division.
Sydney is the daughter of Greg and Mandee Baxter and placed fourth in her division. Jerika, daughter of Mike and Kristi Moore, placed first in her division and will advance to the National Hoop Shoot finals in Springfield, Mass., April 16 -19.
The Elks “Hoop Shoot” has served to highlight the Elks commitment to America’s youth. From the millions of youngsters who participate and advance through the local, district, state and regional competition, six national champions are named — one boy and one girl in each of the three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The winners each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Parents accompany contestants throughout the competition. The parents of finalists at the state, regional, and national levels attend the competition as guests of the Elks.
Out of 24 shooters at the West Central Region Hoop Shoot Semifinals, Jerika is the only shooter to be advancing from the State of Colorado to the National Finals next month. Jerika is also the first Hoop Shoot participant from Cañon City to ever advance to the National Finals.
The Hoop Shoot National Finals begin at 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time on April 18. Those who can’t get to the gym on Saturday may follow the action from home. Get live updates from the foul line by using the Elks’ online shot tracker and following on Twitter using #HoopShoot.
The public is invited to send congratulations and good luck wishes from across the country to your favorite Hoop Shoot finalists at http://www.elks.org/hoopshoot/greetings.cfm?FinalistID=1271. Messages will be printed prior to the contest and presented to the contestants when they arrive in Springfield. The deadline to submit a greeting is 11:59 p.m. Central Time, April 8.
The Elks Believe “Shoot Hoops” —- Not Drugs”
