On the Road to the BackBoard

For Justice and Jackson Midyett, Hoop Shoot season has always meant sibling rivalry. In preparation for the Hoop Shoot competitions, the siblings would practice together and push each other to the next level. Last year, they both reached the Hoop Shoot National Finals. In his final year of eligibility, Jackson tied for sixth. Justice tied for first in the 8-9 girls Division, and in the shootout that followed she hit 17 of 20 to finish second.

This Hoop Shoot season, they will still participate together; however, Jackson is not a contestant. At National Finals, Jackson witnessed the Hoop Shoot Alumni Advisory Board, also know as the BackBoard. Throughout the weekend, the BackBoard members inspired him to stay involved, even after aging out of the program. This past weekend, Jackson volunteered as a rebounder at his District Contest. He hopes to be a part of the Hoop Shoot BackBoard Alumni when he is old enough.

“I want to stay connected with the Elks Hoop Shoot and Elks National Foundation because they gave me so much more than just trophies,” says Jackson. “Life lessons were made and lots of fun memories with family and friends! Can’t wait for more to come and to cheer on my sister!”

Check out Sibling Rivalry, featuring Jackson and Justice at the 2016 National Finals.

The Elks have been developing gritty kids through the Hoop Shoot program for more than 40 years. In 2016-17, the Elks National Foundation allocated $952,760 to fund the program. For videos, news from the court, and more information about the Hoop Shoot, visit elks.org/hoopshoot.