A Journey to Remember
Focus. Perseverance. Sportsmanship. Armed with these traits and a free throw percentage unmatched even by the NBA, 72 Hoop Shoot national finalists entered the gym at Western New England University on April 20, each one determined to win the 2013 Hoop Shoot National Finals—the last stop on the road to Springfield.
With just 25 free throws standing between them and a permanent place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, finalists gave their all at the foul line, sinking a remarkable 1,621 out of 1,985 free throws throughout the contest. In the end, the Elks named six national champions.
Anything but Average
Among those champions were 9-year-old Kiera Holcer, sponsored by Brookfield, Mo., Lodge No. 874, and 13-year-old Landon Carroll, sponsored by Jackson, Ohio, Lodge No. 466. Both Kiera and Landon ended their journeys with perfect scores of 25 out of 25. Their flawless performances earned them two prestigious awards—the Getty Powell Award, presented to the top-scoring girl and boy at the National Finals, and the Emile Brady Award for a perfect score.
“It feels incredible,” says Kiera. “It’s an honor to be a champion and Getty Powell Award winner.”
As Getty Powell Award winners, Kiera and Landon will speak at the Elks National Convention in Reno, Nev., this July.
“It feels like a dream,” admits Landon. “This experience has been amazing.”
More than a Contest
After winning a slew of giant trophies, gold medals, and a trip to the 2013 National Convention, these champions say it’s not the prizes that created an incredible Hoop Shoot journey.
What did?
“All of the nice Elks along the way," explains Kiera. "They taught me to try my best and never give up."
For Kiera, these lessons are as permanent as her name in the Hall of Fame.
Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation offers youth the opportunity to engage in healthy competition, connect with their families and community, and succeed both on and off the court. In 2013-14, the ENF allocated $692,750 to fund this program. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.