(4-24-24) The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks held the National Hoop Shoot Competition on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Chicago, IL. The top 72 boys and girls, ages 8-13, in the country competed to become National Champions.

Representing Mercer County Elks #2170 was Parker Moeller. Parker shot 24 of 25 and 5 of 5 in a tie-breaker to become the National Champion of the 8-9 Boys division.

Also competing for Ohio was Ainsley Weaver representing Chillicothe, OH Lodge #52. Ainsley shot 24 of 25 and 5 of 5 in a tie-breaker to become the National Champion of the 8-9 Girls division. Mason Malone represented Jackson, OH Lodge #466. Mason shot 21 of 25 finishing in a 4-way tie for 5th place in the 12-13 Boys division.

The Elks National “Hoop Shoot” free throw shooting contest, founded in 1971, is the largest most visible of the many youth activities throughout the country.  The contest is funded entirely by the Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.