This year, thousands of young athletes from across the country stepped up to the line to show off their free throw skills at the Elks Hoop Shoot. Alyssa Okerlund and Stratton Hallows are two of 72 of the nation’s best free throw shooters ages 8 to 13. Their drive to succeed has taken them from Salina Utah to the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals. Last fall they joined others across the country who competed in the 2023 Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest. They both advanced through the local, district and state levels of competition, sinking the most of 25 free throws in their age group at each contest. They both secured a chance to compete in the Elks National Hoop Shoot Finals.
On Saturday April 22, 2023 the Hoop Shoot National Finals will take place at Wintrust Arena, home of the DePaul Blue Demons and the WNBA Champion Chicago Sky. At the contest, the 72 national finalists will compete to sink the most of 25 free throws and claim the title of 2023 National Champion. One boy and one girl in each of three age-groups will earn this prestigious title and have their names permanently inscribed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Massachusetts.
This program is all expenses paid, for contestants and their families, funded by the Elks National Foundation. The Elks Hoop Shoot offers youth the opportunity to engage in healthy competition, connect with their families and community, and succeed both on and off the court.
