Local Elks Hoop Shoot Held

Three boys and three girls, ages 8-13, won first round competition in the Elks' Hoop Shoot free throw contest at Effingham High School Saturday, January 5 and have been named local Effingham Elks Hoop Shoot champions. There were approximately 70 candidates from approximately 25 area schools.

First place trophies were awarded to one boy and one girl in each age category, ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Trophies also were awarded to the second and third place winners. All participants shot 25 free throws. All participants received a Frisbie and a coupon for an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.

Heidi Phillips (Neoga), daughter of Shannon and Steve Phillips, won the 8-9 year old category with nine of 25 free throws. Kate Hartke (St. Anthony) was second with eight of 25 and Mariah Hoene (Stewardson-Strasburg) was third with seven of 25.

Kelsey Partlow (Neoga), daughter of Leslie and Scott Partlow, won the 10-11 year old category with 17 of 25 free throws. She also claimed the Doris Zerrusen Award. Olivia Niemerg (Teutopolis) was second with 15 of 25 and Hannah Hayes (Stewardson-Strasburg) was third with 13 of 25.

Becca Webster (Effingham Sacred Heart), daughter of Shannon and Phil Webster, connected on 14 of 25 and four of five in the shootoff to win the 12-13 year old category. Vanessa Ramos (Effingham) was 14 of 25 and two of five in the shootoff for second. Third went to Katrina Davis (Stewardson-Strasburg) with 13 of 25.

In the boys division, Brendan Niebrugge (St. Anthony), son of Jennifer and Ron Niebrugge, hit 21 of 25 free throws to win the 8-9 year old category. He also claimed the Taylor Worman Award. Ben Meinhart (Newton) was second with 15 of 25 and Ethan Kirby (Stewardson-Strasburg) hit 12 of 25 and four of five in a shootoff for third.

Kadin Fearday (Sigel) captured the 10-11 year old category. Fearday, the son of Kamie and Chris Fearday, hit 18 of 25 free throws. Donovon Donaldson (Altamont) and Darwin Smith (Teutopolis) tied for second with 17 of 25 free throws. The pair went through three shootoffs hitting three of five and three of five before Donaldson hit three of five and Smith two of five in the third shootoff to finish second.

In the 12-13 year old category, Trevor Quast (Stewardson-Strasburg) hit 19 of 25 and three of five in a shootoff for first place. Quast is the son of Lissa and Brian Quast. Connor Bierman (Newton) hit 19 of 25 and two of five in the shootoff for second place. Third went to Mitchell Stevenson (Altamont) with 18 of 25.

The six champions will now advance to the District Hoop Shoot at Pana High School Saturday, January 12 at 1 p.m. Registration starts one hour earlier.

The Elks Hoop Shoot began as a local program at Corvallis, Oregon Elks Lodge in 1946. This is the 41st year of the National competition. Over three million boys and girls participate.