Eli Strong, of Sweet Home , won this year’s Elks Hoop Shoot 10-11-year-old boys state competition and is moving on to the regional tournament in Idaho later this month.
Eli, a student at Holley School, sank 18 of 25 free throws in the state competition, held Feb. 14 at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Mt. Angel, to advance to the regional, which will be held March 14 in Nampa, Idaho. The Elks cover all expenses for competitors, local Hoop Shoot Director Randy Claasen said.
“It will be an experience he and his family will never forget,” Claasen said.
The regional winners will advance to the nationals in Chicago, scheduled for April 18 at the Wintrust Arena, home of the WNBA Chicago Sky and DePaul Blue Demons.
Eli was one of more than 245 kids in the Lebanon and Sweet Home areas who competed at the local level, Claasen said.
“In my 25 years as Hoop Shoot director, Eli is the first one to advance to the regionals,” Claasen said. “Please wish him good luck.”