Tanner Hanson, his parents Troy and Kerry and brother Tristan, were honored guests of Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge recently. Tanner, a Hamilton resident, competed in the local Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot held at the Corvallis Gym on October 10 in the Ages 12-13 Boys division. This was Tanner’s sixth year competing in the Elks Hoop Shoot.
The Elks National Hoop Shoot is a free-throw contest for boys and girls ages 8 to 13. Each contestant attempts 25 free throws and scores are tallied. More than 2.5 million youth participate nationwide each year. The contests begin at local Elks Lodges and then advance through local, district, state, regional and national competitions. One boy and one girl from each age group competed for the national title at the National Finals in Chicago, Illinois held on April 16.
Tanner won the local contest and progressed to the District level held in Pablo at Salish Kootenai College on December 5. He won at the District level and advanced to the State level competition held on February 16 in Livingston.
At the State competition, Tanner made 22 out of 25 free throws and tied with another boy. A shoot off was held and Tanner made 3 of 5 free throws and once again won his age division.
Tanner and his family then attended the Regional Elks Hoop Shoot in Rapid City, South Dakota on March 11-13 where he finished second, making 21 out of 25 free throws. Only first place winners can compete at the National level.
On May 4, Tanner gave an informative presentation to Elks members about his Hoop Shoot experience including the friendly competition he had with his friend, Austin Drake, and the friends he made along the way. He proudly displayed the trophies he won along with the special Elks basketball presented to him as the State’s winner.
The Hoop Shoot provides a character-building competitive experience for all participants. Contestants learn about the importance of respect and good sportsmanship and Tanner exemplifies both.
Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge holds its local competition in October each year. Information about this year’s competition will be distributed to valley schools in the fall.