LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Young athletes showed they could perform under pressure as they competed in the Elks Hoop Shoot competition.
The Northwest Ohio District brought winners from 10 different Elks lodge Hoop Shoot competitions to Ohio State Lima for the next step in the national contest. The Elks have hosted the Hoop Shoot program for 52 years. Boys and girls ages 8 through 13 were divided into three age groups to see who could sink the most baskets. While organizers hope the event is fun for the participants, they also emphasize the importance of developing skills through practice.
“They're our future, and you don't know who's going to be able to benefit from all the practice that they put in, and further their careers in basketball, not only in the high school level, but in college and perhaps the professionals. We want them to increase their skill level and also show the sportsmanship and the camaraderie with the other shooters and enjoy the time that they have with this program,” says Jean Zink, Northwest Ohio District Elks Hoop Shoot Competition.
The top boys and girls from each age group in the Northwest Ohio District will advance to the state competition in February.
The District winners are:
8-9 Girls
Meredith Mizla – Port Clinton Elks Lodge #1718 9/25
10-11 Girls
Lucy Kuhn – Findlay Elks Lodge #75 16/25
12-13 Girls
Stella Sheeley – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170 17/25 & 5/5
8-9 Boys
Calvin Homan – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170 21/25
10-11 Boys
Brody Howe – Lima Elks Lodge #54 23/25
12-13 Boys
Blake Garrison – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170 20/25
The District winners will compete in the State Hoop Shoot competition which will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Newark, OH.
The Regional Hoop Shoot Competition will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in South Bend, IN.
