The Maine Elks State Hoop Shoot Contest is a highly anticipated annual event that provides an excellent platform for children aged 8 to 13 years old to showcase their basketball skills. This prestigious competition is organized by the Maine Elks Association and is part of the national Elks Hoop Shoot program, which aims to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition among youth.  The program for the Fraternal Year 2024 to 25 took place on January 26^th at the Bangor High School gymnasium.

The Elks Hoop Shoot program has a storied history dating back to 1946 when it was first introduced by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The purpose of the program is to engage young people in a positive and supportive environment where they can develop their basketball abilities, learn the importance of physical fitness, and build self-confidence.

The Maine Elks State Hoop Shoot Contest is open to all children residing in Maine who fall within the specified age range, beginning their journey through one of the twenty local lodge contests. The competition is divided into three age groups for each boys and girls:

• 8-9 years old
• 10-11 years old
• 12-13 years old

Participants must meet the age criteria as of April 1st of the year in which the contest is held.

The journey to the state finals begins at the local level, where Elks lodges across Maine host preliminary contests. Winners from each local lodge advance to the district level, where they compete against other local champions. The top shooters from the three district competitions then progress to the state finals where they vie for the title of Maine State Hoop Shoot Champion.

The Hoop Shoot contest follows a straightforward yet challenging format. Each participant is required to shoot a series of 25 free throws from the designated foul line: children 10 to 13 years of age shoot from the official fowl line and 8- to 9-year-olds from a line four feet closer. The boy and girl with the highest number of successful free throws in their respective group is declared the winner and move on to the next stage.

Our six State Champions have earned the honor of representing Maine at the New England regional in March where they compete against youths from Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont.  Those six winners will then compete at the national level. The national finals are held annually in Chicago, Illinois, where state champions from across the United States compete for the coveted title of National Hoop Shoot Champion and be enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Massachusetts. This prestigious event offers participants the opportunity to meet and compete against some of the best young basketball players in the country.

Benefits of Participation

The Maine Elks State Hoop Shoot Contest is not just about basketball; it is also about community and family involvement. Elks lodges across the state work tirelessly to organize and promote the contest, ensuring that it is a memorable experience for all participants. Family members, friends, and community supporters are encouraged to attend the competitions, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere for the young athletes.

Participating in the Hoop Shoot Contest provides numerous benefits for young athletes. Beyond the excitement of competition, the contest helps participants develop essential life skills, such as:

• 

  The Day’s Top Shooters were Charlotte, 8-9 year-olds from Brunswick #2034 and Jackson, 10-11 year olds from Houlton #835.

  Discipline: Regular practice and preparation for the contest teach children the value of hard work and dedication.

• Sportsmanship: Competing in a respectful and supportive environment fosters a sense of fair play and camaraderie among participants.
• Confidence: Successfully competing in the contest boosts self-esteem and helps children build confidence in their abilities.
• Teamwork: Although the Hoop Shoot is an individual competition, participants often practice and support each other, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

The Maine Elks State Hoop Shoot Contest is a fantastic opportunity for children to engage in a fun and competitive basketball event. It offers a platform for young athletes to hone their skills, make new friends, and experience the thrill of competition. By promoting physical fitness, discipline, and sportsmanship, the Hoop Shoot program plays a vital role in the development of well-rounded and confident individuals. Whether a participant or a spectator, the Maine Elks State Hoop Shoot Contest is an event that brings the community together and celebrates the potential of our youth, and no matter where they finish, we believe EVERY participant is truly a winner!

Like all such events, the Elks depend heavily on volunteers from within their own ranks and this event was no exception.  Shown below in no particular order are (from the Bangor Lodge) Peter Duff, Mark Gregory, Mike Murphy, Steve Jones, Sherry Pinkos, Heidi Worster, Jake Worster, Gary Turner, Dorreh Montieth, Bob Phair, Shawn and Shane Stacey, Scott Monroe, and Jan Winkler, (from the Waterville Lodge) David Hammond and Felice Gaulin, and (from the Augusta Lodge) Wayne and Kathleen Cotterly.  Back at the lodge the lunch was readied and served by Heidi Wood, Lynne Noyes and Marietta D’Agnostine.

Photos from the 2024-25 State Hoop Shoot are now available at the MEA FLICKR account.  Share with your contestants, download for your Bulletin and Facebook feeds!