Young basketball enthusiasts are invited to showcase their skills at the 53rd Annual Elks Hoop Shoot, a national free throw shooting contest for boys and girls ages 8 to 13. The local competition, hosted by Brookfield Elks Lodge #874, will take place on Dec. 7, at the North Central Missouri YMCA in Brookfield.

Registration for the event begins at 9:30 a.m. with the competition starting at 10 a.m. and concluding by 11:30 a.m. Participation is free, giving young athletes an exciting opportunity to compete at no cost.

The Hoop Shoot features three age categories: 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13, determined by the participant’s age as of April 1, 2025. Over three million participants from across the country entered last year’s competition, demonstrating the program’s popularity.

Winners from the local event will advance to district-level competitions in January, with the possibility of progressing to state, regional, and national competitions. The names of the national champions will be engraved on the Elks National “Hoop Shoot” plaque, which is permanently displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

This event is an excellent opportunity for young athletes to test their skills, build confidence, and aim for a chance to compete on a national stage. For more information, contact Mark Moser at 660-258-7464 or email mmoser@outlook.com.