This Saturday is the State Elks Hoop Shoot Contest and four Greene County youth are vying for spots for the next round of competition.

Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306 Exalted Ruler Bill Berger says from the Paton-Churdan School District with Keegan Minnihan, the 8-9 year-old district boys winner; Maddie Mobley, the 10-11 year-old girl district champion; and Jaxon VanCannon, who is the 10-11 year-old boys winner; along with the 8-9 year-old district girls champion from Greene County with Samantha Pedersen, are headed to Grinnell. He points out how big of a deal this is for these youngsters.

“Quite big really because you’re seeing kids that you may see later on in AAU basketball in years to come. And it’s kind of fun to see the kids concentrate. They take it seriously, they’re not there just to wing the ball on up. They take it serious and it’s really fun to watch them do that.” 

Berger notes the Jefferson Elks provides funds for each participant and their parents for a hotel stay and mileage. The winners from each age and gender division will advance to the regional competition that is scheduled for March 18th in Iowa City.