By Liz Tennent
Salisbury Elks Lodge
The Salisbury Elks Lodge No. 699 and Salisbury Parks and Recreation will host the annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw contest on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. at Hall Gym, 1400-B West Bank St. in Salisbury.
The event is free and open to boys and girls, ages 8-13 (as of April 1, 2026).
Contestants shoot a total of 25 free throws, 10 in the first round, 15 in the final round.
Trophies will be awarded for first and second place in each division.
“It’s a great community event,” said Jim Oliver, local Hoop Shoot coordinator. “The kids can test their skills, have some fun with friends and could advance to district, state and maybe even the national championship.”
That’s exactly what happened to Marlie Steele of Rockwell. She and her family traveled to the national finals at Wintrust Arena in Chicago back in April.
Steele sank 17 of 25 free throws to finish in a tie for sixth place in the Girls 10-11 division. She took home a large trophy and plenty of swag. She made new friends and great memories and etched her name in the local history books. Steele is the first female from Lodge No. 699 to complete in the national finals; but, hopefully, not the last.
Hadley Misenheimer, also from Rockwell, won local, district and state contests in the Girls 8-9 division. At the regional in Charlottesville, VA, she finished strong in second place against participants from five states.
Steele encourages all boys and girls to get out and shoot some hoops.
“It’s a great way to gain confidence, meet new people and go to new places,” she said. “You get a chance to compete, connect and succeed just like their motto says.”
For contest info and registration forms, call Jim Oliver at 704-798-1912 or email jimoliver1@aol.com.
