Six area children showed off their athletic prowess Saturday morning and have advanced to the next level of competition of the annual Elks Hoop Shoot.

Students in the Perry, Adel-DeSoto-Minburn, Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center, Panorama, and Woodward-Granger school districts competed at Perry Middle School in a local contest organized by the Perry Elks Lodge, number 407. Participants shot a set number of free throws, and whoever made the most was declared the winner. There were boys and girls divisions for three age groups, including 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13 years old. The qualifiers included: Lenyn Walton and Garrett Laws in the 8-9 girls and boys divisions, respectively; Lily Meyers and Reid Iben in the 10-11 divisions; and Karagyn Whelchel and Drake Levan for 12-13.

The six local champions have advanced to the district Hoop Shoot contest, to be held Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Mary’s School in Storm Lake. The winners there will then head to the state final at Grinnell College on February 22nd, followed by regional and national finals in Iowa City and Chicago, respectively. The Perry Elks offer their congratulations to the participants, as well as their thanks to the parents and volunteers for making the event happen.