From Kevin Engellant
(Dillon MT, February 4, 2024) – On Saturday February 3, three girls and three boys, ages 8-13, were crowned Champions at the Montana Elks State “Hoop Shoot”® free throw contest, which took place at Park High School in Livingston, MT.
First, second and third place trophies were awarded to each boy and girl in three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The contestants who participated at the Montana State Contest were crowned District Champions from the five districts in Montana.
The 30 state finalists journey began in the fall of 2023 where Montana Elks Lodges hosted a Lodge Contest. By winning their Lodge Contest, they advanced to their District Contests where they earned the title District Champion, allowing them to travel to Livingston, MT to compete at the State Contest.
The six state champions will represent Montana in the Regional Semi-Finals in Rapid City, SD on Saturday March 9, 2024. They will compete against the State Champions from North Dakota and South Dakota. The Regional Champions will advance to the National Finals in Chicago, IL,
April 20, 2024. The nation winners will have their names digitally inscribed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.
This program is totally sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A It is endorsed by hundreds of school systems around the country. The Elks fund the program primarily through its National Foundation and the support of the local lodges and state associations. Travel and lodging expenses for the contestants and their parents are paid by the Elks.
The Elks “Hoop Shoot”®, began as a local program by Corvallis Oregon Elks in 1946, is in its 52nd year of national competition. Over one million boys and girls are expected to participate this year.
• For more information on the Elks National “Hoop Shoot” Contest, visit
