Six Young Athletes Crowned Champions at Dillon Elks Hoop Shoot Competition, Advance to District Contest
DILLON, Mont. — Six young basketball enthusiasts earned championship honors Sunday, November 1, 2026, during the Dillon Elks Lodge #1554 Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest, held at the BW Lodge Gymnasium in Dillon.
The annual competition brought together boys and girls ages 8 through 13 who qualified through their school Hoop Shoot competitions.
Participants represented communities across Southwest Montana, including Dillon, Ennis, Pony, Sheridan, Silver Star and Twin Bridges.
Three girls and three boys were crowned champions in their respective age divisions, earning trophies and the opportunity to advance to the next level of competition.
Six Champions Advance to District Competition
The first-place finishers in each age category will represent their communities at the South District Elks Hoop Shoot Competition, scheduled for January 2, 2027, at the University of Montana Western in Dillon.
The Hoop Shoot challenges participants to demonstrate their free-throw shooting skills, with competitors attempting 25 shots.
This year's champions included four athletes from Dillon and two from Twin Bridges.
Girls Division Results
Girls Ages 8–9
1st Place: Sailor Spencer — Dillon — 10 of 25
2nd Place: Lauren Allhands — Sheridan — 9 of 25
Girls Ages 10–11
1st Place: Sammi Staley — Dillon — 11 of 25
2nd Place: Tylee Hoem — Dillon — 6 of 25
Girls Ages 12–13
1st Place: Kate Feenstra — Dillon — 18 of 25
2nd Place: Keegan Porter — Dillon — 15 of 25
Boys Division Results
Boys Ages 8–9
1st Place: Trace Ryles — Twin Bridges — 14 of 25
2nd Place: Taygun Stphens — Pony — 14 of 25
Both competitors finished with 14 successful free throws out of 25 attempts. The official results list Ryles as the first-place finisher.
Boys Ages 10–11
1st Place: Kenny Holland — Twin Bridges — 13 of 25
2nd Place: Liam Cooper — Silver Star — 11 of 25
Boys Ages 12–13
1st Place: Austin Blando — Dillon — 18 of 25
2nd Place: Luke Rowe — Dillon — 13 of 25
Strong Performances Highlight Competition
Two athletes recorded the highest scores of the day.
Kate Feenstra of Dillon and Austin Blando of Dillon each made 18 of their 25 free throws, earning championship honors in the girls and boys 12–13 divisions.
In the boys 8–9 division, Trace Ryles of Twin Bridges and Taygun Stphens of Pony each finished with 14 successful shots, making it one of the closest competitions of the day.
The event showcased the shooting skills of young athletes from throughout Beaverhead and Madison counties.
Next Stop: South District Competition in Dillon
The six champions will now prepare for the South District Elks Hoop Shoot Competition on January 2, 2027.
The event will be held at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, giving local competitors an opportunity to advance while competing close to home.
Congratulations to all the young athletes who participated in this year's Dillon Elks Hoop Shoot, and best of luck to the six champions advancing to district competition!
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