El Cajon youth in Elks’ National free-throw finals

2017 IN THE COMMUNITY

Special to EastCountySports.com

CHICAGO —Over the past nine months, tons of young athletes from the across the country stepped up to the line to show off their free throw skills through the Elks Hoop Shoot. Only six will become National Champions.

Tajianna Avant-Roberts is one of 72 of the nation’s best free throw shooters ages 8 to 13. Tajianna’s hard work and dedication has taken her from El Cajon to the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals in Chicago.

Last fall, Tajianna joined 8- to 13-year-olds across the country who competed in the 2017 Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest. Tajianna advanced through the local, district and state levels of competition, sinking the most of 25 free throws in her division at each contest. With a score of 23 out of 25 at the West Regional Semi-Finals, Tajianna secured her chance to shoot on the foul line at the National Finals.

The Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals tip off on April 22, 2017, in Chicago—home to the Elks National Headquarters. At the contest, the 72 National Finalists will compete to sink the most of 25 free throws and claim the National Championship. One boy and one girl in each of three age groups will earn the prestigious title and have their names permanently inscribed on the Hoop Shoot plaque in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

Funded by the Elks National Foundation, the Elks Hoop Shoot has been developing gritty kids for more than 40 years, installing characteristics that lead to success, on and off the court. Stay connected during the final leg of Tajianna’s Hoop Shoot journey. Send Tajianna an e-greeting to show her that she has the support of her community. Visit enf.elks.org/greetings to send an e-greeting before April 12.

On April 22, follow Tajianna’s progress from home using the live Elks Hoop Shoot shot-tracker. Visit elks.org/hoopshoot to access the shot tracker on April 22, read the latest Hoop Shoot news, and learn more about the Elks Hoop Shoot. Follow #HoopShoot on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more from Chicago.

The Hoop Shoot is just one of the many opportunities the Elks offers for youth. For more ways the Elks are serving the community, visit elks.org/who.