Elks Lodge #699 release

SALISBURY — Dasia Elder, a sixth-grader at North Rowan Middle School, returned to Hall Gym on Sunday and won another title in the Salisbury Elks Lodge No. 699 Hoop Shoot annual free throw contest.

Elder, the only female participant, sank 20-of-25 free throws and will advance to
participate in the girls’ (12-13 age group) district contest on Jan. 26 in Winston Salem.
“I felt confident in my shooting,” said Elder, who won the 11-12 age group last year. “I love basketball, so I have been practicing a lot and that helps me to stay focused.”

She hopes more girls will take this opportunity to participate in the future.
“I encourage all ballers, especially girls, to come out and participate in this event,” added Elder. “It helps building confidence in yourself and focusing on becoming a better player.”
Kaiden Dulkoski, a student at Sacred Heart Catholic School, took first place in the boys’ 12-13 age group, sinking 16-of-25 free throws. Marcus Everson was a very close second, making 15 free throws.

Max Jones survived a double shootout with Soyer Cornelison to take third place.
Sawyer Brown, a student at N.C. Connections Academy, won top honors in the boys’ 10-11 division, sinking 19 free throws. Simon Mueller earned second place with 16 free throws and AJ Jarrell finished third 15.
In the boys’ 8-9 years old division, James Brincefield, from Salisbury Academy, outlasted Knowledge Lawson. Brincefield connected on 11 free throws while Lawson made 10.
All division winners advance to the district competition in Winston Salem.

The 2019 Hoop Shoot National Finals will take place on April 27, in Chicago.

For more information about the Hoop Shoot event, contact Liz Tennent at ectennent@gmail.com