PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954 held its Hoop Shoot lodge championship Saturday, December 30 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Wieden Gymnasium.
Thirty-two youth between the ages of 8-13 competed in the foul shooting contest after qualifying at preliminary events held at recreation departments and schools throughout central Aroostook County. A total of 640 youth participated in the preliminary round.
In the girls’ 8-9 year-old division, first place went to Myra Mosher, who had qualified at the prelim held at Zippel Elementary School in Presque Isle. Charlie Powers, representing Mapleton Elementary School, was the runner-up. Sawyer St. Peter of Caribou took the title in the boys’ 8-9 classification, with Collin Robertson, representing Zippel School, earning runner-up honors.
For the 10-11 girls, Selena Crouse, representing Mars Hill, was the winner, with Harper Holabird of Caribou placing second. Braxton Doughty, who qualified at Presque Isle Middle School, prevailed in the 10-11 boys’ category, while Lucas Chapman of Mapleton claimed the runner-up trophy.
The 12-13 girls’ title went to Quinn Corrigan of Caribou. Taking second place was Sadie Trams of Ashland. The champion in the 12-13 boys’ division was Eli McBreairty of Presque Isle Middle School. Owen Rackliffe of Washburn took second place.
The William “Bill” Sewell Outstanding Shooter awards were presented to the competitors with the highest overall scores. The boys’ trophy went to St. Peter, who had to defeat Doughty in a shoot-off. Both had made 21 of 25 attempts during their age-group competitions. Corrigan was the girls’ winner with a score of 19.
The six lodge champions earned the right to advance to the next round, which is the Northern Maine District Championships being held at the James Doughty School in Bangor on Sunday, January 14. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with the contest scheduled for 10 a.m.
Those winning at the district level will move on to the state competition January 28 at Lawrence High School in Fairfield, with New England regionals (Portland in March) and national championships (Chicago in April) following for those who advance.
