Aroostook County dominated the Elks Hoop Shoot district championships, held at two locations on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Five of the six division winners at the free throw competition represented either the Houlton or Presque Isle Elks lodges.
Due to inclement weather, the event was held at two separate locations — the James F. Doughty School in Bangor and Presque Isle Middle School.
The top score of the day was registered by Jackson Holdsworth of Caribou, who was representing Houlton Lodge 835. He was a perfect 25 for 25 to win the 12- to 13-year-old boys’ division. Holdsworth advanced all the way to the National Finals in Chicago last year, placing fourth in the 10-11 division.
The other four Aroostook youth advancing to the state represented Presque Isle Lodge 1954.
Adalynn Hews of Washburn took the top spot in the 8- to 9-year-old girls’ category, while Nick Hopkins of Easton claimed the 8-9 boys’ title.
Sawyer St. Peter of Caribou was the champion in the 10-11 boys’ classification and Natalie Porter of Mapleton was victorious in the 12-13 girls’ division.
The other youth taking first place was Madeline Pelletier, who captured the win for 10-11 girls. She was representing Millinocket Lodge 1521.
Two others from the Presque Isle lodge competed. Brody Woodworth of Mars Hill was the runner-up in the 12-13 boys’ category, while Charlie Powers of Mapleton was fourth for 10-11 girls.
Other lodges represented at the districts were Bangor, Ellsworth and Old Town.
The six first-place winners earned the right to move on to the state competition, which will take place Sunday, Jan. 25, at Bath Middle School.
