Basketball: Local Hoop Shoot winners advance to district competition
Published 3:53 pm Friday, January 17, 2025
Hadley Misenheimer
Jaice Goodyear
Graham Davis
Marlie Steele
Mayleigh Torres
Press release by Salisbury Parks and Recreation
SALISBURY — The Salisbury Elks Lodge No. 699 and Salisbury Parks and Recreation held their annual Hoop Shoot free throw contest at Hall Gym on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Contestants shot a total of 25 free throws, 10 in the first round and 15 in the final round.
Although the event drew a smaller crowd than usual, the local talent didn’t disappoint from the charity stripe.
First-place winners advanced to the district competition in Winston-Salem on Saturday, Jan. 25.
“The weather and left over snow and ice probably impacted participation,” said Brian Gumiela, who is in his third year as Hoop Shoot Coordinator. “I appreciate all the kids, families and volunteers who showed up to make it a success.”
Graham Davis, who finished second last year, sank 20 of 25 free throws to win the Boys 8-9 division.
It was a tight contest in the Boys 10-11 division. Jaice Goodyear made 15 of 25 shots to outlast Blake Moore (13 of 25) and advance to the district.
The girls stepped up to the line and showed their skills. Hadley Misenheimer won the Girls 8-9 age group. She had the hot hand connecting on 18 of 25 free throws.
Marlie Steele drilled an impressive 19 of 25 shots to earn first place in the 10-11 group.
Mayleigh Torrence won the 12-13 girls contest, connecting on 8 of 25 shots.
“We’ve got the talent to do well at district,” Gumiela said. “Our hoopsters have great form and focus and will represent Salisbury very well. We want them to enjoy the experience. The Hoop Shoot motto is … Compete. Connect. Succeed.”
District winners advance to state, and then regional competition.
The National Hoop Shoot finals will take place on April 26 in Chicago.
Local winners and runners-up
Boys 8-9, 1st, Graham Davis
Boys 8-9, 2nd, Drew Adams
Boys 10-11, 1st, Jaice Goodyear
Boys 10-11, 2nd, Blake Moore
Girls 8-9, 1st, Hadley Misenheimer
Girls, 10-11, 1st, Marlie Steele
Girls, 10-11, 2nd, Mattie Austin
Girls 12-13, 1st, Mayleigh Torrence