Videos

Dylan Bogdanski may not know why he is so good at shooting free throws, but for him and the other Elks Hoop Shoot National Finalists, the answer is almost always the same: practice. On his journey to the 2024 Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals, “Dill Pickles” put up 100 free throws per day, scored a…

When Ainsley Weaver steps up to the free throw line, in her mind, it’s just her and the hoop. She blocks out the noise, forgets about the pressure, and zeroes in on her goal. It wasn’t always this way, though. Only two years before Ainsley took the line at the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena, she had…

When EJ Aragon misses a free throw, he doesn’t dwell on it. He steps back up to the line, takes a breath, and tries again. The same grit was displayed on his journey to the 2024 Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals. After losing at the District level in his first year, then losing at the…

Hayden Patterson’s first year of competition in the Elks Hoop Shoot ended in disappointment. She lost at the Regional level, just one level shy of the National Finals—but she didn’t let that get her down. Hayden picked herself up, woke up every morning at 6 a.m. to practice, and set her sights on Chicago. When…

Blake Zimmerman knows a thing or two about grit. Growing up with a mom who is a nationally recognized athlete, Blake understands the benefits of practice and hard work but also knows how to bounce back stronger when things don’t go his way. What does this accomplished free throw shooter think about when he steps…

The Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals is a competition like no other, and last year, Caroline Kooman experienced it firsthand. She stepped up to the line at the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena, surrounded by the pressure of the moment and the silence of the fans, and shot free throws like she had done all year. But…

Jackson is no newcomer to the free throw line! No matter how bright the lights get, when Jackson Newcomer steps up to the line, he knows he’s going to succeed. Jackson’s high level of confidence is no accident; it was developed from his commitment to practice and his ability to bounce back, even when things…

Kyron Kegler and his brother, Dierks, know that it takes a village to make it to the Hoop Shoot National Finals. With the unwavering support of his family and friends, Kyron followed up Dierks’ National Finals appearances with two appearances of his own, in 2020 and in 2023. Along the way, Kyron unleashed grit and…

Emersyn Hess has ice in her veins and the Hoop Shoot in her blood. When her mom, Andrea, was a child, she competed in the Hoop Shoot. After Andrea found out the program was still going strong, she convinced Emersyn to participate. But Emersyn didn’t only participate—she excelled. In her first year, Emersyn became a…

Bree Besonen and her sisters, Elise and Emma, know what it takes to compete at the highest level of the Hoop Shoot. In every season but one from 2015 to 2023, at least one of the sisters made it to the National Finals—nothing short of a dynasty. After nearly a decade of dominance, the Besonen…

Aria Shelley traveled all the way from Alaska to Chicago to compete in the 2023 Hoop Shoot National Finals—something that hadn’t been done since her sister, Ally, made it in 2018. Though things didn’t always go her way, Aria was able to make far more than just her family proud.

When Jaxon Ramos won his first Hoop Shoot competition at school, he and his family had no idea where the ride would take them. After winning his Lodge, District, State and Regional Contests, Ramos made it all the way to the 2023 National Finals in Chicago. How did his amazing ride end? Watch the newest…

Brantley McBrayer followed in her family’s footsteps by competing at the Hoop Shoot National Finals. On the road to Chicago, Brantley often rushed her shots when she got nervous, which led to misses. Her mom’s advice? “You have to breathe.” As Brantley took the line on the big day, her goal wasn’t to win the…

After Callie Stich was introduced to the Hoop Shoot at her school in 2023, she became so invested that she practiced free throws in the pouring rain. This practice paid off, as she was able to accomplish her dream of making it to the National Finals. The dream didn’t stop when she arrived in Chicago…

Growing up, Stratton Hallows always wanted to take a trip to Chicago—but didn’t know which country it was in. After months of hard work and dedication, Stratton punched his ticket to his dream city and competed at the Hoop Shoot National Finals. Though the ball didn’t always bounce his way, the lessons Stratton learned were…

Even though Alaina Rivas’ brother, Ethan, had been to the Hoop Shoot National Finals twice, Chicago still seemed like a distant dream. After overcoming adversity at the Regional Finals, Alaina made her dream come true, and realized that no matter where she was, it was still just a hoop and a ball. How did Alaina’s…

When the 2020 National Finals were canceled the night before Kinlee Cox’s regional competition, she didn’t let that stop her from shooting a perfect 25. The 2020 season was concluded virtually, but that wasn’t the end for Kinlee. In 2022, she made it to the Finals again and booked her ticket to Chicago. Watch to…

After Micah Hodges made it to the National Finals in 2020, Madox Hodges aimed to follow in his big brother’s footsteps. In 2022, he accomplished that goal. “He’s probably better than me now,” says Micah on the eve of the contest. “I think he can win.” Was he right? Watch to find out! #TrueGritTuesday

Christian Cisneros started basketball when he was just 3 years old and has learned a lot from his big brothers. This 2022 Hoop Shoot National Finalist is sure to put a smile on your face and show you the meaning of #TrueGritTuesday.

Meet Conley Tithof! She didn’t expect to make it all the way to the 2022 National Finals, but her success has led to blossoming confidence on and off the court. Her parents are excited to see her making friends at the competitions and learning about grit. Watch to see how Conley did at the Finals!…