Thells Baker (left) is the winner of the 10 to 11-year-old boys state hoop shoot competition. He’s pictured here with Arizona Elks State President Albert Kayal (right).
Thells Baker (left) is the winner of the 10 to 11-year-old boys state hoop shoot competition. He’s pictured here with Arizona Elks State President Albert Kayal (right). Photo by Chuck Long

On Feb. 11, The Arizona Elks held their state hoop shoot championship in Apache Junction. The Winslow Elks had two shooters representing the North district. Thells Baker would win the 10 to 11-year-old boys competition, shooting 21 out of 25 free throws. He advances to the West Regional in Boulder City, Nev., on Feb. 24. Thells will join the other state champs traveling to Nevada on the Junk-Food Express to take on state champions from Hawaii, Calf., Guam, Utah, Oregon and Washington. They will start the shoot-out with the Breakfast of Champions then with the winners crowned an awards luncheon at the Boulder City Elks Lodge No. 1682.

The winners will advance to the Elk’s National Hoop-Shoot held in Chicago.

Bradley Nelson finished fourth in the 12-13 boys competition.