Highland Lodge Shooter Wins Elks Hoop Shoot Regional

Six youth champions advance to national finals in Chicago

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:50pm

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Six young shooters were crowned champions at the 2026 Elks Hoop Shoot Central Region Championship, earning spots in the national finals. Among the winners was Wyatt Tackitt of Highland Lodge No. 2539, who claimed the 8-9 boys division title with an impressive 23-of-25 performance from the free-throw line.

Why it matters

The Elks Hoop Shoot is a prestigious national free-throw shooting competition that has been running for over 40 years, helping to develop youth basketball skills and sportsmanship. Advancing to the national finals is a major accomplishment for these young athletes.

The details

Other regional champions included Ella King (Rogers-Bentonville, AR Lodge No. 2144) in the 8-9 girls division, Laila Miracle (Winchester, KY Lodge No. 2816) in the 10-11 girls division, Jayden Gilyard (Fort Smith, AR Lodge No. 341) in the 10-11 boys division, Presley Henderson (Benton County, MO Lodge No. 2783) in the 12-13 girls division, and David Bowling (Lyndon, KY Lodge No. 2052) in the 12-13 boys division. Regional competitions were held from February 21 through March 14 across the country.

  • The 2026 Elks Hoop Shoot Central Region Championship was held from February 21 through March 14.
  • The Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals are scheduled for April 18, 2026 in Chicago.

The players

Wyatt Tackitt

A youth shooter from Highland Lodge No. 2539 who won the 8-9 boys division title with a 23-of-25 performance from the free-throw line.

Ella King

The 8-9 girls division champion from Rogers-Bentonville, AR Lodge No. 2144.

Laila Miracle

The 10-11 girls division champion from Winchester, KY Lodge No. 2816.

Jayden Gilyard

The 10-11 boys division champion from Fort Smith, AR Lodge No. 341.

Presley Henderson

The 12-13 girls division champion from Benton County, MO Lodge No. 2783.

David Bowling

The 12-13 boys division champion from Lyndon, KY Lodge No. 2052.

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What’s next

The 72 regional winners will now advance to the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals, scheduled for April 18, 2026 in Chicago, where they will compete for national titles.

The takeaway

The Elks Hoop Shoot competition provides a valuable opportunity for young athletes to showcase their basketball skills and sportsmanship on a national stage. These regional champions have earned the chance to compete against the best youth shooters in the country.