Libby boys perform well in Elks Hoop Shoot
Courtesy Ryggs Johnston, left, and Jared Winslow.
Jared Winslow and Ryggs Johnston both represented Libby well during the Montana State Elks Hoop Shoot on Feb. 6 in Livingston.
Winslow won the Boys 12-13 Division while Johnston finished runner-up in the Boys 8-9 Division.
Both qualified by winning the local Elks Lodge 2231 contest and the District 5120 contest in Pablo. More than 8,000 boys and girls around the state took part in this year’s Hoop Shoot contests.
In Livingston, 30 finalists faced off with each shooting 25 free throws. Winslow scored 22 of 25 that tied him with another shooter. In the shoot-off, he made 5 of 5 to take the title.
Johnston made 21 out of 25 attempts but came up one basket short.
Winslow will advance to the regional finals in Rapid City, S.D., on March 12. The winners will advance to the Elks National Free Throw Contest where the champions will be presented at an NBA game.
When Winslow was asked what it took to compete at this level, he said, ” Practice, practice, practice.”
“Competing for all these years helped me deal with the pressure,” he added.
Winslow has competed in the contest since he was 8 years old and advanced to the state competition in the 10-11 Division.
“I learned a lot from this year,” Johnston said. “I will continue to practice and make it next year. Watching Jared win was the best experience of the trip.”
Both boys are known as exemplary student-athletes with regular inclusion on the honor roll. Winslow plays basketball, football, golf and baseball. Johnston plays golf, baseball, basketball, tennis and bowls.