Ryggs Hoop Shoot

Ryggs Johnston, 13 yrs of Libby, won the Boys 12-13 yrs Division at the 42nd Annual Regional Elks Hoop Shoot held in Rapid City, S.D. on March 8th. In an eerily quiet gym, he drained 24/25 free throws. The silent crowd could not hold back a groan when the 25th basket didnÕt fall in as they were hoping to see a perfect 25 like 2 yrs ago. The shooter from South Dakota also made 24 forcing a shoot off for 1st place. When the pressure was really on, Ryggs stepped up to the line and knocked down 5/5 shots to beat his opponent who missed on the 4th shot. Hitting 29/30 free throws also earned him the ÒBest of the BestÓ Male Shooter Award. From the local contest through regionals, Ryggs has made 98/105 free throws, which is 93.3%. He will now advance to the National Hoop Shoot in Springfield, M.A. on April 12th. Two years ago, Ryggs took 2nd there. Nearly 3,000,000 boys and girls between the ages of 8-13 throughout the U.S. will have participated in the ElkÕs Hoop Shoot this year from the local level to the National level. The field has now been reduced to 72 kids, 12 in each division. Only 6 will be crowned National Champions. In 42 years Montana has produced 5 National Champions. Besides funding the trip for all the families, the Elks treated the contestants to a limo ride from the motel to the gym.