Local Boy Advances to Elks Hoop Shoot Semi Finals

The Elks National "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest is an annual competition open to boys and girls, ages 8 to 13.

On March 3, Jack Hallinan, of West Nyack, won the New York State Finals (12-13 Year Old Bracket) at Glens Falls High School by scoring 23 out of 25 baskets. He's an 8th grader at Felix Festa Middle School and plays basketball this year at his school as well as AAU basketball. He'll be attending the Duke University basketball camp this summer.

"I was not nervous during the state finals. I just focused on making my shots," said Hallinan. "My parents and sister were in the bleachers with a couple hundred people, but I block out my surroundings and just think about shooting."

"I had a strong start by hitting all 10.  In the second round, I made 13 of 15 for a total of 23 of 25. The other competitors in my age group were from Stillwater, Lockport and Vestal.  I knew I had won as soon as the last competitor finished.  My family was very excited, especially when they realized I was competing in the same gym where Jimmer Fredette played in high school.  Fredette is one of my favorite players and I've worn his jersey during each competition.

"I was very nervous watching Jack in the State Finals.  I saw how good the competition was and knew he would have to score high," said Hallinan's father, Kevin. "I just stared at the basket and I kept seeing the ball fall through the net!  He was very composed.  After he hit the first ten I thought it might be his day today."  

How the Contest Works

The Hoop Shoot competition starts at the local Lodge level. From the millions of youngsters who participate and advance through local, district, state and regional competition, six national champions are named—one boy and one girl in each of three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13.

The winners each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

"The competition began in January with the at Highview Elementary School in Nanuet. I participate in the 12-13 year old division," said Hallinan.

"Each player takes 10 shots in the first round and 15 shots in the second round for a total of 25 free throws. I scored 22 times, finishing with 15 shots in a row.  I finished in First Place and moved on to the District Finals in Ossining. In Ossining, I also scored 22 of 25 and won."

Parents accompany contestants throughout the competition. The parents of finalists at the state, regional and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks.

"The next step was the Southern Regionals in LaGrangeville. I encountered my stiffest competition there, when I tied with another competitor with 22 baskets.  That sent the competition into Sudden Death where we both shot 5 shots. My competitor shot first and scored 3 of 5 and I managed to go 5 for 5. By advancing to the New York State Finals, I earned a free trip and with my family to Glens Falls on March 3 and March 4."

Moving Forward

Hallinan will be representing the Pearl River Elks Lodge #2041 at the Northeast Central Region 5 semi-finals in Wilkes-Barre, PA the weekend of March 24.

"I am looking forward to the National Semi-Finals. I think if I stick with the same approach and just remain focused, I will do fine," said Hallinan. 

"If Jack is successful, he will then be a finalist in his age bracket at the National Finals to be held in Springfield, MA, on April 26 thru the 29," said Vincent Pacella, member of the Pearl River Elks. 

Hallinan added that Springfield is where the NBA Hall of Fame is located.

"I told Jack that he should enter the local contest sponsored by the Pearl River Elks Club because he is a good free throw shooter, but I never imagined that he would go this far," said Hallinan's mother Linda, "It has been really fun."

"The Pearl River Elks Club told me I am the first competitor from their local competition to ever have reached the National semi-finals," said Hallinan. "Everyone from the Elks Club has been very nice and supportive.  The Elks Club in Glens Falls arranged to have the participants chauffeured to the competition in two black stretch limousines. They even took us on a short tour of the town."  

The Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address unmet need, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.