Six area students participated in the Mission Valley Elks Hoop Shoot last Sunday in Polson, leading mostly everyone to advance to the district competition this weekend.

Those six that competed were: Rylee Taylor, Fox Johnson, Keke Tenas, Samantha Rensvold, Layla Tenas and Wonona Tenas.

The sole boy of the group, Johnson, shot 10 out of 25 free throws.

The fourth-grade student from Linderman Elementary said he’s been practicing for the competition, and along the way he got better.

Cheered on by his grandparents, Johnson heard about the hoop shoot through the Elks Lodge in Polson.

“Basketball is my favorite sport,” he said, adding that he roots for the Golden State Warriors.

Johnson said he wants to play basketball for Polson High School.

THE FREE-THROW program is hosted by the Elks nationwide for youths ages 8 to 13.

Interested kids were able to attend the qualifying hoop shoot at Polson High School Sunday, where winners will advance to this weekend’s district competition.

Advancing along with Johnson were Taylor, Rensvold and Wonona Tenas.

The youths and their families were invited back to the Elks Lodge in Polson for chili and hot dogs after the competition.

Dave Rensvold, Hoop Shoot chairman and Mission Valley Elks Esquire, said that the area has had nine national champions with seven since 2000.

The 2019 Hoop Shoot National Finals will take place in Chicago, Ill., on April 27.