There is nothing like the Hoop Shoot National Finals. The 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena is pin drop silent as 72 of the best youth free throwers in the nation vie for the six National Championships. All you can hear is your heart pounding and the soft scratch of pencils on paper as the people around you keep score.
If you can’t make it to Chicago on April 26 to catch the action in person, we’ve got you covered! We’ll be streaming the entire contest live through the ENF’s YouTube channel, complete with commentary from Hoop Shoot experts and BackBoard members alike.
The Finalists advanced undefeated through multiple rounds of increasingly difficult competition to unleash their grit and compete on the national stage—and that’s something to celebrate. Consider hosting a viewing party at your Lodge! Bring your favorite snacks, wear the Hoop Shoot colors, and show your community the importance of the Hoop Shoot! Feel free to cheer to your heart’s content!
Jim O'Kelley, ENF Director
Since 1992, Jim O’Kelley has been telling Hoop Shoot stories in some form. The director of the Elks National Foundation, which funds the Hoop Shoot, O’Kelley returns to handle the play by play on the live broadcast. With clever quips and amusing anecdotes, O’Kelley’s extensive history with the program provides insight and entertainment for all viewers.
Patrick Roelofs, ENF Communications Coordinator
Patrick Roelofs joined the ENF team with a love of sports and a desire to tell great stories, and the Hoop Shoot scratches that itch! With knowledge about the National Finalists, their hometowns, and their Hoop Shoot history, Roelofs is eager to bring humor and history to this year's broadcast.
Bart Powell, Son of First HS National Director Getty Powell
Bart Powell has attended every National Finals and has no plans to break the streak. Bart has seen everything—from a score of zero at the National Finals to the longest shoot-off in Hoop Shoot history. From Kansas City to Indianapolis, all the way to Springfield, and then Chicago, Bart has been a key part of every National Finals since 1973. This year, he’s taking on the role of a live broadcaster to share his unique Hoop Shoot perspective with you.
Gabby Nunez, 2017 and 2018 National Finalist
When Gabby placed 7th at the 2017 National Finals, she didn’t let that get her down. She used the experience to motivate her to persevere, and it worked—she placed 2nd in 2018! Today, she applies that perseverance to her studies. Gabby is most excited to join the Backboard because she gets to be a role model for the Finalists and share a love for the game.
Jerika Moore, 2015 National Finalist
After competing for five years, Jerika finally took home the National Championship in 2015, her last year of eligibility. For the Moore’s, the Hoop Shoot really is a family experience. While Jerika was in high school, her father was a District Director, giving her plenty of practice rebounding for Hoop Shoot competitors. Now a collegiate athlete, her Hoop Shoot experience has helped her balance school and basketball. In true Elks spirit—Jerika recently became an Elk—she’s excited to be able to give back to a program that has given her so much.
Drew Cook, 2014 and 2015 National Finalist
All the hours of practicing free throws taught Drew the importance of hard work, both on the court and in the classroom. The Hoop Shoot grew Drew’s love for basketball so much that, even though he currently plays collegiate basketball, he still talks about all the amazing memories he made as a two-time National Finalist.
Bookmark this page for the day of the contest. Follow the ENF's Facebook page for reminders, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and tap the bell to be notified when we post new content or go live.
Click here for the Contest Schedule.
Check back on April 26 for the livestream link!